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

The engine power cuts of randomly while driving with no warning at all. When it happens the steering locks up veering the vehicle to the left so you have no control and at the same time the power brakes lock up and you are unable to stop the vehicle. Everything else works when this happens lights, radio, heater, air conditioning. No warning lights display. I had the vehicle with a mechanic that kept it for over 4 months to test drive and see if it would occur. It happened while he drove it but no codes show up to determine the cause. I had it towed back to my home and contacted Jeep Chrysler and they gave me a claim number to bring to my local Jeep dealer. They had it for over a week and unfortunately the jeep ran fine so once again no resolution to be able to fix. I bought the Jeep from Carvana 9/7/24 and am still paying it off but yet haven't been able to drive it for the past 15 months because it is unsafe for myself and anyone else on the roadway.

NHTSA ODI 11744558

Upon starting my Jeep on the coldest day of the year back in January when I pressed the brake pedal to start it there was a loud and it reminded me, there was a recall out for the break booster pop and the pedal went all the way to the floor. It was fifteen below zero out.So I thought that it blew a brake line. I checked the lines going to all four.Wheels and could not find any fluid. I could not figure out where all the fluid went. I refilled the reservoir with two full cans of brake fluid. Tried pumping the pedal and again it went to the floor. Got out and inspected all lines and the reservoir itself.... Still could not find a leak. I googled the problem and saw a recall for the brake booster. Said it was installed incorrectly and water could enter the booster and master cylinder and freeze if cold outside and cause a serious accident causing serious injury or death. I inspected the system and water had entered the booster and master cylinder and froze. It ruined the master cylinder. I asked the dealership if they would pick up the vehicle and repair it. First they said yes then no they don't pick vehicles up. They ordered only a little shield to fix the booster per the recall but said that's all they would do. Why would I pay 200 out of my pocket to have the vehicle taken to them.Only to have them put a shield on the booster. I still would have no brakes. That is ridiculous. This is supposed to be a major safety issue.And it is! If I had been driving when I pressed on the brake pedal and it went to the floor I could have been killed or other innocent people could have been killed. You the NHTSA 's answer said Chrysler is contractually. Obligated to not only pick up my vehicle but to repair any and all components of the brake system to return the vehicle to previous safety operation at no charge to me. You also said that I should be given a loaner vehicle to use while mine is repaired. Dealership is refusing. I could be dead and so could other innocent people

NHTSA ODI 11741339

The vehicle is a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with open safety recalls T59 and V62. The brake warning light is currently illuminated, and based on the symptoms I believe the brake booster may be failing. The braking system is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that the vehicle may have reduced braking assist or impaired braking performance while being driven. This creates a risk of increased stopping distance, loss of braking confidence, or inability to stop safely in traffic. I contacted the FCA/Stellantis-recommended Jeep dealership in Lapeer, Michigan multiple times this week to schedule recall-related service. I was repeatedly transferred to service voicemail and did not receive return calls. When I called back and asked to speak with someone else, I reached the service manager. I explained that the vehicle has an illuminated brake warning light and that I suspect the brake booster may be failing. The service manager focused on where I lived, why I was not using a closer dealer, and mentioned that the vehicle is 14 years old, rather than clearly arranging recall service or addressing the brake safety concern. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealer because I have been unable to obtain timely service despite repeated attempts. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamp currently present is the brake warning light. The exact first date the warning light appeared was within the last 2 weeks.

NHTSA ODI 11735121

Vehicle has two open unrepaired recalls: T59 (NHTSA 17V-572, brake booster water shield) and V62 (NHTSA 19V-813, fuel pump relay). The brake booster is currently symptomatic — an audible humming noise is present when the vehicle is stopped and idling, consistent with vacuum loss in the brake booster system. I contacted LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fenton, Michigan to schedule the recall repairs. An appointment was set for 8:15 AM on April 24, 2026. I requested a loaner or rental vehicle as the dealer indicated they would need to keep the vehicle over the weekend for the work. The dealer never followed up regarding the rental. Instead, the dealer contacted me to appraise my current vehicle and discuss new vehicle inventory. The recall work was never discussed. When I did not appear for the appointment, the dealer did not follow up or offer to reschedule. I then contacted Stellantis customer service directly and explained the situation, including the active brake booster symptom. The Stellantis representative connected me with a second dealership, Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, then disconnected from the call without notice. I was left explaining the situation a second time to a dealership that informed me they do not provide loaner vehicles. The rental option requires me to pay out of pocket upfront and then seek reimbursement from the manufacturer in the form of a check. This is not a viable option. Additionally, this dealership is located approximately one hour from my residence in Flint, making it logistically impractical for recall service. I am currently driving a vehicle with an active safety defect affecting the braking system. The recall remedy language states that limited braking ability can cause a crash without prior warning. Neither the manufacturer nor two dealerships have provided adequate accommodation to complete the recall repair while ensuring I have safe transportation during the service per

NHTSA ODI 11733588

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718744

While driving the engine power randomly cuts off & steering & brakes lock up veering the vehicle to the left which causes me to have no control of my vehicle. Everything else stays on radio...lights...etc. There is absolutely no warning at all when this occurs. This has happened to me 3 times while driving almost causing me to crash. I brought it to a local Jeep dealer & they couldn't find any codes showing what the issue was. So in fear of getting into a crash that could possibly injure myself or others on the road I haven't been able to drive it safely.

NHTSA ODI 11686524

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

In 2018 the brake booster was tested (vacuum test), and was deemed fine, even though the part itself was placed incorrectly per the recall and could fail at any point. It was not replaced, and marked the recall as closed. Last week the part, brake booster, failed while driving. Jeep is not willing replace due to recall being closed in 2018 and overall recall closed in March 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11587966

I was leaving work and made a right turn. The vehicle steering and breaks locked up and I hit a telephone pole. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle did not stall. Serious injury could have occurred. Police report and involvement happened as it was a large accident.

NHTSA ODI 11503002

The brake booster of my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was supposedly inspected and or replaced as part of a recall that I had performed on the vehicle on 12/22/2017 has intermittent failure. Prior to having the recall work performed on the brake booster I had no issues with my power brake systems. However, within a year of having the recall work done I had the BRAKE warning light come on while driving and noticed that my brake pedal was extremely firm when trying to start my vehicle. I made an appointment at a Jeep dealer to have the problem diagnosed and fixed immediately but the problem went away before my scheduled appointment. The problem recurred (BRAKE warning light and extremely firm brake pedal upon starting) about 2 weeks ago. I immediately drove to the nearest dealership and asked that they scan what error code was causing my BRAKE light (suspecting that it was a faulty brake booster but wanting a definitive diagnosis prior to pursuing the matter). Thankfully even though the light had gone off by the time I got it to the dealer they said the error code was still stored and came back as "C0021-02" or "Brake Booster - General Signal Failure" that likely indicates a failing brake booster BUT the dealer also said I was out of warranty and so no work would be covered even though the brake booster recall work led to this dangerous intermittent failure. I have had multiple occasions recently where my vehicle has taken longer to stop than expected and I never know when its going to happen and so I have to leave very long stopping distances now or else risk rear-ending a stopped vehicle if my brakes randomly stop working effectively (also to keep my kids safe from being in an accident when I need to get them to school). I can provide the brake booster for inspection if/when this defective part is replaced properly at the manufacturer or the dealership's expense. The time and specifics below refer to the first time the first time the BRAKE light activated.

NHTSA ODI 11491725

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph when traffic began to back up. When the contact was attempting to get into the left lane, the vehicle's ahead suddenly stopped. The contact depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward causing them to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. There was damage to the vehicle in front where their entire rear end was crushed inward. The contact's vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. There was no medical attention needed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA ODI 11462179

Vehicle has inexplicably, and randomly stalled, and lost power steering and power brakes while operating. This has happened on multiple occasions, during random times of the day/season, while in movement, and while stopped at a traffic light/stop sign. There is no rhyme or reason to how or when this happens, and frustratingly cannot not be reproduced by a mechanic or dealership. When it happens, all other systems that were operating continue to operate (eg. radio stays playing, climate control (AC or heat), and the instrument panel doesn't indicate that anything is abnormal. Safety is a huge concern, as its difficult to control and/or slow the vehicle down, and we have barely avoided collisions. It has been taken to a dealer on multiple occasions, but to no avail, as the condition could not be reproduced. Other than the dealership's service department, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. We took ownership from the vehicles first and only other owner (my father in law) upon his passing back in April 2018. The condition happened within months of taking ownership, and has happened at least 8-10 times since then. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. We would like to sell the vehicle (for this, AND other reasons), but do not feel comfortable selling an unsafe vehicle to anyone. We have incurred rental car costs while the car is in the shop for diagnosis. Upon a quick search online, there was quite a bit of evidence of this condition happening with others.

NHTSA ODI 11451273

While driving down a main road, the power steering went out, the brakes locked up, and the accelerator locked up. I had to put the car in park and then turn it off and back on. Yes, it is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because since my brakes were not working, it means my brake lights also were not, meaning someone would not have seen me stopping and I could have been rear-ended. Others were put at risk because my car could have hit someone else. This has happened 4 other times on different dates and a Jeep dealer has done a fuel pump relay BYPASS twice, but the fuel pump itself was never replaced. There were no warning lamps or messages to warn me about the problem before it failed. I am terrified to drive my own car. This needs to be addressed asap.

NHTSA ODI 11443850

I'VE BEEN WAITING WELL OVER A YEAR, NAMES ON A 'LIST' AT VARIOUS DEALERSHIPS FOR BOTH RECALLS, SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL PUMP. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERV62 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER19V-813

NHTSA ODI 11404961

I HAVE BEEN HAVING MY CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE IN DRIVE FOR OVER A YEAR. I'M SCARED OF DRIVING MY OWN CAR. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME WELL OVER 25 TIMES. I'VE ASKED THE CONNECTICUT DEALERSHIPS (WETMORE'S AND NORTHWEST HILLS) ABOUT THIS MULTIPLE TIMES AND AS OF TODAY THEY SAY THERE IS NO FIX AND THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE RECALL. IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING AND BRAKING AND TURNING LEFT, SUCH AS TURNING LEFT OFF A RAMP OR GOING DOWN A HILL AND SLOWING TO TURN LEFT OR SLOWING ON A BIG HILL AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPS. THE BRAKES STOP WORKING AND POWER STEERING IS LOST. THEN I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND WHEN I PRESS START IT RESTARTS. BUT THIS IS DANGEROUS. I ALSO HAVE A SPECIAL WARRANTY I PAID FOR AND BECAUSE THERE IS A RECALL THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY WARRANTY THAT I PAID $4K FOR IS USELESS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FOR THIS TO MATTER?

NHTSA ODI 11378384

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V572000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE RPM REVVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE EXPERIENCED 3 TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, WITH AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VIVA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 8434 GATEWAY BLVD E, EL PASO, TX 79907, (915) 834-6300, WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11342571

THE ENGINE STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, PREPARING TO MAKE A TURN ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. LOSS OF POWER TO BRAKES & STEERING SINCE THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. EVENTUALLY (IN A MATTER OF SECONDS) THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE HOME.

NHTSA ODI 11331892

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JONES JUNCTION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1510 BEL AIR RD, BEL AIR , MD 21014, (410) 879-6400) WHERE A TEST DRIVE WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER NOTICED FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V572000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,738.

NHTSA ODI 11291024

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE SHARP TURNS THE VEHICLE WILL SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT OFF CAUSING THE POWER STEERING AND BREAKING TO NOT WORK. THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES THAT COME UP AND THE RADIO AND AIR/HEAT CONTINUE TO WORK. THE ONLY REASON YOU KNOW THE CAR SHUT OFF IS BECAUSE THE BREAKS AND POWER STEERING WON'T WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES BUT YOU CAN NEVER RECREATE THE PROBLEM ON CUE. IT JUST HAPPENS RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY RAMP AROUND A TURN AND ON A NORMAL BACK ROAD STREET GOING AROUND A TURN. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 11-13-2019

NHTSA ODI 11280311

IT WAS RAINING I HAD TO START BREAKING WAS GETTING CLOSE TO A RED LIGHT, COULD NOT STOP AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR AND TOTALED MINE AND INJURED ME.

NHTSA ODI 11271279

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND TRANSITIONING THE VEHICLE TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. I HAD MY FOOT PRESSED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE BUT IT DID NOT STOP AND IT WENT UP AND OVER A PARKING BARRIER INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11266748

JEEP TURNS OFF AND WON'T TURN ON FOR HOURS THEN IT TRUED ON

NHTSA ODI 11240208

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND IT COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. WHEN IT DOES IT AFFECTS BOTH THE BRAKING AND THE STEERING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND WAS AN EASY FIX BUT THE 2ND TIME I WAS GETTING OFF AN EXIT AROUND 50 MPH. I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN AND NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THEM AROUND IN IT. I KNOW IN NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS IS HAPPENS, THERE'S COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.

NHTSA ODI 11233473

I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE LIGHTS POP UP ON MY DASH, USUALLY AFTER IT RAINS, BUT ONCE FOR NO REASON. I WILL BE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 20-65MPH AND THE LIGHTS WILL JUST POP UP. (ABS, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS) ONCE I TURN MY JEEP OFF AND BACK ON, IT DISAPPEARS. BUT WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE SHOWN, MY JEEP DRIVES A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY.

NHTSA ODI 11228258

I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH AND TRAFFIC SLOWED DOWN. I WENT TO BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND MY VEHICLE DIDN'T SLOW. IT FELT AS IF MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE INTO THE OTHER LANE, BUT MY JEEP HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND SUFFERED $9,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. I ALSO WAS INJURED REQUIRING SURGERY ON MY FOOT THAT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *DT *DT CONSUMER STATED CAR IS REPAIRED.*JB *DT CONSUMER STATED I HAVE THE INVOICE, HOWEVER FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING WITH THE BRAKES. I STILL FEEL THERE WAS/IS AN ISSUE WITH THEM. I CAN FORWARD THE INVOICE IF NEEDED, BUT IT DOES NOT MENTION THE BRAKES. I DID ASK THE SHOP AND MY INSURANCE TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED. MY FATHER IN LAW PICKED UP THE CAR FOR ME AND SAID THAT THE SHOP TOLD HIM THE BRAKES WERE FINE. CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ISSUES BEFORE WITH BRAKE SYSTEM.*JB PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB *DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11216918