--- title: "2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "4 documented problems with the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler Common Problems and Years to Avoid 4 documented problems with the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. **Quick answer**: We have 4 documented problems on record for the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler, none of them rated serious. ## 3.6L Pentastar oil cooler / filter housing cracking (moderate) The plastic oil-cooler and filter-housing assembly bolted to the front of the Pentastar V6 is prone to cracking with age and heat cycling, leaking oil onto the exhaust and accessory drive. It is one of the most-repeated Pentastar complaints across owner forums and repair-shop write-ups spanning both the JK and JL generations. Symptoms are an oil smell, visible drips at the front of the engine, or a fast-dropping oil level. Aftermarket aluminum replacement housings are popular because they don't crack the way the factory plastic unit does. Most affected: 2012-2017 (issue persists into JL 3.6L). Typical cost: $150-$400 DIY; $400-$900 at a shop. ## "Death wobble", worn track bar / tie rod / steering damper (moderate) A violent, high-speed shake through the steering wheel, usually triggered by hitting a bump or pothole, caused by play developing in the solid front axle's steering linkage, most often the track bar bushings/ball joint, tie rod ends, or a worn-out steering damper. It is a well-known characteristic of the Wrangler's solid-axle steering geometry rather than a factory defect on JK, and gets worse with larger tires, lift kits, or worn suspension bushings. Regular inspection of the track bar and steering damper catches it before it becomes dangerous at highway speed. Most affected: 2012-2017 (all model years; risk increases with mileage/lift/tire size). Typical cost: $200-$800 depending on which component(s) are worn. ## TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) electrical faults (moderate) The under-hood power distribution/relay module can develop intermittent faults, no-crank/no-start, random accessory failures (wipers, fuel pump relay, horn), or a car that won't shut off. The issue is most concentrated on 2007-2011 JKs but continued to be reported, less frequently, on 2012-2014 models. A failing TIPM is diagnosed by scanning for stored codes and testing relay function; there's no factory recall covering it on this range. Most affected: 2012-2014 (more common on 2007-2011, which predates this file's range). Typical cost: $600-$1,500 for a new or remanufactured TIPM, programmed. ## Exhaust manifold cracking / ticking noise (minor) A cold-start or under-load ticking/exhaust-leak noise from the front of the engine, caused by the Pentastar's exhaust manifold cracking at a weld or gasket surface, a widely reported issue on this engine family across multiple Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge models, not unique to the Wrangler. Usually not a safety issue, but the leak point worsens over time and the noise is unmistakable. Most affected: 2012-2017. Typical cost: $200-$550 for manifold and gasket replacement. Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler. Not every vehicle will experience these issues. ## Which Jeep Wrangler model years does this cover? These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Jeep Wrangler built from 2012 through 2017, the JK (2007-2018 platform; US 2012-2017 shown), off-road suv, solid front/rear axle (2-door; 4-door unlimited). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012) - [2013 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2013) - [2014 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2014) - [2015 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2015) - [2016 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2016) - [2017 Wrangler](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2017) ## What changed during the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | 3.6L Pentastar V6 replaces the old 3.8L V6 across the JK lineup; 5-speed automatic (W5A580) replaces the 4-speed | | 2013 | Moab special edition added; minor trim/options shuffle | | 2015 | Willys Wheeler and Rubicon Hard Rock special editions; no major mechanical changes | | 2017 | Final year of the JK before the JL replaces it for 2018, some 2018-titled JK-based 'Wrangler JK' models were sold as 2018 carryovers alongside the new JL; see JL generation notes | ## 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler? The recurring ones are: 3.6l pentastar oil cooler / filter housing cracking; "death wobble", worn track bar / tie rod / steering damper; tipm (totally integrated power module) electrical faults; exhaust manifold cracking / ticking noise. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### How much do 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: 3.6l pentastar oil cooler / filter housing cracking, $150-$400 DIY; $400-$900 at a shop; "death wobble", worn track bar / tie rod / steering damper, $200-$800 depending on which component(s) are worn; tipm (totally integrated power module) electrical faults, $600-$1,500 for a new or remanufactured TIPM, programmed; exhaust manifold cracking / ticking noise, $200-$550 for manifold and gasket replacement. ## Sources - [Mopar/AMSOIL OE lookup, 2013 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L oil spec](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/jeep/wrangler/3-6l-6-cyl-engine-code-g-erb-h/) - [WranglerForum, 3.6L oil capacity (owner's manual quotes, 6 qt)](https://www.wranglerforum.com/answers/how-many-quarts-of-oil-does-a-jeep-wrangler-3-6-take/) - [WranglerForum, Mopar 3.6L oil filter part numbers (spin-on vs. cartridge)](https://www.wranglerforum.com/threads/mopar-3-6l-oil-filters-difference.1640369/) - [ChallengerTalk, Pentastar 3.6L spark plug part number/gap (Champion RER8ZWYCB4 / Mopar SP149125AD)](https://www.challengertalk.com/threads/spark-plug-replacement-for-3-6l-pentastar.213266/) - [WranglerForum, Rubicon Dana 44 rear diff fluid (75W-140 Mopar synthetic)](https://www.wranglerforum.com/threads/diff-oil-gear-oil-for-rubicon-dana-44-rear.2413691/) - [WranglerForum, JK oil-change light reset procedure (accelerator-pedal method)](https://www.wranglerforum.com/threads/oil-change-notification-reset.147085/) - [au7o.io, 3.6L Pentastar oil cooler/filter housing cracking (2012-2025)](https://au7o.io/known-issues/jeep-wrangler) - [Edmunds, 2012 Jeep Wrangler specs (fuel tank, curb weight)](https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/wrangler/2012/features-specs/) - [Car and Driver, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr specs/EPA mpg](https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/wrangler/specs/2012/jeep_wrangler_jeep-wrangler-2-door_2012) - [ExtremeTerrain, Jeep Wrangler JK factory tire sizes by trim](https://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-wrangler-tire-size-guide.html) ## Other Jeep Wrangler generations - [2018-2025 Jeep Wrangler problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2018-2025/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/common-problems). ## More for the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/wrangler/2012-2017/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.