NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay in the power module can fail, causing the engine to shut off suddenly while driving.
What the fix does
This page covers 10 recalls, 1632 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
15–19 mpg combined
12.4–15.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate owner reports for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, making up the largest share by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, dashboard malfunctions, and various electrical gremlins that can be difficult to pin down. Brakes are the second most-reported system, with a notable cluster of owners describing brake booster issues, specifically a humming or whining noise at idle that points to vacuum loss, warning lights for the braking system, and in some cases a hard pedal requiring excessive force to depress. A smaller but consistent group of owners reports fuel and emissions system concerns, typically a check engine light tied to a detected leak somewhere in the evaporative emissions system. The warping and lifting of the dashboard around the defroster vents is also a recurring physical complaint, with owners noting the adhesive or mounting structure appears to let go well before high-mileage thresholds.
1,632
Total Complaints
46
Crash-Related
104
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 10 recalls, the most serious involving fire and stall risks: alternator failure can cut engine power without warning or cause an electrical fire, and sun visor wiring can short and ignite, even after prior repair attempts.
A separate stall risk comes from the fuel pump relay inside the power distribution module, which can fail and kill the engine unexpectedly. Note that some recalls only affect SRT and SRT8 trim models: on those vehicles, an aftermarket supercharger mounting bracket can contact and damage the anti-lock brake line, leaking brake fluid and extending stopping distances.
Several recalls cluster around the brake system. The brake booster shell can corrode and allow water inside, which freezes and reduces braking force. A follow-up recall verifies that a previously installed shield meant to prevent that water intrusion was fitted correctly. Separately, an anti-lock brake valve can fall out of specification, causing a sudden hard pedal feel during braking that may catch the driver off guard. A similar hard pedal issue affects the Ready Alert Braking system, where the pedal stiffens unexpectedly and the vehicle takes longer to stop.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay in the power module can fail, causing the engine to shut off suddenly while driving.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The fuel pump relay and related wiring will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The supercharger mounting bracket may contact the ABS brake line and damage it, potentially causing brake fluid to leak.
What the fix does
The supercharger bracket will be replaced at no cost to the owner.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster shield installed in a previous campaign may not be properly secured, potentially allowing water to enter the brake booster and reduce braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster shield and correct the installation if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The alternator may suddenly fail in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your alternator and replace it if necessary at no charge, based on the part number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, even in vehicles previously repaired for this issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will add clearance for the sun visor wiring, install edge protection, and replace the sun visor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay inside the power module may fail, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with an external one outside the power module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit after a service repair is performed.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring and install a new sun visor with properly routed wire, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster's center shell can corrode, allowing water to enter and potentially reducing braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the booster for vacuum pressure, install a water diverter shield, or replace the booster if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The anti-lock braking system may have a traction isolation valve that doesn't meet specifications, causing the brake pedal to feel hard momentarily during certain braking events.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the anti-lock braking system module to correct the valve function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During hard braking, the Ready Alert Braking System may cause the brake pedal to feel unexpectedly stiff.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ABS module software at no cost to restore normal brake pedal feel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
