Jeep›Wrangler›2012›3.6L/jeep/wrangler/2012/3-6l/
JK platform

2012 Jeep Wrangler — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Wrangler 3.6L.

Body SUVEngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L is a body‑on‑frame SUV built on the JK platform and powered by a 3.6‑liter V6 paired with a five‑speed automatic transmission. It carries a 6‑quart oil capacity with a 5W‑30 API specification and returns an EPA‑estimated 17 city, 21 highway, and 18 combined mpg. Owner‑reported complaints total 828, with steering and powertrain issues leading the list and ten recalls issued for the model year. Across the Wrangler’s 1990‑2023 complaint record, the 2012 figure sits well below the peak of 1,793 complaints seen in 2018 but far above the low of five in 1996, indicating a moderate reliability profile for this generation.

Model year20192018201720162015201420132012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque95 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/21/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 68079744AD. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeLT255-75R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter68079744AD
Engine air filter68257791AB
Spark plugSP149125AF
BatteryBBH6F001AA
Front wiper blades68002390AA alt 68002393AA
Thermostat05184894AA alt 05184651AI
Cabin air filter68535613AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length152.8 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height72.4 in
Wheelbase95.3 in
Curb weight4131 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 62.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)50/50

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 21 / 18 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.7–8.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2012 Sport 2-door
285 hpHorsepower (as tested)
260 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012Sport 2-door 3.6L V66.70 sec15.20 sec285 hp4x4
2012Sahara 2-door 3.6L V66.80 sec15.30 sec285 hp4x4
2012Unlimited Rubicon 4-door 3.6L V67.60 sec16.10 sec285 hp4x4
2012Sahara 2-door 3.6L V67.80 sec15.50 sec285 hp4x4
2012Unlimited Rubicon 4-door 3.6L V67.80 sec16.30 sec285 hp4x4
2012Unlimited Rubicon Xplore 4-door 3.6L V68.80 sec16.80 sec285 hp4x4
2014Willys Trail Rated 2-door 3.6L V66.60 sec15.30 sec285 hp4x4
2014Unlimited Willys Wheeler Edition 4-door 3.6L V67.80 sec16.10 sec285 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2 Pints,
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.8 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts95 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.38 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)56-60 psi
Engine Compression100 Minimum psi
Engine Oil Pressure5
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle77 ft-lbs / 100 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.040 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.00035 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0008 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.049 in / 0.409 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.048 in / 0.408 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., step 2: 10530 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi; spark plugs every 96,000 mi.

Every 8,000 miDoor Hinge (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 16,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 16,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 32,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 32,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust)
At 48,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 64,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 96,000 miPCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plug Wires (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across the generation spanning the late 2000s through the mid-2010s, the Wrangler experienced a volatile complaint trend that peaked in 2008 and rose again toward the target year. The 2012 model year represents a local peak in the data, recording 828 complaints and a high of 244 TSBs, both of which significantly exceed the 482 complaints and 158 TSBs seen in 2011. While recalls remained steady at 10, the 2012 model saw a surge in issues related to Steering, Power Train, Engine, and Air Bags, although the data does not specify the root causes. This year also included 22 crash and 19 fire complaints before figures began to trend downward in 2013. Because 2012 marks a spike in both complaints and technical service bulletins compared to the years immediately surrounding it, this is not a good year to buy.

10
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
244
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
6
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
828
Owner complaints
22 involved a crash · 19 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 828 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering,Power Train149
Engine97
Air Bags93
Power Train81
Electrical System49
Unknown Or Other32
Fuel/Propulsion System27
Service Brakes20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V018000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/01/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator…

19V680000Seat Belts:Front:AnchorageReported 26/09/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame. Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 244 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1074182025-09-18Service BrakesSWITCH - CLUTCH STARTER INTERLOCK & MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - CLUTCH
91006452025-08-15Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders…
91006532025-08-15Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders…
1039542025-04-02Unknown Or OtherACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
1040872025-04-02Unknown Or OtherACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Wrangler. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 batteryVehicles taking 6 qt w/ filterJK-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 68079744ADEngine air filter 68257791ABSpark plug SP149125AFBattery BBH6F001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Wrangler 3.6L take?

6 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Wrangler have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined mpg.