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:
5 / 83
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,548 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 13 of 40)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #542

Mar 182018

Grand Cherokee

  • 141,000 miles

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

This problem has happened quite a few times where the vehicle is parked we press the button to start the vehicle, it wont start. We have to take the button out start the vehicle with they key but on 3/18/18 the radio was on once we parked the car once the vehicle was started it took about 2 minutes for the radio to come on. It was also saying that the key battery was low funny thing is I just replaced the battery in the fob on 3/16/18. This is an intermittent problem I think Jeep needs to take care of. From what I was reading it is the totally integrated control module(the computer) which can be very costly and apparently that part is on backorder. So there are quite a few Jeep owners with this same problem. I have read that the vehicle can completely shut down at any speed and you lose power steering and brakes which is a huge safety problem.

- Dover Plains, NY, USA

problem #541

Dec 102017

Grand Cherokee

  • 54,000 miles
2012 jgc,54K miles. I appear better off than some, as my Jeep's only real issue, at the moment, is that it cranks but wont start. Disconnecting the battery and leaving it for an hour will re boot the tipm and car will start. Dealership singularly unhelpful, and Chrysler customer service declined to help. I can see why.

- Newport, RI, USA

problem #540

Mar 112018

Grand Cherokee

  • 27,500 miles
I was driving down an off ramp towards a right turn at about 20-30 mph. I attempted to make the right turn and brake pedal was very hard, gas pedal wasn't responding and steering wheel locked up(no turning). The Jeep slowed and nearly hit parked cars since brakes and steering were not working. When Jeep finally stopped, I shifted into park and pushed ignition off button. I waited a few moments then pushed start button and it started up with no check engine light or service message. I believe altinator or tipm failed while I was driving. I don't believe my vehicle qualified for T37 altinator recall or tipm recall that was issued. I don't wanna put my 2 year old son in this Jeep anymore, he deserves better than that. 2012 Grand Cherokee 5.7 altitude with only 28000 miles. I don't feel safe driving this Jeep anymore until issue is resolved.

- Ny, NY, USA

problem #539

Feb 242018

Grand Cherokee

  • 98,000 miles

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

When parked, I tried to lock car using key fob, which armed the alarm but did not lock the doors. I tried using master power lock on driver side door to lock it, but this didn't work either (none of the doors will lock). Separately, after leaving this parked spot, I tried using the windshield washers while driving to clean the windshield, but the sprayers did not work. Only the wiper blades activated. After a diagnostic test by repair shop, I'm told the totally integrated power module needs to be replaced.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #538

Mar 042018

Grand Cherokee

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 35 mph, the windshield wipers activated, the interior lighting flashed, the back up sensor turned off, and the battery and traction control indicators illuminated. The contact called northtown Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2020 niagara falls blvd, tonawanda, NY 14150) and left a voice message for a service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 101,000.

- Williamsville, NY, USA

problem #537

Mar 012018

Grand Cherokee

  • 0 miles
Vehicle won;T start due to a tipm starter /fuel relay is this a recall.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #536

Dec 132017

Grand Cherokee

  • 69,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was not operable once it was placed in the on position. In addition, there was an abnormal ticking sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (1321 N central expy, richardson, tx) where it was diagnosed that the alternator was defective. A diagnostic test was not performed due to the cost. The alternator was replaced. The contact received notice of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) after being charged for the alternator replacement. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #535

Jan 032018

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
On Dec 29, 2017 I made an appointment with world Jeep in shrewsbury, NJ to address 3 recalls on my 2012 Grand Cherokee. The appointment was made for 8:00 am on Jan 3, 2018, the Jeep service person confirmed that the needed parts were in stock. 1) sun visor wiring ' this was a recall on a recall R71' they confirmed parts were available and scheduled service I was advised that the car should be done by noon. When I had not heard by 4pm I called them - they stated that the service advisor would call back.. after 45 minutes (now 4:45 pm) I called again. Again I was told I would receive a call shortly. About 15 minutes later (now 5pm) I received a call from the advisor that said 1) the brake booster water shield inspection was just being started 2) they had not done anything on the sun visor replacement and would not get it done today ! 3) I could pick up the car around 5:30 when they should be done with the inspection. I asked 'are you telling me that you've had the car for 9 hours and done nothing ?' she replied thats about it ! its out of my control. This was after they had the vehicle almost for 9 hours. Had they informed me at dropoff of the fact that they could not perform the scheduled service I would have gladly rescheduled. Instead I wasted a day waiting by the phone. To hear from them. So in summary I waited a day for them to compete a recall inspection that should have required at most an hour and I will now have to reschedule probably 2 more days for the remaining service recalls. This was my 3rd Jeep but I would have to seriously reconsider if I should ever buy another one from this dealership or Jeep. Attached is the service sheet showing the drop off time (8:04am. Promised time (9:30 am) actual delivery time 17:30). Service 1) not performed 2) not required.

- Tinton Falls, NJ, USA

problem #534

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 #533

Feb 092018

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Made an appointment at autonation on I45 in spring, tx to clear up 3 recalls, one of which was the sun visor wiring cbxdp361ab. I dropped my car off at 845 am. I was informed my car would be completed @ 400pm. When I checked in with the service advisor I was informed my car was ready and to pick up the key from the cashier. I picked up the key and invoice from the cashier and one of the recalls said 'no work performed'. I found the service advisor who said she 'forgot' to tell me that the part was on backorder and she had no idea when the part would be in. That's unacceptable for a recall to occur and there's no answer to when the recall will be resolved.

