Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system837
- Engine285
- Service brakes278
- Fuel/propulsion system216
- Unknown or other120
- Power train102
- Steering100
- Air bags43
- Vehicle speed control35
- Exterior lighting34
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 35 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 74 2012 Grand Cherokee vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 23 people died inside them, and 10 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee failed the safety check 1.87% of the time — 26% less often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 121,884 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
8,956 new Jeep Grand Cherokee cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Germany (3,125), Italy (1,754), the United Kingdom (884).
- Average mass
- 2,365 kg
- Average power
- 171 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 93% · Petrol 7.1%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
86 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 64% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €90,490.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde52
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld28
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt27
- Band onvoldoende profiel22
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen18
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm14
- Remlicht werkt niet (goed)11
- Roetfilter werkt niet goed, aantal deeltjes meer dan toegest8
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
515 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 61 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 541 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 77% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 10.9% | 14.3% |
| Brakes | 7.6% | 7.7% |
| Tyres | 4.1% | 7.0% |
| Visibility | 4.1% | 5.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.2% | 3.2% |
| Suspension | 2.2% | 12.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
456 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 25% arrived as used imports, 72% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 20.7 % |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 16.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Recalls in Canada
11 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
| 2024548 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2019573 14 Nov 2019 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump relay could fail. A fuel pump relay failure can result in a no-start condition or cause a sudden loss of engine powe… |
| 2017450 18 Sept 2017 | Brakes On certain vehicles, a brake booster shield may have been incorrectly installed as part of recall P14/2014-112. An incorrectly installed shield could be less ef… |
| 2017341 10 Jul 2017 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering (“EHPS”), the alternator may fail suddenly. This could result in the engine stalling, causing… |
| 2015615 22 Dec 2015 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors with 120mm wiring, service repairs requiring removal of the sun visors and/or headliner m… |
| 2015085 26 Feb 2015 | Fuel System This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2019-573 (FCA Recall No. V62). On certain vehicles, a fuel pump relay within the Totally Integrated … |
| 2014446 9 Oct 2014 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines and 160 amp output alternators, the alternator may fail suddenly. This could result in the engine stalling, causi… |
| 2014275 3 Jul 2014 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors, service repairs requiring removal of the sun visors and/or headliner may cause an electr… |
| 2014112 2 Apr 2014 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the centre shell of the brake booster may corrode. A corroded centre shell could allow water to get inside the brake booster, which in a co… |
| 2014070 5 Mar 2014 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) may have an out of specification traction isolation valve. This would cause the driver to experience a m… |
| 2011351 27 Sept 2011 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine, debris in the cylinder block (from the manufacturing process) could cause connecting rod bearing and crankshaft… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Jeep told its dealers about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011512 | HEADREST Incoming Vehicles with Deployed Active Head Rest (AHR) should have a through enquiry. If there is no Broken Pieces or Electrical failure, Direction to follow the RESET Procedure in service Library to RESET the AHR |
| 11010205 | Plate - Planetary |
| 10248517 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10247906 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10247905 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10240958 | HEADLAMP WITHOUT BALLAST,IF BALLAST NEEDED ORDER PART NUMBER : 68086783A$ |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10234379 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10234378 | ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA. |
| 10231969 | This bulletin involves an alignment specification change for camber. |
| 10230180 | Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle. |
| 10229966 | MIL Illumination For P0730 And Transmission Shift Enhancements |
| 10229962 | This bulletin involves road testing and if necessary replacing the intermediate shaft |
| 10229945 | MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) |
| 10229936 | RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements |
| 10229935 | RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements |
| 10229899 | MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set: P0300- Multiple Cylinder Misfire P0302- Cylinder 2 Misfire P0304- Cylinder 4 Misfire P0306- Cylinder 6 Misfire |
| 10229871 | Dielectric Grease This product is no longer approved for use on ignition coil and spark plug boots. Current plug boot material(silicone) is not compatible with this grease and can cause deterioration over time. |
| 10229869 | New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P14040214 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 through 2014 model year (WD) Dodge Durango and (WK) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may have a brake booster that could prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs, the brake booster may ingest water during vehicle operation during wet weather conditions. A brake booster that has experienced water ingestion may have the brake function compromised if the water inside the brak |
| 10229866 | Setting Mode Is Selected And Headlamps Always Stay On |
| 10229825 | RHW RHP Radio Software Enhancements |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Headliner Fires
Headliner Fires
Power steering hose failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation