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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,644 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about the electrical (51% of complaints, typically around 70,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Grand Cherokee model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Electrical
837 complaints · 51%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: alternator/generator/regulator, wiring, ignition, instrument panel.
Engine stalled while driving on interstate causing a near-accident. Vehicle was successfully restarted shortly thereafter, but after returning home and turning off vehicle, fuel pump continued to run. The following morning the vehicle would not start and had to be towed to chrysler/Jeep dealership. Dealer repair…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. In addition, while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke and smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the alternator needed…
Engine
302 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The engine would want start. Repeatedly attempted to start the engine with it seeming to turn over but not start. I had to wait several minutes and retry until the engine finally did start. This is the second occurrence of this sporadic engine start issue. Previously, I took the car to a mechanic and they were unable…
On three separate occasions over the past two months, I have experienced an unanticipated engine stall when decelerating from highway speed in order to make a turn (both right and left). In each of these instances, as I was in the turn (or immediately before), the engine stalled, leaving me without power-assisted…
Brakes
289 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: power assist.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the air bag sensor light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the air bag control module had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the ABS and instrument cluster module software…
I am the owner of a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that at the time of the following incident had approximately 48000 miles on it. During our first cold weather in january 2014 I took the car out and when I went to apply the brakes I had to step on the pedal with all my strength to avoid hitting another car and then had to…
Fuel system
248 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
Vehicle engine shut off during right turn in busy intersection without any warnings. Unable to turn or control vehicle. Also the brake on lights come on in the consul during normal operation. Based on other Jeep model recalls, I believe the problem may be related to the tipm-7 module. The vehicle is a Grand Cherokee…
Vehicle will stall during use when foot is removed from gas pedal. While driving at full speed for the road and needing to take foot off gas pedal, the Jeep's engine will shut off and I receive no light indicating that this has happened. It isn't until I attempt to turn the wheel or stop the Jeep that I realize I have…
Other or unspecified
120 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
I contacted chrystler and they refused to do anything. My leather dash is pulling up. There are tons of examples of this happening when you search the internet.
Dashboard delaminating, leather seat ripping under normal ware with lots of maintenance. The leather used in the dashboard is separating from the dashboard itself and causing a wrinkle effect, where as the leather seat just ripped even though its cleaned and conditioned at least 4 times a year
Transmission
102 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 65,500 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), automatic transmission, driveline.
The ability to manually downshift the automatic transmission while driving anywhere failed at about 63,000 miles. This necessitates the use of only the brakes to slow the vehicle when driving down hill. Because the brake rotors are undersized, this causes the rotors to warp.
Transmission fluid leak coming from A/C condenser/transmission cooler. Significant leakage occurring leading to problematic transmission performance such as slippage and vehicle jerking on acceleration or deceleration. It appears this is a known issue with these models of Jeep Grand Cherokee and this type of component…
Steering
100 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, hydraulic power assist.
As I was driving my A/C stopped blowing cold air. Battery light came on then all the dash indicators started blinking wrong including my seat belt indicator, radio shut off, etc. Car drove as if it had little power then steering jerked as if car was going to shut down. Pulled over and turned off car and car would not…
On three separate occasions over the past two months, I have experienced an unanticipated engine stall when decelerating from highway speed in order to make a turn (both right and left). In each of these instances, as I was in the turn (or immediately before), the engine stalled, leaving me without power-assisted…
Lights
56 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
My vehicle was returned to dealership when it stopped while driving on a public highway.at the time their were four (4) recalls. After two months at the dealership I was able to pick up the vehicle which was partly repaired including p36/NHTSA 14v-391.approximately 75 days later(11-10-15) my vehicle caught on fire…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 25 MPH, the battery warning indicator illuminated and the instrument panel lights flickered and then failed completely. The brake pedal failed to engage while being depressed. In order to stop the vehicle, the parking brake was engaged and, upon exiting the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
Electrical: electrical system
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: interior lighting
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: electrical system
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
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.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Active head rest inadvertent deployment
Summary
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 include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of
Post 14v-391 headliner fires
Summary
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 fca will continue to monitor the field experience for this population.odi opened this investigation
Totally integrated power module failure
Summary
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 evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by cas as
Headliner fires
Summary
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 mounted to the roof of the vehicle through the headliner with three metal screws. It is possible for the
Headliner fires
Summary
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 either one of the sun visors.the sun visors are mounted to the roof of the vehicle through the headliner
Power steering hose failure
Summary
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 system leading to the possibility of a return hose blow-off.chrysler and its power steering cooler suppli
Questions about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (837 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); engine (302 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); brakes (289 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 14, 2019 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Grand Cherokee model year since 2000, with 1,644 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.