- Humble, TX, USA

problem #532

Jan 312018

Grand Cherokee

  • 94,888 miles

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

Purchased used 2012 Grand Cherokee overland w/94637 miles on January 27 2018. On January 31 at 8:50am after driving two miles I came to a stop at a stop light and while waiting for light change the engine died. No warning lights - the only indication was RPM dropped to zero. Put vehicle into park and restarted without a problem. Continued driving for the remainder of 32 mile trip. Again on February 2 2018 the same thing occurred while my wife was driving. She came to a full stop and while waiting for signal light to change the vehicle engine quit with no warning lights. On both occasions this was the first trip of the day in the early morning ambient temperature of 55 degrees on dry pavement on city streets. Both times the vehicle was restarted without a prolem and the trip continued without interruption. Vehicle is scheduled at folsom lake Jeep dealer for investigation.

- Folsom, CA, USA

problem #531

Jan 312018

Grand Cherokee

  • 75,000 miles
I want to make you aware that recall #17V-435 issued June 9, 2017 is still open. My Jeep caught fire yesterday 1/31/18. Why is taking so long to complete such a serious recall"??" now the Jeep dealer tells me that I need to pay for the tow and the $1000+ repair and then get reimbursed at a later date.--that is insane!!! please help. I can be reached at 480-812-5621

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #530

Apr 222014

Grand Cherokee

  • 50,000 miles
Jeep Grand Cherokee recall - I have had numerous issues with my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, primarily electrical related. My car was making a high pitched sound, it wasn't very loud at first, but progressively got worse. It wouldn't start at first - then had to try to start it a few times before it would start. The electrical system seemed to be malfunctioning worse. I assumed it needed a new battery, so I bought one and the guy at autozone installed it. I drove to my restaurant and it started acting up again (high pitch sound returned, had trouble starting it). As I was driving back home on the road (45 mph) - I saw all electrical workings cut off and back on (the red lighting lights flashed). As I tried to pull over, the entire electrical system failed. My power steering, anti-lock breaks, radio and everything electrical stopped working. I almost got in a wreck but it took every bit of strength I had to stop and steer the vehicle - I turned into a shopping center and steered toward an incline and eventually stopped (almost hit a car, then almost hit an elderly couple pedestrians). I had my car towed to hendrick Chrysler fayetteville, nc. They said the PCM was out. It was still under warranty so they replaced it - but my vehicle has never been properly repaired. My check engine light comes on and off all the time and have had numerous electrical wiring issues (before and after the PCM) was replaced. My vehicle (when the PCM went out) could have easily killed me and anyone on the road at that time. The dealership keeps saying that none of that has anything to do with the check engine light or any of the other recalls - but I cannot accept that. I feel this vehicle - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee - is an extremely dangerous hazard to all road. I have also had numerous other recalls for this vehicle.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #529

Jan 122018

Grand Cherokee

  • 132,000 miles
Was driving back from Florida to pa when the alternator went on the vehicle. The engine was smoking and we lost all power to the vehicle. Had the vehicle towed to a dealership in North charleston, SC.

- Grove City, PA, USA

problem #528

Oct 222017

Grand Cherokee

  • 53,000 miles
On October 22, 2017 my car started to heat up and turn off on me. When I had it towed to the dealer they advised me that my alternator went bad as a result of a recall that the alternator had. The dealer told me that the recall part was not available and I would have to pay out of pocket for it and then get reimbursed. While the alternator got repaired the dealer contacted me letting me know that as a result of the alternator getting messed up it affected the powertrain control module. I contacted the fca and told them the issue and they reassured me that if the powertain module was affected as a result of the alternator that that would also be reimbursed. The customer sales rep also confirmed this to the service advisor of the dealership. Now three months later I get a phone call that they will not be able to reimburse me for powertrain module because they have yet to receive the alternator piece and haven't looked into what the alternator could affect. How does one rep confirm that it is going to be covered and another rep turn around and deny my claim. Had my alternator never blew my powertrain would have still worked properly. Now how do I go about getting my money back.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

problem #527

Jan 112018

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Chrysler is not providing the parts in a timely manner to my local dealership for recall 15V-879

- Somerville, MA, USA

problem #526

Jun 302017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called crossmotor Chrysler Jeep at 502-459-9900 and was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Crestwood, KY, USA

problem #525

Jan 012018

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
This vehicle is subject to a recall. It has been open for months. I have called the dealership to try and get the car fixed as it is a safety issue. They say that a replacement alternator is not available. I bought this car for my kids to drive and the fact that it could die during operation and has been recalled but can't be fixed is disconcerting. What are you doing to make Jeep honor the recall and make the repairs?

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #524

Aug 312017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Jeep recall. I was notified of a recall of the alternator in August of 2017. Since then the dealers have refused to replace it because replacement parts were not available. The recall stated that a total power failure could result in serious injury. I drive high speed freeways and interstate highways frequently and am very concerned for my family, grandchildren, and myself. Please help.

- Ladera Ranch, CA, USA

problem #523

Dec 072017

Grand Cherokee

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While parking the vehicle at home, smoke was seen coming from the front of the vehicle and a burning odor was detected. The contact stated that the check battery warning indicator illuminated. There was no fire. The vehicle was taken to milton ruben superstore (3512 Washington rd, augusta, ga 30907, (888) 516-3797) where it was diagnosed that the alternator and battery failed. The alternator, battery, and cpm were replaced. Two weeks prior to the failure, the battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no further assistance. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). The parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer stated that owners would receive a second notice in 2018 when final remedy parts become available. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

- Evans, GA, USA

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