2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a complaint index of 90 out of 21 model years, ranking 3rd worst, with 1,642 complaints and 10 recalls. NHTSA data shows Electrical System issues dominate at 52% of complaints, including 105 reported fires, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Grand Cherokee years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 Grand Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,642
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 46
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 105
- Injuries
- 35
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 35 / 0
Top 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System848 (52%)
- Engine325 (20%)
- Brakes307 (19%)
- Fuel System248 (15%)
- Other133 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain102 (6%)
- Steering99 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (3%)
- Airbags43 (3%)
- Structure & Body39 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report burning smells and smoke coming from the ceiling near the rear-view mirror and sun visor area, sometimes followed by flames.
- Some describe the vehicle catching fire under the hood shortly after starting or while driving, with engine bay damage.
- Several report electrical malfunctions after a collision, including airbags failing to deploy and doors becoming inoperable.
- Owners describe unexpected vehicle movement, such as rolling backward or lurching forward, while the brake pedal was applied.
- One owner reported a minor power steering rack and pinion leak that was not repaired before a related accident.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V813000Nov 14, 2019Electrical System528,594 vehicles
Electrical system
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
- NHTSA 17V572000Sep 18, 2017Brakes646,394 vehicles
Service brakes
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
- NHTSA 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
- Compared to other Grand Cherokee model years, the 2012 ranks 3rd worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 90 and 1,642 NHTSA complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 52% of complaints (848 complaints) and 105 reported fires, at a median mileage of 70,000.
- Does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most involving the Electrical System, such as alternator wiring, sun visor wiring, and fuel pump relay issues, plus two Brakes-related booster shield recalls.
- Which Grand Cherokee years are worse than 2012?
- According to NHTSA complaint index data, the 2014 Grand Cherokee (index 100) and 2015 (index 95) rank worse than the 2012 model, while 2012 itself ranks 3rd worst overall.
- How many fires were reported for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 105 fire reports for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 95 of those tied to the Electrical System problem area.