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 / 17
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,744 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 8 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #124

Dec 122017

Grand Cherokee

  • 61,800 miles

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

8 times since new and 3 times since its last trip to the dealership, our Jeep engine will cut out, 6 times were when lifting off the throttle when exiting the interstate and twice where in traffic. When this happens you lose power steering and it becomes very hard to control. There are no warning lights on the dash, and no codes stored in the computer. Since this is completely random the dealership has not been able to duplicate it. I have replaced the battery, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, and intake air temperature sensor, all with no help. We just dropped it off again and told them we do not want it back unless it is fixed.

- Papillion, NE, USA

problem #123

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

problem #122

Nov 292017

Grand Cherokee

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle lost all power and stalled without warning twice. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but was not diagnosed or repaired. Victorville motors (14617 civic dr, victorville, ca 92394 (760) 733-8484) stated that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system), but the VIN was excluded. The failure mileage was 40,000.

- Lancaster, GA, USA

problem #121

Nov 292017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

Still no remedy available to the consumer for the following recall. Am I driving a time bomb? manufacturer recall numbert36 NHTSA recall number17V-435 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available summary the alternator may experience diode thermal fatigue failure due to cyclical loads induced by electro-hydraulic power steering. Safety risk failed diodes may also develop a resistive short circuit that can result in heat, smoke and/or fire originating within the alternator. Remedy the alternator part number must be inspected on all involved vehicles. Vehicles found with the suspect alternator will have it replaced with a new alternator containing improved diodes on all affected vehicles.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #120

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 #119

Oct 302017

Grand Cherokee

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 20 mph, the battery indicator suddenly illuminated and a whining noise was heard coming from the engine area. Also, a burning electrical odor and smoke were present under the hood. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (brown Jeep in patchogue, NY) and the manufacturer were notified in reference to the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 14V634000 (electrical system) although the failure was identical. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- East Islip, NY, USA

problem #118

Oct 152017

Grand Cherokee

  • 46,000 miles

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

Car started smoking, lights began flashing, wipers turned on lost all starring and car than died.

- Lincoln, RI, USA

problem #117

Oct 062017

Grand Cherokee

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 40 mph, the instrument cluster illuminated, flashed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact called a local dealer (zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 208 w golf rd, schaumburg, il 60195) and was informed to contact the manufacturer. The the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer stated that they could replace the failed parts, but the repairs would be the contact's responsibility and he would be reimbursed at a later date the failure mileage was 80,000.

- South Elgin, IL, USA

problem #116

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 #115

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 #114

Aug 202017

Grand Cherokee

  • 77,000 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 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 #113

May 172017

Grand Cherokee

  • 110,000 miles
Jeep stalls suddenly while driving with no indication other than the loss of power steering. This occurs repeatedly at different speeds ranging from 15 mph in the city to 60 mph on the highway. Stalling has occurred when slowing down and also while turning.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #112

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 #111

Jul 122017

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
I have 4 recurring problems with my Jeep. First, the driver's heated seats periodically will not work. Second, upon starting my car, it will just stall or shut down. This happens 2 to 3 times a week. Third, the check engine light continuously comes on and off (and when I get it checked, I am told something about the thermostat, but have had no problems with it overheating). Finally, the cruise control on/off button will not work sometimes. I have to physically hit the steering wheel for it to work. I have read about tons of recalls for my year Jeep, but my VIN number is not included. I am starting to think it should be.

- West Columbia, SC, USA

problem #110

Jun 282017

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,093 miles
The contact owns a 2012 (na) Jeep Cherokee. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and completely lost power. In addition, the malfunction, electronic throttle control, and acc indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler of simi valley, California, but the dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,093...updated 08/30/17

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #109

Jun 022017

Grand Cherokee

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the vehicle was stationary with the engine running, the vehicle would not turn off when prompted. The contact stated that the vehicle began to smoke due to fan that continued to run. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled without warning and lost power completely. Mike smith Jeep of beaumont, Texas attempted to repair the vehicle numerous times, but the failure continued. The water pump was replaced after the coolant oil began leaking into the pump. In addition, the traction control indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and instructed the dealer to check the tipm; however, the failures recurred even after numerous repairs. The failure mileage was 114,000.

- Jasper, TX, USA

problem #108

May 152017

Grand Cherokee

  • 44,000 miles
2012 altitude. Sometimes when I am driving the engine will cut out. There are no warnings, no glitches in the electrical components or anything. The only way I know the engine cuts out is that there is no response from the gas pedal and I lose power steering. I have to shift into neutral, ease on the brake, press the start button, and then when it restarts I shift it back into drive and pick up where I left off. Like I said, there are no glitches in the lights or anything. No codes or engine lights or anything. I bought it in Sept 2016 and its been in the shop about 9 times. They cant even get the problem to happen, let alone fix it. I emailed the Jeep and Fiat ceos for a paper trail in case I got into a wreck- wanted to cover my ***- and they responded. They said they'd pay for my rental car every time I brought my Jeep in for service on this issue. So that has limited me to bringing it into the dealer. They are giving me a number to allow me to purchase a new Jeep at employee cost, but, considering I bought a 2012 in 2016, I can't afford a 2017 model. I'd have to sacrafice a lot of my current options to try to find a vehicle priced to maintain my current payments. This has happened from all speeds. It happened to me while driving around 70mph, 30mph, and even after I came to a red light, and the light turned green, I pressed the gas and got nothing... the only thing that I have noticed, and I'm not even sure I really noticed this, but if I'm driving hard, and go from fast to slow quickly, but not slamming on my brakes, kind of like flying down the street and then the light turns so you gotta come to a stop soon. I hope that makes sense. I'm not even sure this has anything to do with it. I have aftermarket hids installed (ddm tuning with canbus plus or whatever it is) however, it's happened day or night, lights on and lights off.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #107

Jun 212017

Grand Cherokee

  • 85,000 miles
180 amp alternator burned out nearly causing engine fire. Required replacement of alternator, battery and pcu. Situation addressed by recall NHTSA 14V-634 which fca says not apply to my vehicle because of larger alternator. Vehicle was in motion when battery light illuminated. No other indication of danger until stopped. Smoke was clearly emanating from alternator when hood raised.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #106

May 262017

Grand Cherokee

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the carmax dealer in burbank, ca where the contact was informed that they could not service the vehicle due to others vehicle that needed to be serviced first. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

- San Valley, CA, USA

problem #105

Apr 182017

Grand Cherokee

  • 30 miles
My alternator and then my ECU computer were damaged exactly in the same way that was described in the P60 recall. Unfortunately I realized that my VIN is not listed in the recall. How can I get reinbursed from the dealer all the expenses that I paid if my VIN is not in the recall although it has the same damaged that is described in the P60 bulletin, please advise marcelo

- Miami, FL, USA

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