What 1,637 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

My car apparently overheated which made my oil filter melt and explode, popping my oil filter cap off making oil go all over my engine, ground and everywhere else. I was going about 20 mph when I realized my car was feeling weak on power and it was about to overheat. I then started to smell and see smoke. So I stopped my car in the middle of the street immediately, put on my hazard lights, and turned it off instantly. As soon as I got out, oil started to pour out everywhere. I then popped the hood to see a whole lot of smoke going everywhere. I wasn’t sure what happened, I just got the car 3 and half months ago, they said the car was top of the line, why am I having issues like these now? I did get my oil changed from pit stop (superlube) on lake street in Aurora Illinois, 3 days before that happened. I had to manually push my car to chihuahua tires, where they told me it was my starter, so they fixed my starter, and then told me it’s my gasket. Now apparently my head gasket is gone, and it’s going to take thousands of dollars that I don’t have. I’m already paying off the $800 for this starter repair that I didn’t really need :/ and I’m still playing for a car note on a car I’m not even driving! I can’t get to work, I can’t make money, this is depressing! I got this car because they said at Carfect that my jeep was perfect and in great condition. At this point I had over 10+ mechanical issues wrong with it, now this happened and I cant manage this. This is too much money for me. I need help, direction, a new engine, something! I just got this car! I did nothing wrong, I don’t have thousands of dollars to fix this issue! Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11685338

I have 2 issues with this vehicle issue#1 the tire pressure sensor acts up on the front driver side tire pressure goes down to the low 20s then when driving it goes up to 43 and then back down to the 20s , the other is that I was driving from Pennsylvania to New York and the car stalled in New Jersey with no warning I was at the far left side of the highway and came close to getting rear ended twice real bad (my girlfriend who was and is pregnant) was on the passenger seat was hysterically crying because of how close we came to having an accident that would’ve cost us our lives , the car took 5 minutes to start again and we were escorted to safety by tow company that saw us through the cameras they have on the bridges very thankful to them escorting us cause we surely would have died that night

NHTSA ODI 11679911

While driving the road whether highway our town… my vehicle will stall out. I can’t safely pass because my car loses power.. check engine light starts blinking then traction control lights come on and then battery light. I have to turn the car off after turning flashers on put it in park and restart after a few seconds. This vehicle is VERY UNSAFE to DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI 11676084

The dash pad is coming unglued causing a glare in the windshied.

NHTSA ODI 11675615

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. I did have the recall on the fuel pump relay in which I thought that would resolve my issue but unfortunately it did not and I still experience this Jeep stalling out at any point while driving, onto braking, and then to the stop. Any help? Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11674353

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V115000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranty on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11673761

I had my jeep’s recall for a fuel pump relay and now I have problems starting at times and I’m starting to smell fuel through my vents and even when I park my jeep inside the garage. I am very worried while I am driving it, especially I have a child with me at all times in the jeep. Please help me, I want to get this solved as soon as possible and I live in Las Vegas now where it is very hot.

NHTSA ODI 11673200

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was towed to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion. The mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump had experienced a short circuit, and the 150 AMP Mega fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 59 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact shifted to neutral(N), but the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, where it remained for further diagnostic testing. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669677

The Carfax confirms that Landers McLarty Huntsville: Took possession of the vehicle on September 12, 2024, with 112,179 miles on it. Then recorded a sale to you on [XXX], showing 96,792 miles — a 15,387-mile rollback. That “Mileage Inconsistency” warning on Carfax is not just a clerical error. It shows the vehicle’s official odometer history was manipulated or misreported — and Landers McLarty is directly involved. My finance guy was Travis Christensen. In 2 attempts to resolve the issue, the first time I went in person, (6/10) he said “I will call back Wednesday when Deonte Sutton gets here”. Fine, I waited all day Wednesday, and there was no callback. In attempt to call them, I received no answer. I called today, (6/23), in attempt for updates on the situation. It felt as if he blew me off, saying “Yea me and Deonte have been trying to figure it out. I will call you later.” I called back 2 hours later, and no answer, it didn’t fully ring so I was sent to voice mail as if he declined the call. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668727

One of the recalls for this vehicle is for "2011-2013 wk wd fuel pump relay". The car stalled on the road but I was able to bring it home and apply a temporary fix by connecting the Pump fuse with the Cigarette lighter fuse (per some online instructions). The car runs now, but it's not a permanent fix. I called a Dealer (Everett, WA) and scheduled an appointment (it was two weeks ago). Today during my appointment I was sent back home saying they don't have the part and I'll need to come back in a couple of weeks, just for the inspection! Complete incompetence. I called another place (Kirkland, WA) and was also told that they are ordering the part now but will need to wait from few to several weeks. If this recall makes my car unsafe to drive (stall happened on the road, my solution is not perfect) why are the dealerships/Jeep not taking the repair seriously?

NHTSA ODI 11667770

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 vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced, and the accelerator pedal also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that recently the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and ABS system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666320

While driving at normal speeds the engine and everything turns off without any warning. This makes it difficult to get off the road or highway due to loss of power to steering. This happens randomly but with increasing frequency. The vehicle has been at the Jeep dealership since 12 June 2025 and I'm being told they cannot figure it out. Allegedly the dealership service center is contacting Jeep after I had to tell them to do so. Vehicle is at Crown Dodge, 6300 King Rd, Ventura, CA 93033 805-977-6526.

NHTSA ODI 11658890

I have had to fix several issues since purchasing the vehicle. Most recently the oil filter house and the radiator. I am now having issues with the gas sensor. From what was explained to me, the sensor is not registering the amount of fuel in the tank and therefore believes there is low gas in the car. The check engine light turns off and on and the car begins to shake uncontrollably and it almost feels like it will shut off.

NHTSA ODI 11657730

While stopped at a stop light 5 separate occasions in Eco mode. Vehicle shut off but would not restart unless I pressed the on/off button. I did not realize that it had happened and was almost rear ended because of it.

NHTSA ODI 11651498

Right front blinker burns out plus the socket burnt also, I replaced both parts around 10/25/2024 and the same thing happened..

NHTSA ODI 11648479

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and was stalling. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle was not starting due to a fuel-related failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer then diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty fuel pump. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

NHTSA ODI 11643927

The transmission is messed up for no reason for such low miles

NHTSA ODI 11641862

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618972

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11618082

As I was driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee, I was in the process of braking in order to turn, when the power steering stopped working as the engine stalled. I was able to pull over to the side of the road, put it back in Park and was able to restart it like nothing had happened. According to other owners with a similar issue, all the symptoms describe an open Safety Recall for a failing Fuel Pump that may cause the engine to stall. However, when I search the VIN on the NHTSA website, it states that there are no open recalls. The symptoms are identical to what is outlined in the recall. The only warning that came on was "Check the Gas Cap" warning.

NHTSA ODI 11614630

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-30 MPH, the windshield wipers suddenly activated and the message FCW (Forward Collision Warning) was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power immediately after the message displayed. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and towed to a Nissan dealer and was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator and battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The alternator had been replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11609634

So I just bought this car from a dealer about a year now and I was driving down the fwy. Heading to work And suddenly my car turned off and my steering wheel got really hard to make any turns there was no way I could’ve stopped in the middle of the fwy. To stop and start the engine. luckily I was able to pull over and check the car I was full on gas and I looked up common issues that could turn off a running engine checked all fuses didn’t see any problems with it didn’t see any sort of corrosion in the battery cables and their was no check engine on the dash board. Theirs also been times were it randomly takes a long time cranking and won’t start right away so I literally wait for the engine to sit for a while and start the car. My guess it’s the crankshaft position or the fuel pump going out but that’s why I’m here to find out if theirs any recalls related to this issue. I’ve been told their was a recall for a relay issue

NHTSA ODI 11608555

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and approaching a stop light, the brake pedal was released, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact discovered that the engine had shut off. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was drivable. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that several months later the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V53000 (Electrical System) however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was failing and that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact referenced NHTSA action number: EA23001 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the vehicle was not included in the investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604286

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving around a roundabout and stopping the vehicle, the vehicle shut off. The driver continued depressing the Push-to-Start button however, the vehicle failed to restart. The driver was assisted with moving the vehicle from the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and fuse in the engine compartment were burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,116.

NHTSA ODI 11604099

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there a large amount of smoke coming from the alternator. Additionally, the vehicle had no electrical power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed alternator. The contact was informed that the alternator was burned. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603877