CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Grand Cherokee hasn't seen the same complaint volume as the 2011, at least not yet.

It's worth noting both model years are part of a class-action lawsuit that focuses on a defective TIPM and a long wait for replacement parts.

The 2012 also received national attention after it failed a Swedish Magazine's "moose test". The test measures a vehicle's ability to swerve out of the way of an obstacle you wouldn't want to hit while driving down the road ... like a moose.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,105 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #52

May 292016

Grand Cherokee

  • 91,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Jeep cuts off when I'm driving and stalls at times the check engine light has been on also since I purchased it. Was told the codes had to be reset. Took vehicle to dealer over 10 times after I purchased it dealer sent it out other places seen nothing turned off codes it seemed ok then every since then it does the same thing over and over now my warranty is out they see an issue I had extended but they only repaired recalls they say but my lights still fog from the recall and electrical still issue!

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #51

May 012018

Grand Cherokee

  • 130,000 miles
A/a trans condenser leak. Faulty condenser unit

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #50

Jun 132018

Grand Cherokee

  • 131,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 50 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle decelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (liechty Dodge, 5080 academy ln, bessemer, al 35022, (205) 432-7995) for a recall repair concerning the alternator. The dealer diagnosed that there was a transmission fluid leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was informed that it was not included in the alternator recall. The NHTSA campaign information was unavailable. The failure mileage was 131,000.

- Bessemer, AL, USA

problem #49

Mar 052018

Grand Cherokee

  • 63,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Fountain Valley, CA, USA

problem #48

Apr 012018

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 34,000 miles
Hello, was hoping you could guide me. I have been having issues with my Jeep shutting off while driving. I could be on the freeway at a light or exiting the freeway and it shuts off. This issue has been going since the end of 2016. I decided to take it to another dealer they now say they have found a problem, but now Jeep is saying since I am over my miles they cannot cover the charges. Can you please help?

- Rialto, CA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #47

Feb 152018

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • miles
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake booster recall repairs. Consumer sent additional correspondence. The consumer stated on 02/15/2018 the vehicle stalled without warning making the vehicle inoperable. The dealerships resolution was replacing the electro-hydrualic power steering and the amp alternator per recall.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #46

Mar 122018

Grand Cherokee

  • 50,843 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

With only 50,800 miles check engine light produced several codes. I took this vehicle to 3 different places for a diagnostic test. They said it was power steering / A/C coolant leaking. With the 2nd diagnoses they found a leak with the auxiliary cooler (transmission fluid). So I had a complete transmission flush work done, but it's still leaking..

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #45

Jan 042018

Grand Cherokee

  • 40 miles
Coolant on Jeep went to 245 red light went on.white smoke with bad smell out of the exhaust and no heat.burning smell outside of car..took the car to petboys. They filled it with antifreeze and said it could be the head gasket..took it to Jeep dealer ran test said it was fine...4 days later went to 245 again burning smell and white smoke out of exhaust.. filled it with antifreeze again.drove on highway and local streets...I'm afraid the Jeep will go on fire..please help, me..thank you

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #44

Feb 102018

Grand Cherokee

  • 70,000 miles
A week ago my battery light came on in my car on my way home. Luckily I was able to get home before it died. We drove my car to an independent mechanic that we always go to get it diagnosed. My mechanic said I made it just in time because when they went to start my vehicle it was completely dead. They diagnosed that I had a bad battery and replaced it. They also identified that the alternator was bad and said there was a recall on it (I never received a recall notice on this part though). My car was towed to a nearby Chrysler dealership and they completed all the open recalls on it, including the alternator belt. Then my car was towed back to my independent mechanic. After my mechanic ran my car for 20 minutes the car shut off and it was found that the powertrain control module shorted. I immediately called Chrysler customer service to report the issue. It has been over a week and I have spoken to 5 different customer service agents. Every single one has told me something different and a different process I have to follow. My car has been towed back to the dealership and just sitting there. It has been over a week since I have had my car. I just heard from a customer service agent today that the car has to be diagnosed by the dealership and they have to declare that the PCM is not working. I have no idea what will happen after that. I am really trying to get them to pay for this and not go through a reimbursement process because I don't have faith I will actually get reimbursed in the end. I am so disgusted with the treatment Chrysler has given me. They obviously are trying everything to get out of paying this. Well they picked the wrong person to mess with, I will not back down.

