2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems And Complaints

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints 

• Issues with the airbag system: The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems deal with multiple issues with its airbag system. In several cases, buyers have either reported the airbag warning light illuminating randomly, which can interfere with its functioning, or the airbags failing to deploy in case of a crash. Both situations can result in injuries to the occupants and consequently, the problem qualifies as a safety concern. 

• Random deployment of head restraints: Without impact or incidence, buyers of the 2012 Grand Cherokee have reported the head restraints deploying randomly. As a result, occupants have registered injuries, which warrant medical attention. 

Mechanical Complaints 

• Engine stalling and failure: The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems are one of its most commonly reported concerns. In a considerable number of cases, buyers have reported the engine losing power and stalling. As a result, the vehicle cannot be moved, and when diagnosed, a catastrophic engine failure has been attributed as the cause. This can happen due to the failure of the rod bearings and alternators. For both issues, Jeep has introduced multiple recalls, which have been mentioned below. 

• Failure of the power steering: The list of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee faults also includes problems with the steering system. In the listed cases, complainants have recorded the steering wheel becoming excessively stiff, which makes it difficult to control. This happens due to a loss of the power steering assist, which can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, in some cases listed on NHTSA as well, buyers have reported the steering sticking in a particular direction, which causes the vehicle to swerve. Such an issue is common among the vehicles from the brand and is referred to as the death wobble. 

• Malfunctioning service brake system: The problems with the braking system of the midsize SUV deal with its increased halting distance and time. In the current iteration, this primarily happens due to a malfunctioning brake booster shield or a stiff brake pedal. Both issues have been commonly noticed by the owners, and consequently, there have been recalls introduced by the brand, to deal with the issues. 

• Failure of fuel/propulsion system: The 2012 Cherokee issues also deal with its fuel system. In some cases, buyers have reported a strong fuel odor engulfing the cabin after the tank has been filled. This happens due to a cracked fuel tank, which can cause a leak. Additionally, in some other cases, complainants have also recorded the engine stalling due to the failure of the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Program Module (TIPM).

Electric System Complaints 

• Malfunctioning infotainment system: The infotainment system of the 2012 Grand Cherokee has been reported failing consistently. In the listed cases, complainants have recorded the backup camera turning on inadvertently and the radio system rebooting consistently. Currently, neither a reason nor a solution for the complaint is available with the brand. 

• Issues with the exterior light: The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems list also entails issues with its lighting system. In cases registered on NHTSA, users have recorded the headlamps failing consistently. This happens due to the headlight assembly melting because of excessive heat. Currently, replacing the assembly is the only available solution. 

Interior Complaints 

• Delamination of the dashboard: In the 2012 Cherokee’s with the leather trim, buyers have reported the delamination of the dashboard. While the reason for the problem is not yet known, complainants have noticed the interior quality deteriorating due to the bubbling and peeling. 

Structural Complaints 

• Variegated structural concerns: Among the structural concerns listed on NHTSA, buyers have reported two distinct issues. The first problem of the 2012 Grand Cherokee deals with the explosion of the sunroof, without any impact or incidence. As a result, the glass pane shatters, which causes the pieces to fly outward. The second complaint deals with the peeling of the exterior paint across the body, especially the hood. While both issues have distinct underlying causes, they result in a compromised structural integrity. 

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	14th Nov 2019	19V813000	Failure of the fuel pump relay	Due to the failure of the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Program Module (TIPM), the engine might stall.	Dealers will replace the fuel pump and wire harness, free of cost.
2.	19th Oct 2017	17E061000	Damaged ABS line	The supercharger bracket may come in contact with and damage the ABS line, which can result in a fuel leak.	ATI will replace the supercharger bracket free of cost.
3.	18th Sept 2017	17V572000	Improperly installed brake booster shield	In a previous recall, the brake booster shield that was installed to prevent water from entering the brake booster might have been incorrectly installed.	Dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation, free of cost.
4.	10th July 2017	17V435000	Possible engine stall	Due to the failure of the alternators, the engine might stall.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the alternators, free of cost.
5.	28th Dec 2015	15V879000	Possible fire	Due to a short circuit in the wiring of the vanity lamp in the sun visor, there might be an increased risk of a fire.	Dealers will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor.
6.	27th Feb 2015	15V115000	Failure of the fuel pump relay	Due to the failure of the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Program Module (TIPM), the engine might stall.	Dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of cost.
7.	8th Oct 2014	14V634000	Possible engine stall	Due to the failure of the alternator, the engine might stall.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the alternator, free of cost.
8.	2nd July 2014	14V391000	Short circuit in sun visor	Due to a short circuit in the wiring of the vanity lamp in the sun visor, there might be an increased risk of a fire.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the sun visor, free of cost.
9.	1st April 2014	14V154000	Loss of braking assist	Due to water seepage, the brake booster may corrode, reducing braking performance.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the brake booster, free of cost.
10.	4th Mar 2014	14V104000	Increased braking distance	The Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the brake pedal becoming hard in some cases, increasing the halting distance.	Dealers will update the ABS module software, free of cost.
11.	29th Sept 2011	11V487000	Failure of rod bearing	In vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine, the rod bearings may fail due to debris inside the engine block.	Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a practical proposition. Per midsize SUV standards, the space and performance that the vehicle delivers are appreciable. Fuel efficiency is top-notch and with an available V8 engine, the American offering easily nails the brief for almost all sections of buyers. However, when reliability is concerned, the Grand Cherokee delivers substandard performance. Its complaints and recalls list are highly extensive and under no circumstances, do the statistics feel justified. So, the 2012 iteration of the SUV is not the most sensible option and should not be considered. Alternatively, the 2012 Honda Pilot is the most dignified option.