Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM fluctuated before the transmission slammed into gear. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure, and a failure with the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and other unknown parts were replaced on the transmission. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately and the vehicle stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart. …
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. …
After getting my car back from big o doge in Greenville sc I was on my way to work and stopped at a redlight when the light turned green my car just sat there and didn't move I pressed the gas but nothing it just revved up like it was in neutral pressed the gas to the floor nothing all of a sudden it was like it jumped and took off...also did the same thing at a stop sign up hill and I had a car coming in the other lane as I was crossing the lane to get into the correct one....I had open recalls and set up for it to be checked when I arrived at the delarship they told me my recalls were closed. My car was not checked or repaired at the time how can you just cancel a recall/campaign after notification and claim parts aren't available but the car was never fixed? …
Since owning this vehicle (2013), it periodically stalls while driving. There is no warning and most times I am on a highway or getting off an exit. When this happens, I have no power steering ability. I have been lucky so far and I have not caused a serious accident when these episodes have occurred. My wife refused to ride or to drive the Jeep because of this problem. I see online that other Jeep owners have experienced the same problem. I have taken it to a Jeep dealer for service since 2013 and they are never able to diagnose the root cause of this problem. This problem seems to be happening more often - I fear for my life and those around me due to this sporadic problem. Please hold Jeep responsible for getting to the root of this issue with these vehicles.
While driving through the intersection after slowing down at light, vehicle completely stalled, turned off in the middle of the intersection and wouldn't start back up. I had to have it towed to dealership. I have had it in dealer prior to this incident for stalling issues just out of nowhere. They simply said they cannot find a cause. This is dangerous to me because vehicles behind me don't know that I am stalled out and almost hit me. Prior to this last time, I have been able to restart vehicle by putting in neutral and getting it to move on it's way, but still scary while vehicles behind me don't know that I was going to stall out. This last incident, I had to be pushed off of the road and then towed to dealer. Hoping they can find the cause and fix.
Vehicle stalled without warning. No power whatsoever. Illuminated battery light came on. Noticed a burning odor coming from vehicle. Checked engine bay and noticed heavy smoke coming from alternator for a good 10 minutes. Vehicle would not take a jump nor could I put into gear. Battery is completely dead. PCM also seems to be fried. Will have to be towed to Dealership. Called Jeep costumer care and referenced the t36 recall but my vin does not fall under it even though vehicle fits EXACT description of recall. Also noticed that many others are have same problem with Jeep and them not expanding the recall to their vin. How terrible!! This could have easily been a fatal situation. Jeep needs to take some responsibility and action!
I have an on going issue with the vehicle stalling while slowing down for intersections, roundabouts and exit ramps. This has been happening since 2018. The vehicle traveling around 35-25 decelerating, the RPMs will just drop to zero and the engine will shut off. No warning lights, codes or indication I have lost power. Latest incident was on 1/14/22 in Mukwonago, WI after have only driven the vehicle for about 10 minutes. Coming from a 55 zone donw to a stop at an intersection the vehicle stalled with no warning around 30-25 MPH. 1/16/22 I was entering a roundabout and saw the RPMs dropping below idle to zero and was able to stop the stall by shifting the transmission into neutral. RPMs immediately went back to idle.
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 few minutes all at same time got transfer case control module coming in mail hopefully it works but if not it's gotta b update or flash transmission update but it'll literally be surging and when slowing down it'll fell like it's getting shift in wrong gear it's crazy
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 both Alternator and Battery at a cost of $1068. Car was recalled under T36, and the repair has a repeat failure again. Jeep Declined to repair or re-imburse the repair costs. More importantly its still a major safety issue, and Jeep is failing their legal obligation to provide a permanent fix, not a temporary fix.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 102 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 1,644 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.