- Round Lake, IL, USA

problem #43

Feb 012018

Grand Cherokee

  • 77,000 miles
There is a very common weld issue from Chrysler for the ac condenser which also doubles as the automatic transmission cooler. There is a change.org petition of drivers https://www.change.org/P/Chrysler-for-Chrysler-recall-faulty-ac-condenser-transmission-cooler?utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_signer_receipt&utm_campaign=triggered&J=249626&sfmc_sub=346265647&L=32_html&U=45511404&mid=7233052&jb=145277 about the same issue and the repair is $1000+ Jeep must do a recall and correct this problem on their own!

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #42

Feb 092018

Grand Cherokee

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intermittent stalling usually during deceleration. Four times in the past 3-months. Twice while slowing for a right turn, once while slowing on a downgrade. The vehicle can only be restarted if in park forcing the need to come to a complete stop and shifting into park. The only indication is the loss of engine noise, power steering and confirming using the tachometer. This condition could lead to a rear collision on a busy road way, a roadway with no breakdown lane or trapped in a center land of a multilane road. Prior to the current stalling repairs per R09 / NHTSA 15V-115 were implemented. The repairs may not been effective.

- Jensen Beach, FL, USA

problem #41

Jan 302018

Grand Cherokee

  • 45,444 miles
My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (automatic transmission) will slip out of gear and then lurch and jerk forward as it goes back in. The entire car will shutter when this happens. This occurs often, both at low speeds on city streets and at higher freeway speeds. I will also lose power entirely when I am trying to accelerate on a freeway entrance ramp. The dealer said there is no issue, that the car just needed a bit more transmission fluid. This did not change anything. Moreover, it has happened while the transmission fluid was full. Two days ago, the car shifted into neutral while I was driving on a freeway going 65 mph with my young daughter in the car. It was terrifying. Depressing the accelerator pedal did nothing. We were then almost struck by another car as I coasted over to the shoulder. Additionally, while driving the car home after this occurred, it again shifted into neutral while I was going about 30mph on a city street. When I pushed on the gas pedal, the engine revved loudly, but gave me no power to move forward. Again I coasted to the side of the road. Jeep is denying that there is a dangerous transmission issue with this car, but I have found numerous statements online from Jeep owners experiencing the exact same thing. Moreover, I spoke to a transmission specialist who said he has seen this often with the Grand Cherokee. He stated that if there is not a recall yet, there should be. Please look into to this issue. This is going to cost people their lives if it is not addressed soon.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

problem #40

Nov 032017

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
I own a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN: [xxx] for the past several months since purchase, the Jeep has had issues starting and has stalled while driving at high rates of speed. This vehicle is not safe to currently drive and I am getting nowhere with the dealership (performance Jeep: Delaware, Ohio https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html when clicking on this link and entering the VIN below it shows the recalls completed for our Jeep. The 2nd.pdf attachment (attached) shows the tipm recall was completed on 2/24/15. Our car is continuing to stall. ?the totally integrated power module (tipm) on your vehicle contains an internal fuel pump relay that could operate intermittently or fail without warning. An intermittent or failed fuel pump relay could cause the engine to stall while driving and cause a crash without warning. What your dealer will do... fca will repair your vehicle free of charge. Your dealer will install an external fuel pump relay." Carfax attached. First, a Chrysler dealer tried reprogramming the computer module and then had to replace it in 2013. Prior to the February 2015 recall. (I assume what they identify as the engine/powertrain computer/module is the tipm module "I.e., the totally integrated power module.) issue 1 in August 2015, they replaced the fuel pump relay (I.e., the recall work). 2nd issue then, in April 2016, they tried to reprogram the engine powertrain computer module again, and again failed and had to replace it. Third issue we are now having issues with the vehicle: Fourth issue, still not fixed after taking it to performance Jeep on 3 occasions. There has been a class action law suit with a settlement. As I understand those terms, they include an extended warranty on fuel pump repairs for up to 7 years/70,000 miles. We are well under the 7 years/70,000 miles. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #39

Jul 242017

Grand Cherokee

  • 115,686 miles
While driving home from work during rush hour traffic on the highway, the red battery light came for the first time since I owned the vehicle. Within minutes of the light appearing, the Jeep's air conditioning went off, all warning lights appeared on the dashboard and the windshield wipers turned on (without prompting them). All three of these things happened within seconds of each other so I tried to pull over to the side of the highway but the Jeep lost all power and stalled in the right lane of the highway. There was absolutely zero power so I was unable to turn my hazard lights on or put the car in neutral to roll to the breakdown lane (see attached picture). I then had to exit the Jeep into oncoming rush hour traffic in the left lane and luckily made it safety to the shoulder where I called 911 and triple a for a tow. The Jeep was towed to my local mechanic who said the alternator failed and that he had to unplug it from the battery since it was still producing excessive heat hours after it arrived there. I then called the fca customer service and referenced recall T36, since the exact same thing happened as the description provided (although I did not have any recalls on my VIN). They put me in touch with the local Jeep dealership to set up an appt so I paid for another tow there. The next day I receive a call from the service dept that my alternator failed, which drained my battery, which broke my module powertrain control computer totaling $2,134 in repairs. They cannot confirm nor deny that my Jeep is part of recall T36, but regardless since my VIN does not have any recalls on it, that I have to pay in full and that if down the road there is a recall that I will get reimbursed. I then call the fca customer service back and they check their internal system and confirm that I am not part of recall T36 and there are no outstanding recalls for my Jeep.

