2012 Jeep Grand cherokee
The Verdict
The 2012 Jeep Grand cherokee has 1,614 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (617 complaints) and engine (482 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Grand cherokee, consider the 2025 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 96% fewer complaints
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Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 594 | 487 | 241 | 351 | 167 |
| 2001 | 509 | 241 | 103 | 153 | 110 |
| 2002 | 504 | 162 | 522 | 224 | 49 |
| 2003 | 292 | 64 | 291 | 74 | 30 |
| 2004 | 520 | 155 | 431 | 128 | 47 |
| 2005 | 670 | 74 | 782 | 235 | 225 |
| 2006 | 254 | 51 | 596 | 190 | 154 |
| 2007 | 103 | 26 | 502 | 269 | 159 |
| 2008 | 85 | 14 | 381 | 160 | 63 |
| 2009 | 39 | 2 | 45 | 33 | 19 |
| 2010 | 33 | 10 | 33 | 25 | 16 |
| 2011 | 174 | 273 | 560 | 569 | 55 |
| 2012 | 192 | 255 | 617 | 482 | 68 |
| 2013 | 118 | 134 | 305 | 190 | 43 |
| 2014 | 758 | 227 | 459 | 545 | 375 |
| 2015 | 529 | 29 | 181 | 286 | 312 |
| 2016 | 68 | 14 | 50 | 112 | 62 |
| 2017 | 90 | 21 | 57 | 129 | 64 |
| 2018 | 253 | 51 | 311 | 171 | 47 |
| 2019 | 90 | 95 | 63 | 70 | 35 |
| 2020 | 66 | 12 | 55 | 68 | 23 |
| 2021 | 138 | 24 | 106 | 84 | 42 |
| 2022 | 104 | 18 | 103 | 104 | 24 |
| 2023 | 122 | 20 | 98 | 106 | 21 |
| 2024 | 44 | 13 | 46 | 120 | 9 |
| 2025 | 17 | 3 | 13 | 21 | 6 |
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Complaints
I was caught driving in a hailstorm when hail impacted and broke the panoramic sunroof of my vehicle. I understand that hail can break automotive glass and that the sunroof is constructed from safety glass. My concern is not that the glass broke, but how it shattered. When the sunroof failed, it fragmented into extremely fine particles and powdered glass. The glass was so fine that it became embedded in the vehicle's seats and interior surfaces. It was in my hair and clothing. Fortunately, the interior cloth sunshade was partially closed at the time and contained much of the debris. Had the shade been open, the glass particles would have fallen directly into the cabin while I was driving. My concern is that the shattered glass created a large volume of fine particulate debris that could have been dispersed throughout the cabin and potentially into occupants' eyes, skin, and airways. This is particularly concerning when considering the possibility of children or other passengers seated beneath the sunroof at the time of failure. Given how fine the resulting particles were, I question whether additional protective measures, such as a laminated layer or other containment system, should be required to prevent shattered glass from entering the passenger compartment when a panoramic sunroof fails. I believe this issue warrants review because the manner in which the glass disintegrated may present a safety risk beyond the initial breakage itself.
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.
Upon starting my Jeep on the coldest day of the year back in January when I pressed the brake pedal to start it there was a loud and it reminded me, there was a recall out for the break booster pop and the pedal went all the way to the floor. It was fifteen below zero out.So I thought that it blew a brake line. I checked the lines going to all four.Wheels and could not find any fluid. I could not figure out where all the fluid went. I refilled the reservoir with two full cans of brake fluid. Tried pumping the pedal and again it went to the floor. Got out and inspected all lines and the reservoir itself.... Still could not find a leak. I googled the problem and saw a recall for the brake booster. Said it was installed incorrectly and water could enter the booster and master cylinder and freeze if cold outside and cause a serious accident causing serious injury or death. I inspected the system and water had entered the booster and master cylinder and froze. It ruined the master cylinder. I asked the dealership if they would pick up the vehicle and repair it. First they said yes then no they don't pick vehicles up. They ordered only a little shield to fix the booster per the recall but said that's all they would do. Why would I pay 200 out of my pocket to have the vehicle taken to them.Only to have them put a shield on the booster. I still would have no brakes. That is ridiculous. This is supposed to be a major safety issue.And it is! If I had been driving when I pressed on the brake pedal and it went to the floor I could have been killed or other innocent people could have been killed. You the NHTSA 's answer said Chrysler is contractually. Obligated to not only pick up my vehicle but to repair any and all components of the brake system to return the vehicle to previous safety operation at no charge to me. You also said that I should be given a loaner vehicle to use while mine is repaired. Dealership is refusing. I could be dead and so could other innocent people
Alternator overheated and vehicle stalled. Smoke was seen coming out from alternator. Incidentbandbvehicke details are consistent with FCA Recall T36. Looking to include vehicle in recall.
