CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Grand Cherokee hasn't seen the same complaint volume as the 2011, at least not yet.

It's worth noting both model years are part of a class-action lawsuit that focuses on a defective TIPM and a long wait for replacement parts.

The 2012 also received national attention after it failed a Swedish Magazine's "moose test". The test measures a vehicle's ability to swerve out of the way of an obstacle you wouldn't want to hit while driving down the road ... like a moose.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,160
Average Mileage:
64,150 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace TIPM (23 reports)
  2. not sure (14 reports)
  3. replace external fuel pump relay overlay (2 reports)
  4. rebuild TIPM (1 reports)
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Dec 152019

Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7L V8 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is the second attempt to take my Jeep to get the TIPM fixed. The car had stalled on me, and again with my wife driving a few years back. Jeep had a recall on the issue which they've since admitted didn't fix the problem. I took it back again after we experienced two more engine stalls (one was in a dangerous intersection). The dealer said to call Corporate to see if they would approve trying to fix it with the old approach given it was not safe to drive. We know that Jeep is working on the new recall part, but thought we would take a chance in a temporary fix. Jeep (Corporate) agreed to pay the dealer.

The fix took 2 days and while driving it for less than an hour (engine time) since picking it up from the dealer I experienced electrical issues. The heater would start and stop. I called the dealer from the car and they said the mechanic who did the fix said the heater was nowhere near the fix and it has to be something new. I guess the mechanic failed to let me know that the heater also is connected to the TIPM. I continued on my errand (picking my son up from the airport) which took me over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (24 miles long). About 20 miles across the bridge, the temperature gauge pegged to Hot and a warning light came on. Then just seconds later, the light came off and the temperature went back to normal.

This happened again once I was at a stop light after crossing the bridge and I was able to take pictures of the gauge at high again, then back to normal. Less than 10 minutes later I was exiting to the airport as my engine stalled again. This time, I was not able to restart it and had to be towed back to the dealer. The dealer says the engine appears to be damaged and was low on coolant. I reminded them that they just gave it back to me the evening before and ran a 16 point check list. If it had low coolant, they would have found it, right? So I called Corporate and they said they would open up a case and have someone call me back in a day or so. Its been 3 weeks and I'm looking for an attorney.

- chrisbowles, Grapevine, TX, US

problem #39

Aug 202020

Grand Cherokee Summit Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Same lousy deal here. 2012 Grand Cherokee summit, impeccably cared for with 70K miles. Went into/from a combination of bogging out and losing power while underway, to not starting at all (only making a soft clicking sound, not a full starter cranking). Had the TIPM replaced a year ago after replacing break sensor which they suspected to not talking to the system to allow it to start. First replacement module was bad and I ended up at the shop a week later for a 2nd one. This one worked beautifully for a year and life was good. $1,500 and I'm on the road.

Two weeks ago, the same light ticking when I hit the ignition button. Took it in again and we couldn't get it to repeat until last ditch try and it replicated the ticking so they could diagnose/troubleshoot. They came up with a faulty fuel pump diagnosis and I had to get a new one for $1,600 total including new relay. I was concerned as this symptom was linked to the TPIM in many of the blog posts. Well, I had no choice, so I repaired it.

Have had it back for a week and yesterday I hit the start button and all the cluster lights/displays lights lit up in various error codes and wipers which were in off position, started to intermittently run. Just got it towed back with the shop agreeing to talk to Jeep as it is now listed under my VIN with fuel pump problem but no resolution at this time. What a mess. $3,200 dollars in the last year could have me driving a new vehicle at the same price.

- Roger H., Santa Ana, CA, US

problem #38

Oct 282019

Grand Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

After having replaced the oil pressure relay once approximately 6 months ago based on the same TIPM failure symptoms the vehicle failed to start this morning. It has battery, the starter is still good, it shows the same symptoms that are easily found when searching for "2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee won't start" related to the widespread TIPM failure.

- Chris S., Marietta, GA, US

problem #37

Oct 242018

Grand Cherokee Overland V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

If this is a common problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, there should be a class action suit.

