Problems · by component
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee power train problems
102 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite power train, 6% of all 1,644 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
102
6% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure worsened. The contact stated that after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, a week after the vehicle was repaired, the traction control warning light, the check engine warning light, and the yellow light with an arrow across were illuminated. The message "Service 4-WD" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and failed to restart. The contact left the vehicle on the side of the road. The following day, the contact sent someone to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact called the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic cost would be charged, and the contact refused. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate…”
“The cuts off in the Middle of the street in front of a school .The vehicle will not start up.I try to Crank it on vehicle make a loud screeching sound like metal to metal .Dash lights 4wd pop on then a lightning symbol came on.The vehicle wont change gears steering wheel lock ,wheels lock ,The front left turning signal does not work all the other lights do.My wife and I avoided a collision when the vehicle shut off while driving .Thank God no one were hurt.Bought this vehicle in October 2025.”
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM fluctuated before the transmission slammed into gear. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure, and a failure with the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and other unknown parts were replaced on the transmission. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately and the vehicle stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced, and the accelerator pedal also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that recently the vehicle failed to exceed…”
“Re: AQ14-003-FCA-Consent-Order-7-24-2015 & 2019 Safety Recall [Manufacturer Recall Number V62 & NHTSA Recall Number 19V-813]. FCA hasn't been in compliance with either of them regarding 'my' vehicle. 2015 Consent Decree implies should have been notifying car owners of any type of recall. 2017 recall was cancelled & 2019 safety recall was issued 4 years after the decree, 1 year after I bought the car, a safety recall was issued. Wasn't notified. 2 years later "I" contacted FCA (now Stellantis) to get my vehicle remedied by repair or replacement. Parts were shipped to a dealership but they used it on one of their customers. I asked for another set of parts. After that, absolutely nothing has happened up to now. Keep in mind FCA had my information (email, phone & address) either from me emailing or speaking with a customer rep. It's been over 3 years since last heard from FCA. On my side I no longer have ability to contact them directly since they became Stellantis. 49 U.S.C. § 30166(f); 49 C.F.R. §§ 573.6(c)(10); 577.5(a), 577.7(c)(1), & 49 U.S.C. § 30165(a)(1); 49 C.F.R. § 578.6(a) NHTSA fined FCA/Stellantis > $100 million for 'not' making an effort to send…”
Showing 6 of 102 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.