2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 1,644 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Cherokee years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 1,644 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That ranks 3rd out of 32 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (837 complaints, 51%), typically at around 70,000 miles. Complaints mention 46 crashes, 105 fires, 35 injuries. There are 10 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 7 defect investigations involving it.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System837 · ~70,000 mi
Engine285 · ~74,000 mi
Service Brakes278 · ~50,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System216 · ~76,452 mi
Unknown or Other120 · ~80,000 mi
Power Train102 · ~65,500 mi
Steering100 · ~60,000 mi
Air Bags43 · ~73,173 mi
Vehicle Speed Control35 · ~53,000 mi
Exterior Lighting34 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System problems83751%70,000“chrysler dodge ram” (7%)$1,400
Engine problems28517%74,000“fuel pump relay” (11%)—
Service Brakes problems27817%50,000“service brakes hydraulic” (42%)—
Fuel/propulsion System problems21613%76,452“pump relay” (33%)$1,250
Unknown or Other1207%80,000——
Power Train problems1026%65,500“transmission cooler” (7%)—
Steering problems1006%60,000“rack pinion” (18%)$2,650
Air Bags433%73,173——
Vehicle Speed Control352%53,000——
Exterior Lighting342%50,000——
Suspension322%53,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic302%32,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline272%80,500——
Structure262%68,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)221%54,000——
Interior Lighting221%52,000——
Visibility/wiper211%68,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling181%20,800——
Seat Belts121%32,500——
Seats121%98,000——
Visibility111%62,250——
Equipment101%———
Tires101%35,300——
Wheels101%43,000——
Fuel System, Diesel40%189,000——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility20%54,297——
Forward Collision Avoidance20%120,000——
Fuel System, Other20%60,000——
Back Over Prevention10%135,000——
Firerelated10%55,000——
Lane Departure10%135,000——
Latches/locks/linkages10%69,045——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 343 complaints
2011: 2201122012: 20202013: 322013322014: 2292292015: 34320153432016: 1811812017: 18220171822018: 1231232019: 13120191312020: 1781782021: 902021902022: 32322023: 352023352024: 17172025: 282025282026: 2121

n = 1,644 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (10)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical systemNov 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V813000 · 528,594 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes; service brakes, hydraulic:power assistSep 18, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V572000 · 646,394 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorJul 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Interior lighting; electrical system:wiringDec 28, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V879000 · 389,252 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical systemFeb 27, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V115000 · 339,525 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorOct 8, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:wiringJul 2, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V391000 · 653,562 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes; service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumApr 1, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V154000 · 646,498 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMar 4, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V104000 · 18,780 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingSep 29, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
  • Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment (PE19014) — opened Sep 9, 2019, closed Feb 25, 2026.
  • Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires (RQ15003) — opened May 1, 2015, closed Jul 6, 2016, led to recall 15V879000.
  • Totally Integrated Power Module Failure (DP14004) — opened Sep 25, 2014, closed Jul 24, 2015.
  • Headliner Fires (EA14001) — opened Jan 10, 2014, closed Aug 12, 2014, led to recall 14V391000.
  • Headliner Fires (PE13027) — opened Aug 19, 2013, closed Jan 14, 2014.
  • Power steering hose failure (PE12020) — opened Jul 19, 2012, closed Dec 7, 2012.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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.

Service Brakes · received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768120

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…

Electrical System · received Sep 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766856

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.

Unknown or Other · received Sep 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766685

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…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765136

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

Electrical System · received Sep 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11763270

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

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See all Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by year, every Jeep model, or the Jeep VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine, service brakes problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 837 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes, 10 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Cherokee model years, the 2012 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.