The 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT with the 6.4L Hemi is a high-performance SUV that suffers from catastrophic engine failures due to valve seat recession and cylinder head issues, transmission cooler failures, and driveline mount problems—expensive fixes that make ownership risky past 60,000 miles.
Valve Seat Recession & Cylinder Head Failure (6.4L Hemi)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Misfires on one or multiple cylinders, often intermittent at first, Loss of compression on affected cylinders, Metal debris in oil, visible on magnetic drain plug, Eventually catastrophic engine failure with dropped valve seats damaging pistons and cylinder walls
Fix: Cylinder heads need replacement or rebuild with updated valve seats. If caught late, requires short block replacement or full engine rebuild due to piston and cylinder wall damage. 20-35 hours labor depending on extent of damage. Many engines are not caught early enough and need complete replacement.
Estimated cost: $6,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (WK2 Platform)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance in overflow tank), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Engine overheating in some cases
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely. If caught immediately, transmission may survive. If driven with contaminated fluid, requires transmission rebuild. Cooler replacement alone is 4-6 hours, but budget for trans rebuild if delayed.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (cooler only), $3,500-5,500 (with trans rebuild)
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or banging when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement visible during throttle application
Fix: Replace transmission mount and crossmember. The SRT's 470 lb-ft torque destroys these faster than regular Grand Cherokees. Often both engine and transmission mounts need replacement at same time. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Connecting Rod and Main Bearing Wear (High-Performance Use)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil pressure at idle when hot, Knocking or rattling from lower engine, worse when cold, Metal particles on oil filter media during oil changes, Eventually rod knock and catastrophic failure
Fix: Requires complete engine teardown to replace rod and main bearings. Often finds additional damage to crankshaft requiring machining or replacement. If owner has been ignoring oil changes or running extended intervals, damage is typically extensive. 25-35 hours for proper rebuild.
Estimated cost: $5,000-9,000
Fuel System Clogging (Ethanol-Related)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting, Rough idle or hesitation under acceleration, Check engine light with lean codes (P0171/P0174), Loss of power at highway speeds
Fix: Replace fuel filter (in-tank), clean or replace fuel injectors, sometimes requires fuel pump replacement if contamination is severe. The high-pressure fuel system on these is sensitive to ethanol buildup and debris. 3-5 hours labor for filter and injector service.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Differential Fluid Leaks and Rear Axle Seals
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil spots on driveway, Low differential fluid on inspection, Whining noise from rear end when cornering
Fix: Replace rear axle seals and differential cover gasket. The SRT's rear differential sees high loads and seals tend to weep earlier than standard models. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles maximum with quality synthetic—this engine does not tolerate extended intervals despite what the manual says
Inspect transmission cooler lines and check coolant appearance at every oil change; catching cooler failure early saves $4,000
Budget $1,000/year minimum for unexpected repairs after 60,000 miles—these are not reliable high-mileage vehicles
Compression test all cylinders before purchasing any used example—valve seat issues often begin before symptoms appear
Avoid examples with heavy modification or track use; stock engines already operate at the edge of durability
Only buy if under 50,000 miles with full service records and budget $3,000-5,000/year for repairs—these are spectacular performers until the engine self-destructs, which many do.
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.
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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.
Performance
Horsepower
470hp
Torque
465lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.6sec
Quarter mile
13.1sec
Top speed
160mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
12mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
14mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,200lb
Payload
1,050lb
Curb weight
5,150lb
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6.4L V8 Hemi and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.