The vehicle is a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with open safety recalls T59 and V62. The brake warning light is currently illuminated, and based on the symptoms I believe the brake booster may be failing. The braking system is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that the vehicle may have reduced braking assist or impaired braking performance while being driven. This creates a risk of increased stopping distance, loss of braking confidence, or inability to stop safely in traffic. I contacted the FCA/Stellantis-recommended Jeep dealership in Lapeer, Michigan multiple times this week to schedule recall-related service. I was repeatedly transferred to service voicemail and did not receive return calls. When I called back and asked to speak with someone else, I reached the service manager. I explained that the vehicle has an illuminated brake warning light and that I suspect the brake booster may be failing. The service manager focused on where I lived, why I was not using a closer dealer, and mentioned that the vehicle is 14 years old, rather than clearly arranging recall service or addressing the brake safety concern. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealer because I have been unable to obtain timely service despite repeated attempts. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamp currently present is the brake warning light. The exact first date the warning light appeared was within the last 2 weeks.
Vehicle has two open unrepaired recalls: T59 (NHTSA 17V-572, brake booster water shield) and V62 (NHTSA 19V-813, fuel pump relay). The brake booster is currently symptomatic — an audible humming noise is present when the vehicle is stopped and idling, consistent with vacuum loss in the brake booster system. I contacted LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fenton, Michigan to schedule the recall repairs. An appointment was set for 8:15 AM on April 24, 2026. I requested a loaner or rental vehicle as the dealer indicated they would need to keep the vehicle over the weekend for the work. The dealer never followed up regarding the rental. Instead, the dealer contacted me to appraise my current vehicle and discuss new vehicle inventory. The recall work was never discussed. When I did not appear for the appointment, the dealer did not follow up or offer to reschedule. I then contacted Stellantis customer service directly and explained the situation, including the active brake booster symptom. The Stellantis representative connected me with a second dealership, Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, then disconnected from the call without notice. I was left explaining the situation a second time to a dealership that informed me they do not provide loaner vehicles. The rental option requires me to pay out of pocket upfront and then seek reimbursement from the manufacturer in the form of a check. This is not a viable option. Additionally, this dealership is located approximately one hour from my residence in Flint, making it logistically impractical for recall service. I am currently driving a vehicle with an active safety defect affecting the braking system. The recall remedy language states that limited braking ability can cause a crash without prior warning. Neither the manufacturer nor two dealerships have provided adequate accommodation to complete the recall repair while ensuring I have safe transportation during the service per
Check Engine light came on & Auto shop says when they checked under dash, computer says “Emissions” problem. They have to do a “smoke test” to see where there is a leak!!!
The dashboard has warped and lifted significantly from the underlying structure, particularly near the defroster vents and windshield area. The deformation appears to be caused by failure of the internal adhesive or mounting system used to secure the dashboard. The vehicle has only approximately 55,000 miles, and the issue does not appear to be due to normal wear or misuse. The vehicle and dashboard are available for inspection upon request. The warped dashboard creates potential safety concerns related to the passenger-side airbag deployment area, as the deformation occurs near the airbag seam and mounting points. A compromised dashboard structure could potentially interfere with proper airbag deployment in the event of a crash. In addition, the raised and distorted panel can cause glare or visual distraction while driving, which could affect driver visibility and concentration.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed while slowing down; however, the RPM elevated to 5,500 RPM. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was stopped, turned off, restarted, and operated normally. Additionally, the remote start feature was not operating properly. After remote starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The contact also stated that a phone call was ringing through the radio even though the phone was not in use. The contact researched online and believed that the vehicle had been hacked. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be hacked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
See attached document for complaint.
All dashboard lights came on while cherokee shut off on the parkway yet allowing me to steer to the side shoulder. Is this a symptom of total integrated power module TIPM.
My Airbags did not deploy and I believe my seatbelt also did not work properly. I was struck head on (front end to front end) inside a tunnel by a pickup truck (ram 3500) Going appx. 40mph and my air bags did not deploy and my head hit my windshield so I’m unsure if seatbelts worked properly as I was using mine. My insurance company is storing it now for me as it is most likely totaled. My insurance is handling my property damage case, as far as I know it has not been to any dealer/mechanic and again is most likely beyond repair unfortunately. Colorado state patrol inspected both vehicles involved, I know my insurance is holding the vehicle now, I’m not sure about the other driver as I am struggling to find help with litigation. I had no warning from my car nor otherr driver, not sure if this is because I was entering the single lane tunnel. he did not use horn flash light anything like that, I laid on my horn and cut my wheel right but being in a tunnel with a wall of rock/mountain, there’s was no avoiding him.
