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 15 of 40)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #502

Sep 082017

Grand Cherokee

  • 130,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 25 mph, the air conditioning started to fade, the radio stopped operating, and the vehicle stalled. The police arrived and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle as smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to baxter Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler of Lincoln Nebraska where it was diagnosed that the alternator was damaged, which caused the battery to also damage the electrical harness. The contact also stated that a recall notification was received on 09/07/17 for NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). The vehicle was repaired per the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 32376399. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Kearney, NE, USA

problem #501

Sep 182017

Grand Cherokee

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 30 mph, several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel, including the engine and check battery indicators. The contact was able to exit traffic and drove onto a side road where the engine immediately stalled. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed. The dealer advised that they would replace the alternator temporarily with the same alternator until the permanent remedy became available in January of 2018. The manufacturer refused to assist with the temporary alternator replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. NHTSA campaign number: 7V435000 (electrical system) was referenced. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Stanfield, NC, USA

problem #500

Aug 312017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notice in August of 2017. The dealer (milford auto group-Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, 1470 boston post rd, milford, ct, 06460) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair and would be available in January of 2018. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Stratford, CT, USA

problem #499

Aug 312017

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles

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

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the contact's wife was driving, the battery indicator illuminated. Suddenly, the contact noticed smoke under the hood. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed smoke coming from the battery and then it burst into flames. The contact disconnected the battery and the fire went out. There were no injuries. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator and battery needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was currently at the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) in the mail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The consumer requested to have the vehicle repaired and to be reimbursed for the cost of car rental expenses. Updated 10/24/2017

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #498

May 022017

Grand Cherokee

  • 62,000 miles
I have a safety recall on my vehicle, regarding the wiring on the vanity lamp on visor. I contacted the dealer that I purchased it from and scheduled the 'warranty recall' appt to repair. When I arrived, they had me to leave the vehicle with them. I returned later that day to pick it up and was informed they didn't have part. I asked if they would contact me when they get it and they never did. It's been 4 months now. What do I do?

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

problem #497

Apr 012015

Grand Cherokee

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and smoke appeared under the hood. The vehicle was taken to Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram city (4395 route 130S, burlington, NJ 08016), but no codes could be generated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery, alternator, and power control module needed to be replaced. The alternator was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.

- Edgewater Park, NJ, USA

problem #496

Jul 282017

Grand Cherokee

  • 94,000 miles

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

Established complaint # 11011843. The reimbursement department refuses to cooperate with my valid complaint. Alternator diode thermal fatigue. Safety recall T36

- Woburn, MA, USA

problem #495

Sep 052017

Grand Cherokee

  • 98,850 miles
8/18/17 I was provided with recall notices during my annual inspection. I purchased this vehicle used and this was the 1st inspection I had to do & 1st I was notified of recalls. 9/5/17 started Jeep and began to leave driveway, it made funny noise, I shut it off and turned it back on and battery light came on. I parked it back in it's spot and shut it off. Smoke came from hood. I opened hood and watched alternator emit smoke for approximately 10 min before shutting hood. 9/5 called midstate chryslter in berlin, vt. They confirmed alternator is recall item T36 but Chrysler hasn't authorized fix. Called 1-800-853-1403 fca recall assistance center and spoke w/ shea who confirmed this and said I had to open a "case" and could expect a call within 24-hours. Requested rental call but was told had to wait for call back. Was told not to touch Jeep until inspection done. 9/7 called fca recall, spoke w/ renee who confirmed case #32345945 but said to give it more time for a call back from a specialist. Again requested rental but was told to wait for call. 9/8 called fca recall, spoke w/ jordan who said case wasn't opened properly, he fixed and give it 2-3 days for call back. Again, waiting for answer on rental car. 9/11 called fca recall, pam, still need to wait, again requested rental car. 9/12 james from "3rd party" called indicating I'll be getting a call from an inspector to come inspect the Jeep. Request rental but he is 3rd party and couldn't help. 9/12 called fca recall, james, patricia & katrina, to request rental, said to expect a call in 2-3 days! 9/12 received call from mike, 3rd party, who will have my car towed to dealership for inspection by him on 9/18 and then back home, it can not stay at dealership, must be towed back and he submits report to Jeep. Still without transportation & do not want my car towed several times unnecessarily, just want it fixed!

