2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2012 to 2021 model years
Photo: Cutlass, CC0
How the 2012 compares

One of the worst Grand Cherokee years

Owners filed about 2.7 times as many complaints as a typical Grand Cherokee year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 70,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2016, 2017 and 2020.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 1,644 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (837, 51% of complaints), followed by the brakes and stability control and the engine and cooling. That ranks 2nd of 13 Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 11 recalls.

Complaints1,644filed with NHTSA
Recalls11for this model year
Crashes4635 injuries reported
Fires105reported in complaints

5 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee before you buy.

Electrical system

837 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 70,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Alternator smoking. it is available for inspection. Filled interior of vehicle with smoke the engine stopped running while driving. Took to dealership for a 2nd sun visor recall and had them diagnose the smoking alternator. The voltage light came on just before the alternator started smokingOwner complaint, filed 2026

Brakes and stability control

308 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
In 2018 the brake booster was tested (vacuum test), and was deemed fine, even though the part itself was placed incorrectly per the recall and could fail at any point. It was not replaced, and marked the recall as closed. Last week the part, brake booster, failed while driving. Jeep is not willing replace due to recall being closed in…Owner complaint, filed 2024

Engine and cooling

302 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

The camshaft has gone bad and unnatural wear to the lifters has caused the issue. Also, after researching the design of the engine, it is obvious that there is a design flaw. The camshaft does not receive sufficient oil in order to be lubricated due to its location in the engine. The vehicle only has 114,000 miles. It has been taken care…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owned a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact then stated that the hood of the vehicle started to catch fire. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle off the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated.…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Fuel system

248 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 77,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I had my jeep’s recall for a fuel pump relay and now I have problems starting at times and I’m starting to smell fuel through my vents and even when I park my jeep inside the garage. I am very worried while I am driving it, especially I have a child with me at all times in the jeep. Please help me, I want to get this solved as soon as…Owner complaint, filed 2025

Transmission and drivetrain

102 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

This Jeep has had 2 recalls and repairs related to the fuel pump relay. The first recallrepair did not fix the issue, Jeep then replaced the relay again, which did not fix the issue. Then there was a NEW recall and repair, which also did not fix the issue. The car still has the exact same issues, the car will randomly stall soon after…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The transmission shifts strangely, and it seems like it cannot decide which gear it needs to be in for normal operations. It also causes the vehicle to stall while driving. Also, at times it stays in only one gear, and you cannot even shift gears manually. Intermittently, the vehicle starts out in a higher gear, and it doesn’t correct…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Steering

100 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo In August of 2020, I brought the vehicle to my repair shop due to a leak, and hard to steer at 75061 miles. They performed a repair of the rack & pinion, power steering hose, and an alignment. On 5/23/23, I had the vehicle in a shop to check on a sqeak while turning the wheel along with a clunking sound.…Owner complaint, filed 2023
A couple week ago noticed fluid on my garage floor. It seemed to be dripping from the left front of the car. Also noticed this oil on the garage shelf which is closed to the car when I park it in the garage. Today, May 23, 2023 went to have the oil change in the car, and was told the power steering fluid was low .Owner complaint, filed 2023

Lights, wipers and visibility

64 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

Right front blinker burns out plus the socket burnt also, I replaced both parts around 10/25/2024 and the same thing happened..Owner complaint, filed 2025
When turning on the right front turn signal my emergency flashers come on instead of the turn signal. Fog lights doesn't work at all. Wind shield wipers come on randomly whether it is raining or not. These all happen when driving the vehicle. Sometimes the vehicle will turn off right after starting. I have to re-start.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 79,000 miles

Air bags

43 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 73,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 106,000 miles
On or about December 15 2020 my wife was on her way to work and hit a water puddle and hydroplaned at 60 miles per hour and lost control and hit the wall head on at 55 mph and no airbags deployed I have the car in my front yardOwner complaint, filed 2023

