2012 Jeep Patriot
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,109–3,250 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Jeep Patriot is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,250 lb (4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 20% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 268 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Patriot — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Patriot →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 69.3 in | 64.6 in | 103.9 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,250 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 69.3 in | 64.6 in | 103.9 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,109 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +26% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +21% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Jeep Patriot.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Patriot (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 4, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 254,396 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
- Risk
- In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 3, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V120000 · 20,799 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Apr 3, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V142000 · 1,689 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2012 Jeep Patriot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Jeep Patriot buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 69 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 68 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Air Bags — 53 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Patriot. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Patriot years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 59 |
| 2016 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 458 |
| 2015 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 315 |
| 2014 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 513 |
| 2013 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 105 |
| 2011 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 254 |
| 2010 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 140 |
| 2009 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 185 |
| 2008 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 252 |
| 2007 Patriot | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 133 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →