2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

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 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
3. Filed Jun 16, 2026NJBrakesEngineSteering

   The engine power cuts of randomly while driving with no warning at all. When it happens the steering locks up veering the vehicle to the left so you have no control and at the same time the power brakes lock up and you are unable to stop the vehicle. Everything else works when this happens lights, radio, heater, air conditioning. No warning lights display. I had the vehicle with a mechanic that kept it for over 4 months to test drive and see if it would occur. It happened…

   NHTSA complaint #11744558 · source
4. Filed Feb 18, 202694,000 miGABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed while slowing down; however, the RPM elevated to 5,500 RPM. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was stopped, turned off, restarted, and operated normally. Additionally, the remote start feature was not operating properly. After remote starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was difficult to…

   NHTSA complaint #11718744 · source
5. Filed Jan 19, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   All dashboard lights came on while cherokee shut off on the parkway yet allowing me to steer to the side shoulder. Is this a symptom of total integrated power module TIPM.

   NHTSA complaint #11711989 · source
6. Filed Jan 16, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I brought my vehicle to the Jeep of concord for a fuel pump relay recall and oil change on 11/12/25. Prior to 11/12 the vehicle did not experience any of the issues described below. On 11/13/25, a dealership representative sent an inspection video stating the vehicle was in immaculate condition following the recall repair. However, within less than 24 hours, the check engine light illuminated, and additional issues began occurring intermittently. After the recall work, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11711550 · source
7. Filed Dec 22, 2025NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Two similar incidents to report during week of Dec 15th 2025 on surface streets: Was driving 25 mph when 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee just came to a complete stop -- without any warning signs of a problem. Vehicle stalled with no engine power and loss of power steering. I could not steer the vehicle to the side of the road. Was just stuck. The emergency lights did work. I put the vehicle in park and restarted the engine after about 30 seconds. The vehicle drove normally…

   NHTSA complaint #11706652 · source
8. Filed Dec 14, 2025IAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The cuts off in the Middle of the street in front of a school .The vehicle will not start up.I try to Crank it on vehicle make a loud screeching sound like metal to metal .Dash lights 4wd pop on then a lightning symbol came on.The vehicle wont change gears steering wheel lock ,wheels lock ,The front left turning signal does not work all the other lights do.My wife and I avoided a collision when the vehicle shut off while driving .Thank God no one were hurt.Bought this…

   NHTSA complaint #11704916 · source
9. Filed Nov 8, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   When driving the vehicle it just stalls. No warning and all power is lost including power steering which makes it VERY dangerous to all occupants of the vehicle and others on the road.

   NHTSA complaint #11698331 · source
10. Filed Oct 29, 2025TXEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    Year: 2012 Make/Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 L V8, 4WD Mileage: ~140,000 miles Date of Incident: [Insert date] Location: McKinney, Texas (near U.S. 75 exit) Description of the Safety Issue: While driving normally, the Service 4WD System warning illuminated. Seconds later, the lightning-bolt symbol (Electronic Throttle Control) appeared, and the engine stalled abruptly without warning. All power steering and power-brake assist were lost while the transmission was still in…

    NHTSA complaint #11696378 · source
11. Filed Oct 21, 2025NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    In August 2025 my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo lost engine power and stalled while driving 15 mph. There was no warning. I was able to restart the car and drive. Then while driving in traffic at 45 mph on 18 Oct 2025, my Jeep abruptly lost engine power and stopped, putting my safety and the safety of my passenger at great risk as I had several cars behind me. Again, the Jeep stalled without warning. I was able to put my emergency warning lights on, then after 30 seconds,…

    NHTSA complaint #11694647 · source
12. Filed Sep 26, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The car cuts off in middle of the road n won’t shut on brought a new fuel pump and it’s still shutting off the electric light pops up on dash when cutting the engine on the car gives the cranking engine power sounds but doesn’t cut on mechanic put in new fuel pump and now think it’s a electrical problem the steering is tight backing up and it has steering fluid this has been happening since 3 months ago I wanna say it comes n goes I’ve got it inspected twice and they…

    NHTSA complaint #11689925 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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