Cruise control and acceleration

35 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 53,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the rpm increased however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system) however, the part to do…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 125,000 miles
My acc sensor will not connect therefore my cruise control does not work, leaving useless buttons on my steering wheel. We have no idea what is wrong with the whole system. Took it to the dealership and while they were doing recall work, they checked it. Said I would have to buy the $2,000+ acc unit and then it would probably be $1,000+…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 88,000 miles

Suspension

32 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 53,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably while driving over a bump in the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 120,000 miles
Driving Service air suspension light came on then front end dropped as pulled into driveway and put in park. Turned car off then on and suspension didn’t lift towed to mechanic and air suspension was changed. Air suspension light came on not even two years later saying service suspension towed to shop and they said Transfer Case Control…Owner complaint, filed 2021

Body, doors and structure

27 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 69,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (19).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

Paint above windshield has deteriorated and has rust bubbles. Paint first looked almost burnt then turned white/grey in color. The sun roof stopped working shortly after. Spot has increasingly become bigger and bigger. It has doubled in size in less than 3 months. I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and when depressing the brake pedal, the contact heard a crack underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with needing the sub frame bolts replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 200,000 miles

Seats and seat belts

24 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 61,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

The driver's seat headrest active head restraint deployed open while I was putting items into the back seat from the passenger side. The car was stationary, but running, but hadn't been jarred or hit to provoke the deployment. The plastic tabs on the inside are broken, and I'm not able to reset the headrest into position, and essentially…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 110,000 miles
The passenger side active headrest restraint deployed while car was parked in my driveway and not in use. It can not be repaired. Plastic is broken inside.Owner complaint, filed 2020

Wheels and tires

20 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

Corrosion on the hubs of all the wheels has been an issue with my car just about 1 year after purchasing it brand new. This is not just a problem with my jeep. I have noticed on many jeeps in my area. It is not an issue that the warranty covers despite being a new car. This seems like a [VIN] issue.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an usual noise and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lug nuts on the rear passenger wheel fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 56,000 miles

Driver assist systems

3 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

My 2012 jeep SRT8 will be driving n jerking and feels unsafe think gotta be a n23 transfer case or final drive ordeal they have with different year not my year but should be and I don't feel safe at all n I paid a lot of money for this premium vehicle and getting run around and serv 4wd and traction control off n fcw off pops up after…Owner complaint, filed 2022
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden all the lights on the dash lit up and then the vehicle completely shut down, with no power. This happened while I was driving, so thank god it happen late when there was no traffic. I immediately smelled electrical burning and there was absolutely no power to the vehicle. I had to have the…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 135,000 miles

Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by year

Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2012 midsize SUVs

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2012 Jeep Grand CherokeeAmong the worst years11Electrical system
2012 Toyota HighlanderAbout average2Steering
2012 Honda PilotOne of the better years9Engine and cooling
2012 Ford ExplorerOne of the better years7Steering
Compare side by side

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Electrical system

Nov 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V813000
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness.
Full recall summary

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.

Engine and cooling Turbo / supercharger

Oct 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17E061000
Risk
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.

Brakes

Sep 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V572000
Risk
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Electrical system Alternator / generator / regulator

Jul 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Full recall summary

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.

Electrical system Wiring

Dec 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V879000
Risk
The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.

Electrical system

Feb 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V115000
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

Electrical system Alternator / generator / regulator

Oct 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Electrical system Wiring

Jul 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V391000
Risk
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.

Brakes

Apr 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V154000
Risk
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure.
Full recall summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.

Brakes Antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip

Mar 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V104000
Risk
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.

Engine and cooling

Sep 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V487000
Risk
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, Dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and JEEP grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the electrical system (837 complaints), the brakes and stability control (308 complaints) and the engine and cooling (302 complaints).

Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year to buy?

One of the worst Grand Cherokee years. Owners filed about 2.7 times as many complaints as a typical Grand Cherokee year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 70,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2016, 2017 and 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recent, from Nov 2019, covers the electrical system. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 70,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the brakes and stability control gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should I avoid?

The Grand Cherokee years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2016, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.