The 2012 Grand Cherokee WK2 brought substantial refinement over the WK, but suffers from catastrophic engine failures on Hemis and persistent transmission issues across all powertrains. The 3.6L Pentastar is significantly more reliable, though the transmission remains a weak point for both engines.
5.7L Hemi Valve Seat Drop / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power and severe misfire, Metallic rattling or knocking from engine, Check engine light with multiple cylinder misfire codes, Complete engine failure requiring tow
Fix: Valve seats drop out of the cylinder head, destroying pistons, rings, and cylinder walls. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 25-35 hours labor for short block or rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
ZF 8-Speed Transmission Shudder and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifting or shuddering during 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Transmission slipping or refusing to engage gears, Limp mode activation, especially under load, Metal shavings in transmission fluid
Fix: Torque converter clutch failure, valve body issues, or complete internal failure. Early cases may respond to fluid changes with OEM ZF fluid, but most need rebuild or replacement. 12-18 hours labor for R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transfer Case Mode Motor and Actuator Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Service 4WD light illuminated on dash, Grinding or clicking noise from underneath when shifting into 4WD, Inability to engage or disengage 4WD modes, Transfer case stuck in one mode
Fix: The shift motor or internal mode actuator fails, preventing proper 4WD engagement. Motor replacement is 2-3 hours; full transfer case overhaul if actuator fork is broken is 8-12 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-3,200
Alternator Failure (Especially 160A Units)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light or electrical system warning, Dimming lights or electrical accessories malfunctioning, Battery dying repeatedly despite replacement, Whining or grinding noise from alternator area
Fix: Factory alternators, particularly 160-amp units on loaded models, fail prematurely. Voltage regulator and bearing failures most common. 1.5-2.5 hours labor for replacement depending on V6 vs V8.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Fuel Pump Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or extended cranking, Engine dying while driving, especially at operating temperature, Fuel gauge reading erratically or stuck, Loss of power under acceleration
Fix: Fuel pump motor or level sender fails inside the tank. Requires tank drop and module replacement. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Electronic Throttle Body Carbon Buildup and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle or stalling at stops, Electronic throttle control warning light, Surging or hesitation during light acceleration, Limp mode with severely reduced power
Fix: Throttle body accumulates carbon or the motor/position sensors fail. Cleaning may work temporarily, but replacement usually needed. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Sunroof Drain Tube Clogs and Water Intrusion
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Water pooling in front or rear footwells, Musty smell or visible mold in cabin, Wet headliner near A-pillars or rear cargo area, Electrical issues from water damage to modules under seats
Fix: Sunroof drain tubes clog with debris, causing overflow into cabin. Requires drain clearing and sometimes tube replacement if kinked. 1-2 hours labor for diagnosis and clearing all four drains.
Estimated cost: $150-400
Owner tips
Avoid 2012 Hemis if possible—2013+ received updated cylinder heads addressing valve seat issues
Change ZF transmission fluid every 60,000 miles with OEM ZF-approved fluid only, not generic ATF+4
Clean throttle body every 50,000 miles and use quality fuel with cleaners
Inspect sunroof drains annually and flush with compressed air before winter
Budget $2,000/year for unexpected repairs after 100,000 miles, especially on Hemi models
Buy the 3.6L Pentastar only, budget heavily for transmission work, and avoid 2012 Hemis entirely unless engine history is documented—these are comfortable, capable SUVs that demand expensive maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 17E061000
2017-10-19
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.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 17V572000
2017-09-18
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.
Consequence: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 15V879000
2015-12-28 · RQ15003
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.
Consequence: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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 · 15V115000
2015-02-27
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.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 14V391000
2014-07-02 · EA14001
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.
Consequence: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: 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 · 14V154000
2014-04-01
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.
Consequence: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 14V104000
2014-03-04
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 11V487000
2011-09-29
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.
Consequence: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.