2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
30 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 7% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 81,000 mi.
- Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
- 30
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 81,000 mi
Specific components reported
Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 29 |
| Power train:driveline:driveshaft | 1 |
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Jeep Grand Cherokee years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- 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 - Filed Jan 16, 2026190,000 miNCElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure worsened. The contact stated that after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, a week after the vehicle was repaired, the traction control warning light, the check engine warning light, and the yellow light with an arrow across were illuminated.…
NHTSA complaint #11711554 · source - 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 - 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 - Filed Jun 11, 202587,000 miTXTowedBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM fluctuated before the transmission slammed into gear. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure, and a failure with the…
NHTSA complaint #11666320 · source - Filed Jul 17, 2024PAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
Re: AQ14-003-FCA-Consent-Order-7-24-2015 & 2019 Safety Recall [Manufacturer Recall Number V62 & NHTSA Recall Number 19V-813]. FCA hasn't been in compliance with either of them regarding 'my' vehicle. 2015 Consent Decree implies should have been notifying car owners of any type of recall. 2017 recall was cancelled & 2019 safety recall was issued 4 years after the decree, 1 year after I bought the car, a safety recall was issued. Wasn't notified. 2 years later "I" contacted…
NHTSA complaint #11603034 · source - Filed Apr 4, 2024VATransmission & Drivetrain
This Jeep has had 2 recalls and repairs related to the fuel pump relay. The first recallrepair did not fix the issue, Jeep then replaced the relay again, which did not fix the issue. Then there was a NEW recall and repair, which also did not fix the issue. The car still has the exact same issues, the car will randomly stall soon after being started. I’m not sure what to do at this point bc I feel unsafe driving this car and it is my only vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11581216 · source - Filed Feb 8, 2024MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
While driving through the intersection after slowing down at light, vehicle completely stalled, turned off in the middle of the intersection and wouldn't start back up. I had to have it towed to dealership. I have had it in dealer prior to this incident for stalling issues just out of nowhere. They simply said they cannot find a cause. This is dangerous to me because vehicles behind me don't know that I am stalled out and almost hit me. Prior to this last time, I have been…
NHTSA complaint #11570694 · source - Filed Dec 29, 2023TXTransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission shifts strangely, and it seems like it cannot decide which gear it needs to be in for normal operations. It also causes the vehicle to stall while driving. Also, at times it stays in only one gear, and you cannot even shift gears manually. Intermittently, the vehicle starts out in a higher gear, and it doesn’t correct itself, so acceleration is way below what it needs to be. I have been fortunate to avoid a few crashes due to the stalling.
NHTSA complaint #11562548 · source - Filed Nov 9, 2023DCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
Estaba manejando a 35 millas y de repentes la jeep comenzó a perder fuerza y se apagó, tuve que durar como 30 minutos para que pudiera prender, porque cuando la encendía temblaba y los frenos frenos y el guía se ponían duro.
NHTSA complaint #11554291 · source - Filed Mar 25, 2023SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
After getting my car back from big o doge in Greenville sc I was on my way to work and stopped at a redlight when the light turned green my car just sat there and didn’t move I pressed the gas but nothing it just revved up like it was in neutral pressed the gas to the floor nothing all of a sudden it was like it jumped and took off…also did the same thing at a stop sign up hill and I had a car coming in the other lane as I was crossing the lane to get into the correct one….I…
NHTSA complaint #11513716 · source - Filed Dec 22, 2022PADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
My 2012 jeep SRT8 will be driving n jerking and feels unsafe think gotta be a n23 transfer case or final drive ordeal they have with different year not my year but should be and I don't feel safe at all n I paid a lot of money for this premium vehicle and getting run around and serv 4wd and traction control off n fcw off pops up after few minutes all at same time got transfer case control module coming in mail hopefully it works but if not it's gotta b update or flash…
NHTSA complaint #11498598 · source
Other 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problem areas
- Electrical System (197)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (132)
- Engine (88)
- Other / Unknown (47)
- Brakes (18)
- Airbags (18)
- Steering (17)
- Seats & Seat Belts (10)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (9)
- Lighting (6)
- Body & Structure (6)
- Suspension (6)
- Visibility & Wipers (6)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
- Wheels & Tires (1)
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