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 occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact requested a field inspector to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that the dealer stated that the failure was not related to the recall, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
I brought my vehicle to the Jeep of concord for a fuel pump relay recall and oil change on 11/12/25. Prior to 11/12 the vehicle did not experience any of the issues described below. On 11/13/25, a dealership representative sent an inspection video stating the vehicle was in immaculate condition following the recall repair. However, within less than 24 hours, the check engine light illuminated, and additional issues began occurring intermittently. After the recall work, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent warning lights, including service four wheel drive, traction control, and check engine. These warnings appear unpredictably and are sometimes accompanied by loss of vehicle functions, creating unsafe driving conditions. The vehicle has also experienced overheating since these issues began. Sometimes turning the vehicle off and then on would temporarily correct the problem if it would recrank. The failures occur intermittently, making them difficult to reproduce or diagnose, and they pose serious safety risks, including the potential for sudden loss of power, steering assistance, or drivability while the vehicle is in motion. On multiple occasions, the issues have left me stranded. I returned the vehicle to the dealership on 1/8/26. On 1/9/26, I received an inspection video from the dealership identifying a transmission issue for the first time. The rep stated they “double-checked” the recall wiring but confirmed that no manufacturer engineer inspected the vehicle, despite my request to escalate this as a STAR case due to safety concerns. The intermittent warning lights, overheating, and transmission concerns remain unresolved and Stellantis refused to escalate the issue. The dealership currently retains possession of my vehicle. I am concerned the recall repair may have been performed wrong or inadequately inspected, resulting in ongoing intermittent safety-related failures affecting multiple vehicle systems. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate & confirm
Two similar incidents to report during week of Dec 15th 2025 on surface streets: Was driving 25 mph when 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee just came to a complete stop -- without any warning signs of a problem. Vehicle stalled with no engine power and loss of power steering. I could not steer the vehicle to the side of the road. Was just stuck. The emergency lights did work. I put the vehicle in park and restarted the engine after about 30 seconds. The vehicle drove normally therafter. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IS IF I HAD BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC. This same stalling of the vehicle with no power or steering ability has happened 2 other times before earlier in 2025. The Dealer insists there is no recall, but this looks like the same problem that this Jeep had in 2019 when the dealer replace the fuel pump relay as part of a previous recall. Obviously that recall was not effective.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled while driving around a sharp curve, causing the contact to crash into a tree. There was severe front vehicle damage due to the crash. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The contact had not sustained any injuries. No medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was not filed due to the police department not showing up. The vehicle was towed to the residence by the contact's spouse. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
When driving the vehicle it just stalls. No warning and all power is lost including power steering which makes it VERY dangerous to all occupants of the vehicle and others on the road.
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 of the existing recall group. The combination of a sudden stall, complete loss of control systems, no-restart condition, and electrical-burn odor constitutes a serious and ongoing safety defect that endangers vehicle occupants and others on the roadway. Supporting Information: – CarMax technicians confirmed the vehicle would not restart. – Recent maintenance included new fuel pump, injectors, hoses, and cooling-system components (~$10 K). – Warning lights: “Service 4WD System” and “Electronic Throttle Control (lightning-bolt)” appeared immediately before stall.
In August 2025 my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo lost engine power and stalled while driving 15 mph. There was no warning. I was able to restart the car and drive. Then while driving in traffic at 45 mph on 18 Oct 2025, my Jeep abruptly lost engine power and stopped, putting my safety and the safety of my passenger at great risk as I had several cars behind me. Again, the Jeep stalled without warning. I was able to put my emergency warning lights on, then after 30 seconds, I put the car in park and restarted the engine with no problem. The Jeep drove normally. This unexpected loss of power while driving at speed in traffic on Hwy 431 could have been catastrophic. This incident appears to be linked to two previous Fuel Pump Relay recalls, the most recent being V62/NHTSA 19V-813. My Jeep was repaired by the Jeep dealer under both of these recalls which were prompted by no-start conditions and ENGINE STALL CONDITIONS. It appears the FCA repair has been ineffective as my Jeep has experienced two engine stalls while driving and does have intermittant problems with start up. This most recent problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer as the Jeep Dealer cannot see my vehicle for another 2 weeks, which puts my safety at risk. There were no warning lamps or messages before the abrupt engine stalls while driving. However, for the past 6 months, I had had intermittant instances of the car not starting immediately, particularly in the morning. I would turn the key fob a few times before my Jeep would start. But it always started.
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