Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had an emissions test scheduled and failed due to the check engine warning light. The contact stated that the vehicle engine was idling roughly. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the number two cylinder had been misfiring and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic referred the contact to a dealer where she had been advised that there had been a manufacturer recall associated with the VIN, however, the recall warranty had expired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The contact stated that they were never notified of the extended warranty for the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start-up on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed. The contact suffered an asthma attack that required medical attention. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed by the dealer to a tow lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the dashboard was wrinkled. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine stalls without warning causing full loss of power, including power steering and ability to brake properly... ends in engine failure as well. This has resulted in MULTIPLE CLOSE ENCOUNTERS AND LATELY IT CAUSED ME TO HIT THE CURB AND DAMAGED FRONT RIGHT WHEEL.. WILL IT BE ANOTHER CAR AND A CRASH NEXT TIME!???
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. …
Vehicle was purchased 8/11/23 had it less then two weeks broke down . Was smoking , was put in shop several times . Told it was battery, then alternator. Gotten out of shop a few days later same issue . Had extended warranty , was stuck paying deductible twice even though it was in the shop for same thing . Deductible $200 twice I had to pay . Come to find out the engine had gone bad , they replaced that if I'm not mistaken . Vehicle was in shop almost a month after we had gotten no results from the original dealership service center where we purchased the vehicle. They did not have the proper tools to repair the vehicle, ended up taking the vehicle to a dodge dealership locally . After driving the car a couple months later it started smoking and jerking again would stop and would not crank . …
My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with 5.7 hemi has had all recalls and the one for fuel pump relay V62/NHTSA 19V-813 completed Aug 2021. It is still shutting off while driving with no warning. This has occurred 3 times since August with the most recent being on Dec 26th 2021 in Leesburg Va. Stalls while driving causing the power steering to not function as well as the brakes. This engine power turns off randomly at around 10-15 mph (when making turns, stopping and/or decelerating) but there are no warning lights that appear on the dash. All electrical power to the car still functions and the engine stall is not noticeable until applying pressure to the brakes or trying to steer the wheels. Once i get the vehicle manually stopped and put the gear shift in Park, hit the start button, the vehicle starts up every time and will run for weeks or months before it happens again. …
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee HEMI. As traveling whether on highway or on streets no matter the speeds the Jeep tends to just stall out out of no where especially when braking and coming to a stop it completely shuts off, no engine, no steering and then must have to engage into park or neutral to push to start up the Jeep again. It is very dangerous and scary any time it happens and even more so when happens on highway. It has been an on going issue since I bought the vehicle in NOV. 2018 but only happens every once in a while and out of the blue when it does. I did reached out several years ago to the manufacturer Mopar Jeep Chrysler but they had no solution for me. I had a case number with them but it was so long ago I cannot remember now. …
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 302 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 18% of the model year's 1,644 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-487 (engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 18 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.