- Steve T., Hull, MA, US

problem #36

May 102019

Grand Cherokee 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,010 miles

How can a dealer pass a vehicle that has a bad TIPM thru inspection, when so many things that can happen to your vehicle go wrong? If in an accident your airbags may not deploy. It says your vehicle can be like it's possessed, your vehicle could shut off, fuel pump can go and many other SAFETY ISSUES. How the hell can they get away with not having a recall on this problem & if I spend $1300.00 to fix it, it may happen again & again. Come on lawyers or investigators. Do the right thing for the public and get Dodge Chrysler to fix these vehicles at no cost to the owners. I have a hard time believing American's can't get this paid for.

Because of the SAFETY ISSUE ALONE!!! and to pass INSPECTION & put them back on the road without getting fixed. PLEASE, SOMEONE OR SOME AGENCY STEP UP & DO YOUR JOB!!!

- garyyeager sr, Shoemakersville, US

problem #35

Nov 022018

Grand Cherokee Overland 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,540 miles

JUST PURCHASED THE CAR FOR MY SON IN COLLEGE. EVER SINCE WE GOT IT, THIS HAD BEEN A PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO JEEP CHRYSLER IN INDIANAPOLIS IN. THEY ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE INSTRUCTED TO SAY THAT.

LOOKED THIS UP ON GOOGLE... TURNS OUT IT IS A VERY KNOWN PROBLEM. JEEP NOT SUPPORTING IT.

ANOTHER BLACK EYE FOR THE JEEP PEOPLE.

- jjallen3, Indianapolis, US

problem #34

Jun 192018

Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,731 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was on trip 400+ KM the car is mine from day one from dealer all services on dealer, outside temp is around 47c

I started the trip on 10:30AM around 1:30Pm. Out of nowhere all dash lights on and all sensors including radar and blind temp. etc stopped working. A/C stopped cooling. Only the speedometer is working. The dash screen is full of massages of all kinds. I noticed that fans goes crazy. I thought the engine overheated as I don't have temp on screen. I stopped the car, opened the hood and the engine looks very normal. The fan water level is normal, temp is normal. I turned the engine off and here start the nightmare:

The car never started again. Shifter looked in P. All lamps on while on accessory and no ignition at all. This is strange one, the dash is telling me press* clutch *start the engine????? Not the brake. I did everything to get the car out of this mode, nothing worked. fuses... Etc. I waited until police arrived after 2 hours to help, no luck. The trailer came but the shifter can't move after. We took the battery off for half an hour same issue but the shifter moved. We trailered the car to the nearest workshop he told us need to change battery???? Then it works fine.

All this just because of faulty battery?? Jeep, this is not normal.

I hated the car due to that as i had my 9 month baby with me in the car and the temp reached 47c in the middle of Sahara nearest building is 1 hour driving at 120Km my baby face became red of heat. My baby reach to a level that I call 911 to send helicopter to pick her up

- Abdullah A., Safwa, Saudi Arabia

problem #33

Feb 242018

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Power locks and windshield washers failed suddenly and without any prior warning or history (i.e. no abnormal sounds or conditions prior to failure). Took into shop and was told it was TIPM failure, which cost $1200 to replace (received a second estimate from dealer which was almost identical). This is not by and stretch of the imagination a normal repair to make for a 2012 car that has been well maintained and moderately driven.

- G B., Denver, CO, US

problem #32

Feb 012017

Grand Cherokee LTD 8 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I rarely drive this vehicle so I have not wanted to make the investment to fix the TIPM, which I was told would be over $2k, since it's a very known problem and should have been handled under a recall. About 10 months ago my trunk stopped locked and my key batteries kept "dying." I replaced them several times and had the trunk latch replaced, spending hundreds of dollars on those things. Still, I was getting warnings that the keys were not identified or had left the vehicle, which wasn't true, and my latch wasn't working. Finally the service manager at the dealer admitted that this is a very well known problem with the TIPM, and I should expect many more issues if I don't get it fixed. Through the last few months I have had more and more issues, and now I cannot even get into my car, it doesn't recognize the keys at all, and when I try to open it manually, it won't turn on.

This is ridiculous. Jeep needs to fix this immediately. I will never buy another Dodge product.

- Heather K., San Diego, US

problem #31

May 122016

Grand Cherokee Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Problem started approximately 2 weeks ago. The rear hatch on the vehicle would not unlock. Once I started the vehicle and drove it would eventually begin working again. It's beginning to happen more frequently and now the passenger and drivers door(s) are affected. I noticed in many Jeep forums that a strong possibility exists that the TIPM is bad. I've already had my vehicle in for the TIPM recall for the fuel pump. I didn't have any issues before the recall but now I'm noticing more "glitchy" electrical issues starting to pop up.

- William L., Perry, GA, US

problem #30

May 012017

Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is a beautiful SUV unfortunately the manufacturer could care less if you car shuts off while driving with no way to restart it until you come to a complete stop and put it in park. That's hard to do when you are the highway grinding your way to work and your power steering and power brakes go out. Putting you, your passengers, and other motorists safety at risk.

This car was the subject of a recall in September of 2016 for a faulty fuel relay switch however the underlying problem is in the TIPM a $1,000+ part (model # 68244870).

I returned the car to a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealer ship in Tamarac FL and the service mgr. and service rep. stood in front of me and admittedly lied saying they had no knowledge of this model ever having an issue and they had no record of any coming back for the problem.

Surprisingly there was a class action lawsuit Jeep settled out of court for the matter. The settlement must have made the attorneys fat and happy while leaving the car owners with a ticking time bomb.

Word of advice before considering another vehicle use carcomplaints.com to see how the manufacturer handles consumer complaints. Apparently my manufacturer has put a considerable amount of unreliable products on the road verses some others who have identified inherent flaws and sent notices out offering replacement of original faulty parts at no cost to their customers.

- stonefish, Coral Springs, US

problem #29

Dec 042016

Grand Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,500 miles

The issue started with the alarm system on our 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We pulled into a parking lot and shut off the car. a couple of seconds later the horn went off and the lights began flashing. then the doors would lock and unlock repeatedly. After a minute or two of this behavior we were able to get it to stop. A few days later we noticed the back up lights were no longer working. And a couple of days after that we noticed the interior courtesy light on the drive side only began to intermittently stay on when existing the car but it would eventually turn off after several minutes.

We then went to the dealer. The diagnosis was that the car Key Fobs were defective and needed to be replaced (465.00 parts and labor). They looked at the courtesy light while programing the new keys. We were told the entire overhead cluster would require replacement, which we would have to reschedule to have done. After leaving the dealer ship we googled know issues with this make and model Jeep. What a shock. so when calling back the dealer ship to schedule the repair we noted that the suggestion of the courtesy cluster needing to be replaced did not appear to be an accurate diagnosis so we wanted to have them look at it more thoroughly. In the several days while waiting for the appointment date we got an engine code in the instrument cluster. took it to the auto parts store and was informed it was a code for a pressure leak in the gas cap. which we checked and it was not the issue.

Upon returning it to the dealer we added all the issues and told them to keep the vehicle and diagnose each issue. Today we discovered that the sensor that issued the pressure leak for the fuel cap was faulty and that they had tested the entire system and there in fact was no leak. They said they could find no issue with the overheard courtesy light malfunction and the back up lights were not being told by the TIPM that the car was in reverse so would not come on. They kept the car overnight to again attempt to recreate the courtesy light issue while we mull over the repair cost to replace one sensor and the TIPM unit. I obviously am taking a moment to file a complaint with NHTSA , CSA and here as well. The settlement that Chrysler made was due to attempting to avoid long drawn out litigation for know issues with faulty TIMP units. We are looking at over $1500.00 to replace that unit alone and not including the other issues. I know I am not a genius but instead of dragging this out and damaging the relationship of existing loyal customers why not simply replace the units period instead of patches that bypass the TIPM?

I am not happy with the situation at all and in fact if I do not receive any compensation for the cost to replace a part that is known to be faulty and has been directly linked to the problems I am having I can assure you that I will probably add myself to the list of folks who will not only get rid of this vehicle shortly but will never buy another Jeep or Chrysler product again. Step up a little more to the plate Chrysler and deal with your error of installing defective materials..

- Craig R., Mount Vernon, WA, US

problem #28

Dec 292016

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

My power door locks stopped working. I made an appointment to have it repaired and the day I was going to drive my JGC to the dealer, all hell broke loose. Park assist stopped working, anti skid and 4 wheel drive also indicated errors. But worse, I could not move the shifting arm out of park. I had to have it dragged out of my garage by a local towing service.

The dealer said it was a faulty TIPM and had to be replaced. Once it is replaced, they can check on the power door lock issue. I've read the this is a pretty common problem for the 2012 JGC. In fact, it must be, because the dealer said that he probably wouldn't be able to get a replacement part for at least a month. I guess I was lucky that it occurred in my garage. I could have been stuck in the middle of nowhere with my family. Come on Chrysler, you have a defect, step up and take responsibility or you'll see the last of me as a consumer.

- Ted N., Seneca Falls, NY, US

problem #27

Dec 152016

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

My car was manufactured 3 months after the current Grand Cherokee TIPM recall. This is a larger problem and needs covered with the existing recall.

- Joe H., Greenwood, IN, US

problem #26

Feb 122016

Grand Cherokee Laredo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,040 miles

I bought my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in August 2015. It acted funny at times, the navigation/music screen would get really weird. Then one day in February 2016, I'm driving and the whole electrical system starts going insane, dashboard goes on and off and everything is going crazy. I try to pull into the nearest driveway a few yards away, which was a gas station, and it totally dies. Totally f'n died as I'm driving and I'm blocking the whole entrance in and out of the gas station now. I can't put it into neutral or anything. Thank God I wasn't on a highway! I get it towed to dealer and they replace the TIPM for $1300. Money I don't have! Now fast forward a few months into September 2016. I'm driving and the whole jeep starts going crazy again! The dashboard is going absolutely insane, wipers going on and off. Then a few more yards as I'm about to turn into an intersection, totally dies again, mid turn! Totally dead and in the dark! Hazards wouldn't work, can't put it in neutral. AGAIN. Thank God I wasn't on a highway! Get it towed to dealer and they say its the battery. I argue that no it's not, did the same thing as before, its the TIPM. They disagree and replace the battery for $500. As I'm driving home, the f'n battery light comes on!! I turn around bring it back and say its the TIPM! They say its the alternator and it'll cost $1000. Then guess what??? It wasn't the damn alternator either! Did the same thing after I got it replaced and now they finally to agree with me that it was the TIPM! The second one was covered, thank God or I would have gone absolutely nuts and left the damn jeep there. I just lost my job, I really don't have the money to fix all this crap on a jeep that is only 4 years old! If I knew all the issues I was going to have with this piece of garbage, I would have kept my 2002 Durango. Now I'm stuck with this thing and God help Jeep if the TIPM dies again. I'll get it towed to their Headquarters and leave it there. So anyone thinking of getting a Jeep Grand Cherokee - DON'T!!!!!! I didn't read enough reviews. And there is a class action lawsuit that I think I missed out on because my repair happened after the judgement. I'm so pissed I put in thousands into this piece of sh*t.

- Sanja S., Smithtown, NY, US

problem #25

Mar 012016

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

Good day

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee (LIMITED) 3.6 ltr. 2012 model. After about 12,000 miles have experienced TIPM,,, Totally Intregrated Power Module, problems. Error mark “Anti Skid sys. And 4WD” was lite with no reason. After about 6 days of general computer testing at the Chrysler garage, they did not find the reason for the error. They told me that the TIPM whole fuse case should be replaced. The cost is about USD 1,950. Shall I claim Chrysler full coverage. In Israel the catalogue number is : C68244875.000.AA

Please help.

Sharoni (Mr.)

- ncsc, Ashdod, Israel

problem #24

Jun 072016

Grand Cherokee Sport 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,400 miles

October 2015-

This car has given me nothing but nightmares.

The day after purchasing, the vehicle wouldn’t start. It was promptly towed to the North Arlington, Texas Don Davis Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership, where a recall in an alternator was fixed. I picked up my Jeep a week later, and thought my problems were solved, but boy, was I wrong.

