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2012 Jeep Patriot

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

Jeep Patriot
Pictured: Jeep Patriot. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited173.6 in69.3 in64.6 in103.9 in59.4 / 59.1 in3,250 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited173.6 in69.3 in64.6 in103.9 in59.4 / 59.1 in3,109 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Patriot 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+20%$2,700355
Patriot 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+20%$2,700355
Patriot 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 27 / 24+15%$2,800370
Patriot 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+26%$2,800370
Patriot 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900386
Patriot 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23+21%$2,900386
Patriot 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+11%$3,200423
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Jeep Patriot (this car)25 MPGNot rated4
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPGNot rated3
2012 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated5

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Jeep Patriot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

268Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
75,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine69
Fuel/Propulsion System68
Air Bags53
Power Train49
Seat Belts34
Unknown Or Other30
Electrical System29
Vehicle Speed Control19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/12: 322/01: 122/05: 522/07: 222/09: 122/11: 122/12: 123/01: 123/02: 223/03: 323/04: 123/07: 123/12: 124/06: 225/01: 225/02: 125/03: 125/05: 125/06: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 126/07: 126/08: 121/1222/0722/1223/0323/1225/0225/0626/02max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Jeep Patriot buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 69 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. 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.
  4. Air Bags — 53 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated059
2016 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated1458
2015 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated1315
2014 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated2513
2013 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated1105
2011 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated4254
2010 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated2140
2009 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated0185
2008 Patriot25173.6 inNot rated0252
2007 Patriot24173.6 inNot rated0133

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →