2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 401 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about electrical system. There are 10 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
401
Recalls
10
Crashes
13
Fires
7
Injuries
7
Median mileage
101,691 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 197 of 401 complaints (49%).
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (132) and engine (88) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 101,691 mi.
  • Owners reported 13 crashes, 7 fires and 7 injuries.
  • The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 10 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 7 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 6th of 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 26% more complaints than the 2011 model year (319).

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by category

  • Electrical System · 3 crashes
    197 complaints
  • 132 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    88 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    47 complaints
  • 30 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Airbags · 6 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Steering · 2 crashes
    17 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 2 crashes
    9 complaints
  • Lighting
    6 complaints
  • Suspension
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    6 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system188
Fuel/propulsion system112
Engine85
Unknown or other46
Power train29
Service brakes17
Steering17
Air bags17

When problems happen (mileage)

5Under 10k10k–30k1730k–60k5860k–100k67100k–150k26150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints that list mileage.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (10)

  • Recall 19V813000Nov 14, 2019528,594 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

    Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.

  • Recall 17V572000Sep 18, 2017646,394 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.

    Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.

  • Recall 17V435000Jul 10, 2017442,214 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

    Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

  • Recall 15V879000Dec 28, 2015389,252 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · INTERIOR LIGHTING

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.

    Risk: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.

  • Recall 15V115000Feb 27, 2015339,525 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

    Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.

  • Recall 14V634000Oct 8, 2014435,081 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

    Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

  • Recall 14V391000Jul 2, 2014653,562 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.

    Risk: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.

  • Recall 14V154000Apr 1, 2014646,498 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.

    Risk: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.

  • Recall 14V104000Mar 4, 201418,780 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.

    Risk: If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.

  • Recall 11V487000Sep 29, 2011667 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.

    Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

  • PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026

    Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…

  • RQ15003Opened May 1, 2015Closed Jul 6, 2016led to recall 15V879000

    Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires

    In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391.On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of safety recall 15V-879 to remedy potential headliner fires occurring in 389,252 model year (MY) 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2009 to September 1, 2012.Note this recall, which was scoped based on vehicle design level and field events, does not include all MY 2013 or any MY 2014 Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles; ODI and …

  • DP14004Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015

    Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

    In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to…

  • EA14001Opened Jan 10, 2014Closed Aug 12, 2014led to recall 14V391000

    Headliner Fires

    On July 1st, 2014 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a wiring-related fire hazard on the headliner of approximately 661,888 model year (MY) 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured between January 5, 2010 and December 11, 2013 (see NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-391), with notifications to begin in August 2014. According to Chrysler, the fire is caused by an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring for either one of the sun visors mounted on the vehicle. The sun visors are moun…

  • PE13027Opened Aug 19, 2013Closed Jan 14, 2014

    Headliner Fires

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 5 reports of vehicle headliners catching fire at the front of the vehicle near the sun visors on Jeep Grand Cherokees.Customers reported a range of fire conditions ranging from minor overheating to an open flame at the headliner and/or sun visor material while driving the vehicle. In some reports the fire spread to the front seats and/or door panels of the vehicle.In one report, the sunroof was damaged causing the glass to shatter.The cause of these fires is an electrical short in the vanity lighting wiring circuit that is routed to eith…

  • PE12020Opened Jul 19, 2012Closed Dec 7, 2012

    Power steering hose failure

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Chrysler as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. ODI's analysis identified a total of 24 unique reports indicating power steering hose blow-offs resulting from a dislodged power steering cooler turbulator fin in some early production vehicles.According to Chrysler, a dislodged fin can occur when the turbulator is inserted into the power steering cooler or loaded into the assembly machine.A dislodged fin may block the flow of power steering fluid creating excess back-pressure in the power steering syste…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 2026NJBrakesEngineSteering
    The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.
    NHTSA complaint #11768120 · source
  2. Filed Sep 25, 2026NYElectrical System
    The alternator failed. It was the Safety Recall P60 (NHTSA 14V-634) remedy alternator, installed by an authorized FCA dealer when the recall was completed on 08/30/2021, as FCA confirmed in writing. On 09/24/2026, at 41,275 miles, the vehicle had no electrical power and would not start. An independent New York State registered repair facility diagnosed the failure as "no power," "not starting," and "bad alternator (burning)," and replaced the alternator assembly the same…
    NHTSA complaint #11766856 · source
  3. Filed Sep 24, 2026CAFireOther / Unknown
    Recall R71 was marked as completed on this vehicle, but the headliner caught fire exactly as described in the original defect narrative. SUV caught fire, blew up and took out four other vehicles and a parking structure.
    NHTSA complaint #11766685 · source
  4. Filed Sep 17, 2026AKFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Here’s the final version of your NHTSA complaint text — rewritten for clarity, precision, and compliance. You can copy and paste this directly into the “Description of the Problem” box on the NHTSA form.Recall Number: V62 – Fuel Pump RelayMy Jeep is under recall V62 for the fuel pump relay. Stellantis confirmed that the recall is active and that the remedy is listed as “available” in their system.However, Stellantis has not provided the recall repair. The recall agent told…
    NHTSA complaint #11765136 · source
  5. Filed Sep 10, 2026AZElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee suddenly was stalling, and would not re-start, especially when turning the steering. AAA Tech diagnosed as High Diode Ripple Voltage in the Alternator, damaging the Battery. Needed to Replace both Alternator and Battery at a cost of $1068. Car was recalled under T36, and the repair has a repeat failure again. Jeep Declined to repair or re-imburse the repair costs. More importantly its still a major safety issue, and Jeep is failing their legal…
    NHTSA complaint #11763496 · source
  6. Filed Sep 10, 2026MTElectrical System
    Alternator smoking. it is available for inspection. Filled interior of vehicle with smoke the engine stopped running while driving. Took to dealership for a 2nd sun visor recall and had them diagnose the smoking alternator. The voltage light came on just before the alternator started smoking
    NHTSA complaint #11763270 · source
  7. Filed Jul 31, 2026MIEngineOther / Unknown
    Problem was Oil Filter housing made of plastic. It was cracked and no warning light that oil had leaked out. Car SUDDENLY DECELERATED as I was merging into traffic on freeway causing vehicles coming up behind to brake rapidly including a semi truck which had been 200 yards back. I rolled onto shoulder with warning lights activated. Pure luck it was not a major accident. Had it fixed at local mechanic in area and was told it is common problem on several makes of vehicles.…
    NHTSA complaint #11754074 · source
  8. Filed Jun 23, 2026NEOther / Unknown
    I was caught driving in a hailstorm when hail impacted and broke the panoramic sunroof of my vehicle. I understand that hail can break automotive glass and that the sunroof is constructed from safety glass. My concern is not that the glass broke, but how it shattered. When the sunroof failed, it fragmented into extremely fine particles and powdered glass. The glass was so fine that it became embedded in the vehicle's seats and interior surfaces. It was in my hair and…
    NHTSA complaint #11745878 · source

Compare the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with another vehicle →

Other 2012 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology