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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 11safety recalls
- 1,644owner complaints
- 46crash reports
- 105fire reports
- 24%fail the UK MOT
1,644 complaints, against an average of 597 for the other 14 Jeep Grand Cherokee model years.
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The components named most often in the 1,644 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 1,644 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?352 owners · 21.4% · Recall 19V813000
- Why won't my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee start?131 owners · 8%
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee smell of burning or smoke?70 owners · 4.3%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?69 owners · 4.2%
Has the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee been recalled?
11 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017. Owners may contact ATI customer service at 1-913-338-2886.
Service Brakes Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Electrical System: Alternator/Generator/Regulator Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Electrical System: Wiring Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.
Risk: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
Electrical System Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Electrical System: Alternator/Generator/Regulator Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Electrical System: Wiring Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Risk: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
Service Brakes Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Risk: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
Risk: If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Engine And Engine Cooling CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel.2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel. Loss of crankshaft reference position. Software update.
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a risk of the loss of crankshaft reference position that can result in an engine stall as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: Install modified software to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
UK DVSAA fuel pump relay which could operate intermittently or fail without warning
Risk: A fuel pump relay which could operate intermittently or fail without warning.
Fix: Replace the affected fuel pump and modify original wiring where necessary
UK DVSAVehicle short causing can-c bus to stop communicating
Risk: A short in the vehicle causing the CAN-C bus to stop communicating while the cruise control is active and the vehicle speed is below the set speed such that the cruise control system is requesting positive torque at the exact moment of the short it is possible for a positive torque request to be locked on the PCM. This may result in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary reprogram the PCM
UK DVSABrake booster water shield may be incorrectly installed
Risk: There is a risk that the brake booster water shield may be incorrectly installed. This may result in limited braking ability due to water ingress into the brake booster.
Fix: On affected vehicles the brake booster water shield must be inspected for proper installation. If the brake booster water shield is found to be missing or incorrectly installed the brake booster must also be vacuum tested. Brake boosters that do not pass the vacuum test must be replaced. At the conclusion of this the brake booster must be equipped with a properly installed shield to protect the brake booster crimp joints from water exposure.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: The sun visors may experience a high resistance short at the sun visor vanity lamp wiring after a service repair to the sun visor headliner or while gaining access above the headliner. This may result in an inoperative vanity lamp and/or an electrical fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the sun visors modify the surrounding sheet metal and install vanity lamp wiring guides.
UK DVSAEngine may stall
Risk: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) contains an internal fuel pump relay that could operate intermittently or fail without warning causing the engine to stall while driving and increase the risk of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install a fuel pump relay outside of the TIPM.
UK DVSAShort circuit may occur
Risk: It is possible that during the manufacturing process the coating on the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) printed circuit may not have been applied correctly. If the coating has been applied incorrectly it can result in lead salts forming which can cause a resistive short across the ORC module printed circuit board(s). Atmospheric humidity may increase the potential for this condition to occur. Should this occur then it will cause the airbag warning lamp to illuminate and potentially disable the passive restraint system. Ultimately this can result in an inoperative passive restraint system (airbag) which could increase the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the ORC module.
UK DVSAEngine may stall
Risk: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) contains an internal fuel pump relay that could on affected vehicles operate intermittently or fail without warning. An intermittent or failed fuel pump relay could cause the engine to stall without warning.
Fix: Disable the TIPM internal fuel pump relay and fit an external relay.
UK DVSARisk of fire
Risk: On affected vehicles it is possible that the wiring to the vanity light within the sun visor may sustain damage during maintenance procedures on the visor or the vehicle's headlining. Damaged wiring could be a risk of fire plus the vanity light my not operate.
Fix: Fit new wiring guides to all affected vehicles and repair wiring where damage is present.
UK DVSABrake pedal may not perform correctly
Risk: Under certain braking events the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel. If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal they may not push the pedal as intended which can result in a lengthening of the stopping distance of the vehicle so increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to update the RAB software in the ABS ECU.
UK DVSAIncreased brake pedal application may be required
Risk: The brake booster may prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs water could enter the brake booster during wet weather. In very cold weather the water may freeze. The driver may be required to apply additional application force to the brakes during sub-freezing driving conditions leading to an additional brake pedal application force requirement which could slow the driver's brake application reaction time and cause a crash.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the brake booster for corrosion and where necessary replace the brake booster. In all cases a shield to protect the brake booster crimp joints from water exposure will be fitted.
EU Safety GateCracks may form in the EGR cooler.This could increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA short circuit in the wiring of a lamp installed in the sunvisor may cause a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of…The radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of interconnected control systems in the vehicle. If these software security gaps were exploited by a third party for malicious purposes, a road accident could occur.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fault with the alternator can result in the failure of the electrical systems and cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners report?
12 of the 1,644 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.
The alternator failed. It was the Safety Recall P60 (NHTSA 14V-634) remedy alternator, installed by an authorized FCA dealer when the recall was completed on 08/30/2021, as FCA confirmed in writing. On 09/24/2026, at 41,275 miles, the vehicle had no electrical power and would not start. An independent New York State registered repair facility diagnosed the failure as "no power," "not starting," and "bad alternator (burning)," and replaced the alternator assembly the same day. The remedy alternator failed about 5 years after installation. The vehicle averages under 3,000 miles per year. The…
Here’s the final version of your NHTSA complaint text — rewritten for clarity, precision, and compliance. You can copy and paste this directly into the “Description of the Problem” box on the NHTSA form.Recall Number: V62 – Fuel Pump RelayMy Jeep is under recall V62 for the fuel pump relay. Stellantis confirmed that the recall is active and that the remedy is listed as “available” in their system.However, Stellantis has not provided the recall repair. The recall agent told me: • “If the part is discontinued, you will be looking for an aftermarket part.” • “I cannot look [up discontinuation] in…
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.
Alternator smoking. it is available for inspection. Filled interior of vehicle with smoke the engine stopped running while driving. Took to dealership for a 2nd sun visor recall and had them diagnose the smoking alternator. The voltage light came on just before the alternator started smoking
Problem was Oil Filter housing made of plastic. It was cracked and no warning light that oil had leaked out. Car SUDDENLY DECELERATED as I was merging into traffic on freeway causing vehicles coming up behind to brake rapidly including a semi truck which had been 200 yards back. I rolled onto shoulder with warning lights activated. Pure luck it was not a major accident. Had it fixed at local mechanic in area and was told it is common problem on several makes of vehicles. Mechanic replaced with aluminum one. Gave me a reduced price of $1200.
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…
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…
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…
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…
My Airbags did not deploy and I believe my seatbelt also did not work properly. I was struck head on (front end to front end) inside a tunnel by a pickup truck (ram 3500) Going appx. 40mph and my air bags did not deploy and my head hit my windshield so I’m unsure if seatbelts worked properly as I was using mine. My insurance company is storing it now for me as it is most likely totaled. My insurance is handling my property damage case, as far as I know it has not been to any dealer/mechanic and again is most likely beyond repair unfortunately. Colorado state patrol inspected both vehicles…
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…
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 1,644 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the most common categories were electrical system (837, 50.9%), service brakes (289, 17.6%), engine (285, 17.3%). There are 11 safety recalls. 46 complaints mention a crash, 105 mention a fire, 35 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Across 1,644 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (50.9% of complaints), service brakes (17.6% of complaints), engine (17.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (13.1% of complaints), power train (6.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the most recent (campaign 19V813000, 2019-11-14) concerns Electrical System. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
352 of the 1,644 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (21.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 19V813000 (electrical system). The fix: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11763496, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why won't my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee start?
131 of the 1,644 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (8%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11704916, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee smell of burning or smoke?
70 of the 1,644 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.3%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "I was driving to work one morning, when i began to smell something burning. i then saw smoke coming from under the hood. i immediately pulled over, on the side of the street, turned the vehicle off, and popped the hood." (NHTSA complaint 11375949, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
69 of the 1,644 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check Engine light came on & Auto shop says when they checked under dash, computer says “Emissions” problem. They have to do a “smoke test” to see where there is a leak!!!" (NHTSA complaint 11731600, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Grand Cherokee
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.