Two days later, the original problem began again. My father, who is quite handy with cars, did a little research and discovered that a recall had also been issued on the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which causes an issue with the relay system in the fuel pump. We quickly called Don Davis in North Arlington, where our previous service associate, David Vaughn told us to bring it back and it would be fixed with the correct recall part. I took my Jeep back a week later, and was told the issue was solved. I was so glad to have my Jeep back. I had definitely bought a car that was in the shop more than I had gotten to drive it.

Immediately after getting home, I discovered that the recall fix mandated by Jeep did not solve the problem that I and thousands of others have had. I took my car back, asked for it to please be repaired once again and after all. A week went by, I went to pick my car up, and I was told that a “mishap” occurred and a mechanic had hit my car with another car they were servicing. Mr. Vaughn stated that Jeep would provide a rental car for me and they would fix my car the next week. I took my car home, and thought my only issue was the dent they put in it. Again, I was mistaken. The original problem continued.

My car went back into the shop, and they spent a week diagnosing the original problem with the vehicle randomly not starting, or making a traumatizing cranking noise for about 20 seconds. The mechanics gave up and just put a different recall fix for the TIPM in the car, hoping it would work. Mr. Vaughn called and informed me that my car was good to go, running great, and was headed to the body shop for a bumper replacement, at their cost of course. After three weeks, I picked up my car.

Today, my original problem continues, and I’ve continually been told there is nothing they can do for me. This situation is not right. Don Davis Jeep treated me terribly. I was hung up on twice last week. This kind of customer service is unacceptable and I will not stop fighting this until my car is fixed or replaced. No customer, especially a loyal one, deserves to be treated the way I have.

June 2016-

Original problems remain, and TIPM totally failed yesterday as I was driving on a curved road. IT could have caused a wreck and I could have gotten killed. I am done with this car. Jeep, I am no longer a jeep customer nor will I ever set foot in your dealerships EVER again.

- Lauren W., Arlington, TX, US

problem #23

Jun 082016

Grand Cherokee Overland V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I bought my 2012 jeep grand cherokee overland edition about 2 years ago. I started having TIPM problems right away , constantly shutting off while driving, let me just tell how thrilling that was! I'm mean I just love driving a newly purchased vehicle and having the damn thing just stall in the middle of an intersection, it's not unsafe at all! Apparently enough complaints were made that Chrysler finally decided to have a recall for the. TIPM ( I'm skipping all the parts in between that I spent time and money trying to fix the problem before the recall)

Blah blah blah... Recall done and my jeep is still jacked and no one gives a sh*t! One story I would just love to share , is yesterday I managed the courage to drive my jeep to the grocery store, while crossing a railroad track it decided to stall, luckily I had enough momentum roll the rest of the way , but almost got into a wreck!

I really wish Chrysler could do something to help me, I think soon I will get into a wreck and really injure myself or someone else! Has anyone fixed this problem ?

- Emilie H., Pensacola, FL, US

problem #22

Apr 012016

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Vehicle stalls while running or just won't start. Super scared. I cannot believe that these vehicles remain running on the streets but like everything else, no one will do nothing until someone get injury or dies in an accident. My Jeep has the fuel relay recall done and that DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. Not sure why Chrysler don't have the solution for this yet... my last Chrysler vehicle EVER!

- emmanuelv, safety harbor, FL, US

problem #21

Feb 042016

Grand Cherokee Sport Utility 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,240 miles

On vacation, loaded down with gifts for family back home, got to motel tried locking doors with remote. Would not work, tried with lock button armrest, nothing worked. Had to lock doors manually but could not lock rear hatch door as there is no way to lock it manually. Took it to hometown dealer in Seward, Nebraska. Was told that the TIPM was bad & that it would cost approximately $975.00. Was told they checked to see if there were any recalls & that there wasn't any. Picked Jeep up and brought it home. Also have a 2012 Dodge diesel p/u, but there won't be any more Chryslers in this household!!!!!!!

- meinberg, Seward, NE, US

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