- Seymour, CT, USA

problem #38

Jun 012017

Grand Cherokee

  • 69,000 miles
While driving on freeway, battery warning light lit up, followed by (incorrect) error messages on instrument cluster menu that driver seatbelt was unfastened. All electrical equipment in the vehicle ceased operation, including ac and stereo. I pulled off of freeway and opened hood to find the alternator smoking heavily. This was the exact same failure situation described in Chrysler recall P60, but because my alternator was 180amp instead of 160amp, it was not covered by the P60 recall. The alternator had to be replaced. The alternator failure also resulted in a blown-out PCM, which had to be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous failure that could have caused a car fire, or traffic accident. Chrysler recall P60 should include the 180amp alternators, as well, because they have the same fault and safety issues.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #37

May 222017

Grand Cherokee

  • 82,000 miles
180 amp alternator experienced catastrophic failure causing total loss of all power, battery failure, PCM failure and smoking and burning smell from engine compartment. Experienced loud whinning from alternator while driving immediately prior to failure. Ultimate failure occured as car pulled into parking spot. This is the same issue experienced by 160 amp alternator under recall. It is extremely dangerous and Chrysler/Jeep should be required to fix these issues.

- Lynnfield, MA, USA

problem #36

Jan 052017

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
While driving on a regular street or highway vehicle tends to lose power and will not accelerate. When vehicle begins to accelerate it jerks.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #35

Jan 042017

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
When driving the vehicle within the first 20-45 minutes of starting, the vehicle will stall while driving when slowing down. The vehicle is still at speed but the engine stalls leaving no power steering or brakes. This occurs when slowing typically but can occur at speeds of up to 30-40mph. This happens almost daily at this point and seems to be getting worse.

- Seminole, FL, USA

problem #34

Sep 182016

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Issue: Transmission fault leads to unexpected "creep mode" in drive, over-pressurized trans expels trans fluid onto manifold leading to engine fire. Details: When stopped & idling in drive for period of time, transmission goes into creep mode of some sort & when trying to accelerate from stop it does not move. This can happen at a left-turn red-light and when least expected, having disastrous results. Transmission failure from over-pressurization already led to trans fluid being expelled from dipstick tube onto engine manifold resulting in an engine fire. Owner was easily able to replicate the problem by sitting in drive for 7-8 minutes & then attempting to accelerate. Videotaped evidence shows the trans is at normal operating temp, yet tachometer is shooting up to 25,000rpm's & car only creeps forward. At that moment smoke began pouring out from under the vehicle as once again fluid was being expelled onto manifold. Only this time owner did not open the hood so the lack of influx of fresh O2 did not ignite fluid like it did the first time. Vehicle is under 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty & Jeep dealer entered diagnosis and request to "replace transmission, cooler, O2 sensor, & wiring harness" which fca usa, llc rejected. Fca rrefuses to say why. Dealer has held vehicle now for 2months & 2weeks while dealer tries to convince fca to replace defective drivetrain. Fca refuses to supply written documentation of why claim is being rejected. Fca sent out a "special investigator" (for fires) who without meeting the service mgr or authorized drivetrain tech, serve determines it is not under warranty. Yet he knows nothing of transmissions & spoke to no one at dealer about their diagnosis and issue. Vehicle is unsafe as it will fail to accelerate without notice at anytime & continued exposure to over-pressurized transmission and expelled trans fluid could result in fire.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #33

Aug 042016

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • miles
To whom it may concern: I would like to formally report what I consider a critical flaw with my 2012 9jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the pentastar V6 engine. I have had multiple instances of unintended acceleration by the engine in the past 45 days. The most recent event resulted in my damaging vehicle's wheel as well as nearly hitting a parked vehicle. I have 85533 miles on my car and this flaw has only manifested itself in the past 3 days (85533miles). I have contacted my local dealer concerning this issue, but have been told that in order to look into this obvious safety defect, I am required to pay for their diagnostic time. I feel that the manufacturer of a product that has such a blatant safety risk should be appreciative of being informed of such a defect, and certainly take responsibility for it. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Miami, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?