2012 Jeep Liberty Radio Replacement

Interested in replacing your 2012 Jeep Liberty radio yourself? We’ve got the how-to details to help you out!
Written by Jennifer Justice
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace your 2012 Jeep Liberty radio, you must remove the center panel trim around the radio, uninstall the OEM stereo, and replace it with your aftermarket upgrade.
The 2012 Jeep Liberty is known for its off-road abilities, towing capacity, and powerful V6 engine that makes driving an adventure. However, the interior—including the audio system—is not one of the things Liberty is known for. Liberty owners often swap out the original factory-installed radio as an aftermarket upgrade. 
With
Jerry
's help, you can install your new radio in just a few steps—without your
car insurance
rate going through the roof! You can get great tunes and savings at the same time.
As a
licensed insurance broker
and an expert on everything Jeep, Jerry has the tips you need to upgrade your radio and save on your
Jeep Liberty insurance cost
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How to change the radio on a 2012 Jeep Liberty

Changing the radio on a 2012 Jeep Liberty is easier than you might think. First, you need to remove the center panel trim around the radio, unscrew the four bolts holding it in place to remove the factory radio, and unplug a few things. Then you can install the aftermarket system you really want(we even have suggestions below!). 
Want some how-to details? Get a screwdriver, and let's start! 

1. Remove the front panel

The center panel trim around the radio and A/C vents (called a bezel) must come out first. Use the screwdriver to gently pop the top of the panel out by wedging it into the groove between the trim and the center panel, then the rest of the bezel will follow. 
Avoid yanking the trim free. Wires are connected to the back, and there are tabs to help keep the panel in place at the bottom.
To give yourself enough space, put the key in the ignition, put your foot on the brake, then shift the car to neutral to get the gear shift out of the way. Pull the panel out the rest of the way—just be careful not to break the tabs at the bottom. Put the car in park and remove the key.

2. Unplug the wires 

You need to disconnect a couple of things from the back of the heat controller before you can remove the stereo. Again, be careful you don’t yank on the plugs or wires because they need to be in good condition if you want to install your new radio. 
Look for three items:
  • Main power harness (black).  Push down on the red tab to release it and pull it out the rest of the way
  • Auxiliary (blue). Push down on the blue tab and pull the plug out (the panel may fall forward when it’s free)
  • Cigarette lighter (white). Push the tab again, then pull out the white connector
After the big three are out of the way, you'll see another connection. Unplug the final connections for the four-way switch, then remove the panel. The four-way switch is for the control buttons below the radio, such as the temperature and fan controls.
And in case you’re wondering, an auxiliary plug allows you to connect another device to your stereo through a jack. If you have a smartphone or similar technology you want to plug into your speakers, the auxiliary allows you to link the two. 
You might as well take advantage of your sound system once you have that brand-new radio installed!

3. Remove the 7mm screws

Fortunately, the four screws holding the radio in place are easy to locate: they are positioned at each of the four corners of the radio unit. Use your screwdriver to remove the 7mm screws and place them aside safely. Not bad!

4. Remove the last connectors

Almost there! You have a couple more connections for the antenna and auxiliary, then the radio will be out. You’ll see two small connectors on the right side of the radio’s back (usually one is yellow and the other is white). Push down on the side tabs for each connector and pull them free. 
One more! Unplug the electrical connection and…that’s it! You can take that old radio out of there and replace it with your new system. Congrats! 
You can install your sweet new radio by doing all those steps in reverse, then enjoy! However, some aftermarket options require modifying your vehicle before installation. Take your Jeep to a professional for installation if that is the case.
Key Takeaway Remove all the connections holding the radio in place, then take it out. You can install a new radio by following the steps in reverse. 

The best aftermarket car stereo head units for a 2012 Jeep Liberty

Since you probably don’t want to leave a gaping hole in the center panel, you want to find a great replacement radio for your Liberty. Unfortunately, Jeep's Mopar store won't give you anything other than OEM options and zero additional features, so you want to look at aftermarket selections.
Fortunately, you have many choices, whether you want a simple FM radio, extra features like a backup camera, or a maxed-out system to create your own mini-club experience.

Best system with Bluetooth and Alexa: Kenwood Excelon DPX395MBT 

If you love to use multimedia options, the
Kenwood Excelon
is a great pick. You can expand your system with Bluetooth devices like your smartphone and even use Alexa right there in your Jeep. 
You have a lot of options when it comes to listening to your favorite tunes, like mp3s and WAVs. The Kenwood Excelon also uses radio streaming options, such as Spotify and Apple Music®.

Best system with a backup camera: Boss BE7ACP-C Package

You can improve your audio system and safety options all at the same time with the
Boss BE7ACP-C Package
, thanks to this 7-inch touchscreen and a rear-view camera you can mount to your license plate holder. 
The system works with your smartphone and lets you use apps like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri, or Google Assistant on the go. You get a bit of everything with this competitively-priced option.

Best system for listening: Alpine UTE-73BT

If you just want to hear your favorite tunes or the latest podcast, the
Alpine UTE-73BT
gives you multiple options for listening on the go. 
This system works with your iPhone or Android and offers Bluetooth and USB options so you can connect your portable player. It has a built-in Pandora® control for added ease of use.

Best budget radio replacement: Jensen MPR2121

If you want functionality without paying a fortune, the
Jensen MPR2121
is a great wallet-friendly option. The digital media receiver allows you to stream your favorite audio, and it works with Bluetooth, an aux cable, or USB to connect your favorite device. This top-seller gives you what you want at a reasonable price.
MORE: The 12 best Jeep accessories

How to save on Jeep Liberty insurance costs

Worried about how your new radio or sound system could affect your 2012 Jeep Liberty insurance rates?
Vehicles from
Chrysler
,
Dodge
,
Jeep
, and
Ram
are more expensive to insure than a Toyota or Honda—and if you’ve got an SUV model, like the Jeep Liberty, insurance costs add up. 
Upgrading your sound system can affect your car insurance since it modifies the original vehicle. The system can be a pricey aftermarket upgrade, and the sound system is a theft risk. 
However, you can protect your new radio by adding
sound system coverage
to your policy, and you’ll definitely want to shop for cheap car insurance rates to ensure you’re getting the best price. 
Jerry
is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy customized for you. They can cover your 2012 Jeep Liberty and that new sound system, all at great prices!
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
“The savings are real!
Jerry
saved me almost $1000 a year for my car insurance. Was I surprised? Yes. Was I happy? Yes!” —Sonia Z.
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