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:
$3,640
Average Mileage:
91,500 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace lifters or whole engine (3 reports)
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 122021

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

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

Our Jeep Grand Cherokee has developed the dreaded Pentastar Tick.

Long story short, the mechanics have had to replace 2 of the 4 cam shafts and to hopefully prevent the problem from coming back, all the rockers and lifters. Total cost $3,634.

Our Jeep has had excellent maintenance with very regular/documented oil changes.

There are MANY, MANY, MANY people with this same issue. You think it's covered under the extended head warranty, but it's not. That is another issue, not this one it seems.

This is result of a design flaw, FCA knows it and yet they have done absolutely NOTHING for their customers. Every dealership is doing these repairs. We used an independent shop to try to reduce the costs a bit and even they are doing a couple every month.

This engine is total crap. If we did not need this vehicle, I would have sent it to the crusher as that is where it belongs.

- speedyatl, Brookhaven, US

problem #2

Apr 172019

Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,400 miles

This is a Known DODGE issue with the late model HEMI's. Look up "Hemi Tick" on the internet and you will see that this is a major issue, The local Dodge dealer/Jeep Dealer is back ordered 800 units and suspect that it will be 3 to 4 months to get the OEM parts required to repair. Also look at all of the public safety users who have bought the HEMI powered vehicle and you will see that there is a major problem as the majority of them are failing. This is an expensive repair as the lifter sticks and rounds off the lobe of the CAM shaft. To fix it you have to remove Both HEADS and tear it down to the block to swap it out. A dealership or shop can fix or replace the necessary parts in about 18 man hours. I've called the USA Dodge/Jeep representative at the factory level and the only thing that they offer for these expensive part replacement is, you are out of warranty....

- Bradrick J., Camas, WA, US

problem #1

Aug 092018

Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

Heard knocking out of nowhere; always had oil changed . Took to shop misfire cylinder 3, than was told it was a jeep issue with cam and lifters. Than was told to replace cam and lifters would cost me $3800, or a new engine for $7800. Jeep knows this is an issue but chooses to do nothing about it. warranty had just went by at a 100,000 miles.

- Dewayne D., Warner Robins, US

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