Problems · NHTSA complaints
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners filed 1,644 complaints about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Dec 2011 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (837).
Complaints
1,644
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
46
Reported by owners
Fires
105
Reported by owners
Injuries
35
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system837
- Engine285
- Service brakes278
- Fuel/propulsion system216
- Power train102
- Steering100
- Air bags43
- Vehicle speed control35
- Exterior lighting34
- Suspension32
- Service brakes, hydraulic30
- Fuel system, gasoline27
- Structure26
- Electronic stability control (esc)22
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
20
32
229
343
181
182
123
131
178
90
32
35
17
28
21
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 229 |
| 2015 | 343 |
| 2016 | 181 |
| 2017 | 182 |
| 2018 | 123 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 90 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
837 reports5 crashes94 fires6 related recalls
“The alternator failed. It was the Safety Recall P60 (NHTSA 14V-634) remedy alternator, installed by an authorized FCA dealer when the recall was completed on 08/30/2021, as FCA confirmed in writing. On 09/24/2026, at 41,275 miles, the vehicle had no electrical power and would not start. An independent New York State registered repair facility diagnosed the failure as "no power," "not starting," and "bad alternator (burning)," and replaced the alternator assembly the same day. The remedy alternator failed about 5 years after installation. The vehicle averages under 3,000 miles per year. The mileage at installation is in FCA's records and is UNKNOWN to me. Safety risk: the P60 recall states that these alternator diodes can fail rapidly with no output or a short to ground, which can disable ABS, electronic stability control, and the engine and body controllers, and can cause vehicle shutdown while driving and an underhood electrical fire, with limited or no warning to the driver. This failure is consistent with that description: total loss of power and a burning alternator. Had it failed while driving, the vehicle could have shut down in traffic. Warning lamps or…”
Engine
285 reports4 crashes17 fires
“The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.”
Service brakes
278 reports19 crashes2 fires2 related recalls
“The engine power cuts of randomly while driving with no warning at all. When it happens the steering locks up veering the vehicle to the left so you have no control and at the same time the power brakes lock up and you are unable to stop the vehicle. Everything else works when this happens lights, radio, heater, air conditioning. No warning lights display. I had the vehicle with a mechanic that kept it for over 4 months to test drive and see if it would occur. It happened while he drove it but no codes show up to determine the cause. I had it towed back to my home and contacted Jeep Chrysler and they gave me a claim number to bring to my local Jeep dealer. They had it for over a week and unfortunately the jeep ran fine so once again no resolution to be able to fix. I bought the Jeep from Carvana 9/7/24 and am still paying it off but yet haven't been able to drive it for the past 15 months because it is unsafe for myself and anyone else on the roadway.”
Fuel/propulsion system
216 reports4 crashes1 fire
“Here’s the final version of your NHTSA complaint text — rewritten for clarity, precision, and compliance. You can copy and paste this directly into the “Description of the Problem” box on the NHTSA form.Recall Number: V62 – Fuel Pump RelayMy Jeep is under recall V62 for the fuel pump relay. Stellantis confirmed that the recall is active and that the remedy is listed as “available” in their system.However, Stellantis has not provided the recall repair. The recall agent told me: • “If the part is discontinued, you will be looking for an aftermarket part.” • “I cannot look [up discontinuation] in my system.” • “We need to hear it from the dealership.” • “We can try filing for reimbursement.”These statements conflict with 49 U.S.C. § 30120, which requires the manufacturer to remedy the defect without charge, even if the part is discontinued, and to provide repair, replacement, or refund if repair cannot be completed.Stellantis is shifting responsibility to me to locate parts, refusing to verify part availability, and delaying the recall remedy. The recall remedy is listed as available, yet Stellantis will not provide it.I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure…”
Power train
102 reports4 crashes2 fires
“My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee suddenly was stalling, and would not re-start, especially when turning the steering. AAA Tech diagnosed as High Diode Ripple Voltage in the Alternator, damaging the Battery. Needed to Replace both Alternator and Battery at a cost of $1068. Car was recalled under T36, and the repair has a repeat failure again. Jeep Declined to repair or re-imburse the repair costs. More importantly its still a major safety issue, and Jeep is failing their legal obligation to provide a permanent fix, not a temporary fix.”
Steering
100 reports5 crashes1 fire
“Year: 2012 Make/Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 L V8, 4WD Mileage: ~140,000 miles Date of Incident: [Insert date] Location: McKinney, Texas (near U.S. 75 exit) Description of the Safety Issue: While driving normally, the Service 4WD System warning illuminated. Seconds later, the lightning-bolt symbol (Electronic Throttle Control) appeared, and the engine stalled abruptly without warning. All power steering and power-brake assist were lost while the transmission was still in Drive. The vehicle rolled backward on a slight grade as if in neutral. Attempts to restart the vehicle failed. Even CarMax technicians, at whose lot the vehicle came to rest, were unable to start it. A strong hot/burning electrical odor was present immediately after shutdown. This indicates a possible overheating or shorting event in the electrical or fuel-relay system (TIPM or throttle-body circuit). Had this failure occurred on U.S. 75 at highway speed (80–85 mph), I would have lost steering assist and braking ability in heavy traffic — a situation that could have led to a severe collision or injury. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case as a potential recurrence or expansion…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.