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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 1,644 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee[1]. The electrical system is the group named most often, with 837 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed complaints across several parts of this SUV, and these are the groups in order of size.
- Electrical System. 837 complaints[2]. Owners describe warning lights flashing at random, windows that stop working for hours, and dead starts where everything goes dark. Some stories mention smoke or a burning smell from the dash area or near the overhead controls.
- Engine. 302 complaints[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe odd noises, a loss of power on the highway, and engine speed climbing when they lift off the gas. Some mention leaking fluids and smoke under the hood.
- Brakes. 289 complaints[7]. Owners describe a pedal that sinks, longer stops than expected, and a vehicle that keeps rolling while they press hard on the pedal.
- Fuel/Propulsion System. 216 complaints[8]. Owners describe cars that crank and then die, need several tries to start, or stall while driving. Several stories point to the fuel pump.
- Unknown Or Other. 120 complaints[9].
- Power Train. 102 complaints[10].
- Steering. 100 complaints[11].
- Air Bags. 43 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2012 Grand Cherokee is necessarily included.
- Electrical System (19V813), November 2019. About 528,594 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.[13]
- Service Brakes (17V572), September 2017. About 646,394 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator (17V435), July 2017. About 442,214 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Interior Lighting (15V879), December 2015. About 389,252 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Electrical System (15V115), February 2015. About 339,525 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.[17]
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator (14V634), October 2014. About 435,081 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[18]
- Electrical System › Wiring (14V391), July 2014. About 653,562 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[19]
- Service Brakes (14V154), April 2014. About 646,498 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[20]
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (14V104), March 2014. About 18,780 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[21]
- Engine And Engine Cooling (11V487), September 2011. About 667 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[22]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive[23] | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive[24] | 13 / 20 / 15 | $5,050 |
| Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive[25] | 12 / 18 / 14 | $5,850 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive[26] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,750 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6.4L 8-cylinder[28] | 470 hp |
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 719 | 4 |
| 1996 | 893 | 6 |
| 1997 | 991 | 5 |
| 1998 | 1,028 | 4 |
| 1999 | 1,638 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1,447 | 6 |
| 2001 | 883 | 4 |
| 2002 | 1,476 | 10 |
| 2003 | 762 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1,295 | 8 |
| 2005 | 2,051 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1,280 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1,109 | 5 |
| 2008 | 734 | 4 |
| 2009 | 138 | 2 |
| 2010 | 118 | 5 |
| 2011 | 1,642 | 6 |
| 2012 | 1,644 | 10 |
| 2013 | 805 | 9 |
| 2014 | 2,383 | 18 |
| 2015 | 1,367 | 9 |
| 2016 | 311 | 8 |
| 2017 | 364 | 5 |
| 2018 | 855 | 10 |
| 2019 | 370 | 7 |
| 2020 | 241 | 3 |
| 2021 | 500 | 16 |
| 2022 | 489 | 24 |
| 2023 | 593 | 23 |
| 2024 | 314 | 18 |
| 2025 | 120 | 5 |
| 2026 | 52 | 6 |
NHTSA's counts for the Grand Cherokee show 1,644 complaints and 10 recalls for 2012[3]. Among the 33 model years listed, 30 have fewer complaints than 2012 and 2 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2014 (2,383)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2012 Grand Cherokee?
The complaint record for this model year is large, at 1,644 complaints[1]. Electrical trouble leads the list with 837 complaints[2]. Engine, brake and fuel complaints follow[6][7][8]. Some reports mention fires and injuries, so warning signs deserve attention[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, and the year also has 10 recalls listed in the Recalls section[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Owners name the electrical system most often, then the engine, brakes and fuel system[2][6][7][8].
- Does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?
- Yes. The year has 10 recalls, and the Recalls section on this page lists them[3].
- How many complaints are there for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA has 1,644 owner complaints on file for this model year[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Compare all model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Other Jeep models from 2012
Similar cars from 2012: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,644 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (46 mention a crash, 105 a fire, 35 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 837 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 94 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,008). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 302 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 18 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,379). NHTSA vehicle records
- 289 complaints name the brakes component group (21 crashes, 2 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 216 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,452). NHTSA vehicle records
- 120 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 5 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 102 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 100 complaints name the steering component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,172). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V813, filed November 14, 2019: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V572, filed September 18, 2017: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V435, filed July 10, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V879, filed December 28, 2015: Interior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V115, filed February 27, 2015: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V634, filed October 8, 2014: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V391, filed July 2, 2014: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V154, filed April 1, 2014: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V104, filed March 4, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V487, filed September 29, 2011: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 20 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4 DR SUV LAREDO E/ LAREDO X 4X: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,661 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4 DR SUV LIMITED 4X4/OVERLAND: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,850 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE SRT-8: length 191 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov