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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

302 owners have reported engine problems on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 18% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 41,000–100,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.

302 complaints 18% of all 2012 complaints 72,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Catalytic convertor 1
Belts and associated pulleys 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (232 of 302). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Grand Cherokee year

2009 Grand Cherokee 27
2010 Grand Cherokee 24
2012 Grand Cherokee 302
2016 Grand Cherokee 84
2019 Grand Cherokee 69
2020 Grand Cherokee 56
2021 Grand Cherokee 62
2022 Grand Cherokee 50
2023 Grand Cherokee 85
2025 Grand Cherokee 21
2026 Grand Cherokee 17

Related recalls

Supercharger bracket can damage brake line

Crash risk

The supercharger mounting bracket may rub against and damage the ABS brake line, which can cause a brake fluid leak. Losing brake fluid can make the car take longer to stop and raise the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will replace the supercharger brackets free of charge.

Recall 17E061000 · Oct 2017

Engine

6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block. 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.

Recall 11V487000 · Sep 2011
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Other 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Common questions

What are common 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?

Complaints most often name the catalytic convertor and belts and associated pulleys.

At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 41,000–100,000 miles. The middle value is about 72,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?

Yes: 17E061000, 11V487000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Grand Cherokee year has the most engine complaints?

The 2014 Grand Cherokee, with 447 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.