Reliable Auto DB

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 1,642 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee over 15 years — 94 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Grand Cherokee years here — over the median of the other years, which is 68. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Electrical system, Turbocharger, and Service brakes.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Photo by Navigator84, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
Complaints

1,642

Per year

94

Recalls

11

Years on the road

15

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (836 of 1,642), then Engine (284) and Service brakes (277). Those filings include 46 that report a crash, 105 that report a fire, and 24 that report an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Grand Cherokee has 802 complaints, 94 per year. The 2012 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (11)

Recall Electrical system 2019-11-14 · NHTSA campaign 19V813000
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.
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.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, gasoline, turbocharger 2017-10-19 · NHTSA campaign 17E061000
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.
Remedy ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017. Owners may contact ATI customer service at 1-913-338-2886.
Recall Service brakes 2017-09-18 · NHTSA campaign 17V572000
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.
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.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2017-07-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000
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.
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.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2015-12-28 · NHTSA campaign 15V879000
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.
Remedy 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. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
Recall Electrical system 2015-02-27 · NHTSA campaign 15V115000
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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000
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.
Remedy Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2014-07-02 · NHTSA campaign 14V391000
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.
Remedy 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
Recall Service brakes 2014-04-01 · NHTSA campaign 14V154000
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.
Remedy 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. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Recall hydraulic brakes, antilock and traction control 2014-03-04 · NHTSA campaign 14V104000
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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Recall Engine and engine cooling 2011-09-29 · NHTSA campaign 11V487000
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.
Remedy CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Complaints by component (1642 total)

Electrical system
836
Engine
284
Service brakes
277
Fuel and propulsion system
216
Powertrain
102
Steering
99
Air bags
43
Speed control
35
Exterior lighting
34
Suspension
32
Hydraulic brakes
30
Fuel system, gasoline
27
Structure
26
Electronic stability control (ESC)
22
Interior lighting
22
Visibility and wipers
21
Engine and engine cooling
18
Seat belts
12
Seats
12
Equipment
11
Visibility
11
Tires
10
Wheels
10
Diesel fuel system
4
Adaptive and mobility equipment
2
Forward collision avoidance
2
Fuel system, other
2
Back-over prevention
1
Fire-related
1
Lane departure
1
Latches, locks, and linkages
1
Show 23 more Show less
Crash-flagged

46

Fire-flagged

105

Injury reports

24

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

220112020123220132292014343201518120161822017123201813120191782020902021322022352023172024282025192026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Recall R71 was marked as completed on this vehicle, but the headliner caught fire exactly as described in the original defect narrative. SUV caught fire, blew up and took out four other vehicles and a parking structure."
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-09-24
  • "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:…"
    Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2026-09-17
  • "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…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system · filed 2026-09-10
  • "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…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-09-10
  • "Problem was Oil Filter housing made of plastic. It was cracked and no warning light that oil had leaked out. Car SUDDENLY DECELERATED as I was merging into traffic on freeway causing vehicles coming up behind to brake…"
    Unknown or other, Engine · filed 2026-07-31

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 3 stars
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Grand Cherokee two-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 6-speed Rear-wheel drive 14 20 16 MPG $4600
Grand Cherokee two-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 17 23 19 MPG $3400
Grand Cherokee four-wheel drive 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 6-speed Four-wheel drive 13 20 15 MPG $4950
Grand Cherokee four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed All-wheel drive 16 23 19 MPG $3400
Grand Cherokee SRT8 four-wheel drive 6.4L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed Four-wheel drive 12 18 14 MPG $5700

Specs and fitment

WK2 generation, 2012–2021
Body styles SUV
Oil 5W-20 (3.6L); 5W-30 (5.7L HEMI) , 6 qt capacity
Tire size 265/60R18 to 265/50R20 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 7,200 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Recall 20V-475 covers certain 2014-2016 Grand Cherokees with the 3.0L EcoDiesel (shared with Ram 1500): the crankshaft-position sensor tone wheel may delaminate so the engine cannot sync injector and cam timing and may stall; dealers update PCM software to fall back on the cam signal (FCA W58). Diesel-only—gasoline WK2 trucks are outside that campaign. Confirm open Takata and other VIN-specific campaigns on NHTSA before purchase; WK2 also appears on multiple FCA air-bag and fuel campaigns by year.

Compare

Next year 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee See every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

Owners have filed 1,642 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee over 15 years — 94 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Grand Cherokee years here — over the median of the other years, which is 68. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Electrical system, Turbocharger, and Service brakes.

What are common problems with a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (836 of 1,642), then Engine (284) and Service brakes (277). Those filings include 46 that report a crash, 105 that report a fire, and 24 that report an injury.

Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Grand Cherokee has 802 complaints, 94 per year. The 2012 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2013.

Has the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee been recalled?

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 11 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners have filed 1642 complaints about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 16.6 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Grand Cherokee take?

5W-20 (3.6L); 5W-30 (5.7L HEMI)

What does NHTSA recall 20V-475 cover on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Recall 20V-475 covers certain 2014-2016 Grand Cherokees with the 3.0L EcoDiesel (shared with Ram 1500): the crankshaft-position sensor tone wheel may delaminate so the engine cannot sync injector and cam timing and may stall; dealers update PCM software to fall back on the…

What generation is the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

WK2 generation (2012-2021).