- Waterbury, VT, USA

problem #494

Sep 042017

Grand Cherokee

  • 88,000 miles
While on a nearby highway the vehicle stalled out on me. I was able to get into shoulder and after, immediately after stalling out I attempted to start the car right away, it took about 4 attempts for vehicle to start up again. Took vehicle to the dealership they first diagnosed it being an issue with the key fob battery after being replaced the vehicle ran for about a week then the original problem reoccurred. This time in town in the middle of an intersection. Vehicle was not able to start and had to get vehicle towed. After taking it bake to the dealer they informed me that there was an issue with the primary and secondary fuel pumps.

- Hoboken, NJ, USA

problem #493

Sep 092017

Grand Cherokee

  • 168,000 miles
Recall of "alternator diode thermal fatigue does not have available parts to correct. Since this condition causes unexpected vehicle stall causing risk of crash and/or overheating with smoke and/or fire." I cannot drive this vehicle in this condition nor can I risk having passengers with me, my elder parents, my grandchildren and/or myself. I should be supplied a rental vehicle and should not have to simply "wait" for a solution. If I am not going to be "safe" then they should buy it back from me. I purchased this vehicle new from Jeep.

- Oxford, MS, USA

problem #492

Sep 072017

Grand Cherokee

  • 82,000 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 received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). While driving, the engine stalled and lost power. The contact smelled a burning odor, but the location could not be determined. Also, the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called whitten brothers of richmond at (804) 378-0707 (10701 midlothian turnpike #100, richmond, va 23235) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The dealer stated that the contact could pay a fee for the repairs, but reimbursement was not guaranteed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available/parts distribution disconnect.

- Glen Allen, VA, USA

problem #491

Aug 302017

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received 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 experienced a failure with the alternator while the vehicle was stationary. The contact smelled an electrical odor and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 10/25/17 updated 10/26/2017

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #490

Aug 202017

Grand Cherokee

  • 114,000 miles
While driving the the interstate my battery light went on a few minutes later an image of a lightning bolt hit the battery and I lost complete power. Took it to the Jeep dealership took over a week to tell me its the PCM and that it had nothing to do with the alternator. Today I can pick up the car. They dated that I can pick up the car and then they told me my battery is very very week. They also assured me that one things has nothing to do with the other which is total bull, .

- Berwick, PA, USA

problem #489

Jul 102017

Grand Cherokee

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. While driving, the contact heard an abnormal noise under the hood. After the gear shifter was placed in park, the contact smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The next day, while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the battery indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to bertera Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (539 riverdale St, West springfield, MA 01089 (413) 734-4980) where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The manufacturer stated that the contact could pay for the repairs and then be reimbursed. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

problem #488

Sep 012017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Middlesex, NJ, USA

problem #487

Jul 282017

Grand Cherokee

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system), for which the fuel pump relay was replaced. Approximately two years after receiving the repair, the contact began to notice that the vehicle would crank, but failed to start. The contact would have to make several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Chrysler fullerton (located at 1044 us route 22, East summerville, NJ, 08876; 908-722-2500) where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump relay failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they were unable to provide another repair. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Middlesex, NJ, USA

problem #486

Aug 292017

Grand Cherokee

  • 34,000 miles
My car turns off while driving differnt times of the day could be in the morning or could be during the day. It just shuts off with no sign the lights are on in the front the radio is still on its happened several times. Some times does not want to start randomly... this is my 3rd time taking it into the dealer with this same issue and they keep saying nothing is wrong with it. This last time I was on the freeway and it just shut off. I just want them to repair it. The fist time I took it in I want to say I was under the warranty miles around 34 or 36000 I am going to confirm with the dealer.

- Rialto, CA, USA

problem #485

Aug 292017

Grand Cherokee

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of power. The battery warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic because it was not operable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the case number 32304339 and that the recall parts would not be made available until next year.the failure mileage was approximately 94,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Gretna, LA, USA

problem #484

Aug 202017

Grand Cherokee

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 30 mph, the battery warning indicator illuminated and a humming noise was heard underneath the hood. The driver saw flames under the hood and the vehicle immediately shut down. There were no injuries. Neither a police report nor a fire report were filed. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted (westbury Dodge in westbury, NY, 855-477-5588) and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 77,000.

- Oceanside, NY, USA

problem #483

Aug 112017

Grand Cherokee

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While operating the vehicle, the charging system warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle suddenly shut off. During the incident, the ABS and stability control systems were disabled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the 180 amp alternator was faulty and damaged the battery and PCM, which included melting the electrical wiring. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system) that included 160 amp alternators only. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 91,000.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

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