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.
I went in for normal service and was told that the rack and pinion was leaking and needs replacing.
They mentioned that they replaced it last year. It's still under warranty. The replacement is no charge. However, this is the third rack and pinion going in. Paid for the original replacement.
Then I have had two replacements fail at 11 to 12 months (12 month warranty, go figure). Are they now using substandard replacement parts?
I bought the car with 60,000. Now it has 76,000. Power steering leaked and no warning lights came on to inform me to check fluid levels. Pump broken. This is a common problem and should be recalled.
A friend drove my Jeep at 42k and said the steering wasn't right. A week after I bought it, (42k) I took it for an oil change and there was no power steering fluid in it.
I bought it from the dealer. They said they'd charge me a their of the $2200 bill. I'm pissed!
Update from Nov 27, 2015: Sorry, 1/3 of the bill. $700 instead of $2200
My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland has been great up until today. I brought it in to the dealer for an oil change this morning and during inspection they found the power steering reservoir was empty. They diagnosed the problem as a leak in the existing Rack & Pinion, which cost almost $2000 to replace. The dealership told me that unfortunately they have done quite a few of these. Mostly on the minivans, but they've done a few on Grand Cherokees as well.
Yes, I understand I put more miles on my car than a normal person (avg 20k a year), however, am I wrong to expect that the Rank & Pinion past my 37th payment on a $50k SUV?
This is obviously a bad design, or faulty batch of parts by Chrysler. I am really disappointed with them. I was actually considering upgrading to a new Jeep this fall.
Went to have my Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland serviced for a broken seat rail ($1200 fix) and they found the power steering reservoir was empty and the power steering pump, reservoir and the rack and pinion (and hoses) need to be replaced. Another $2350 for a part that any reasonable person would think should last at least 3 years. Since its purchase, we've replaced the fuel pump, the water pump, the rear latch switch, and multiple recall items. Its been a total disappointment for someone really trying hard to buy an American made care. Now that Fiat owns them, I'm sure this kind of quality will be continued. I'm heading to test drive 4Runners!
Shortly after buying my WK2 I noticed the power steering fluid was below the main line. I took it to the dealership I bought it from and they topped it off. Another mechanic stated power steering levels should not fluctuate like other fluids and if it continues to drop then its leaking.
I've had the car for almost two years and have topped off the fluid 3 additional times. I can not see fluid leaking onto the driveway or other parts of the engine. I'm only bothered because I know there is a leak and it will eventually get much worse. Have yet to probe the dealer for cause or cost to fix.
I was going to change my oil in my Jeep Grand Cherokee since I like doing this myself so I can check the vehicle out. When I first crawled under the vehicle I noticed an oil substance on the sub frame. I noticed my power steering reservoir was on the min mark and the lid was just sitting on it. I looked around some more and noticed that the fluid was actually coming from the power steering rack. I just had my Jeep in a few weeks before for an A/C issue that still is not fixed and the brake booster recall. Usually they do a multi-point inspection each time it is in so I am not sure how this was overlooked. I just took the vehicle in a week ago and they cleaned up the oil around the rack and are going to check it again next week when I take it in for my A/C repair and some recalls. I am really thinking about getting rid of the vehicle since my wife is about to have our first child next month and with Jeep's having so many power steering leak issues in the last couple of years. I love the way it drives but I am getting close to the end of my warranty and do not want to have to pay for a new rack/pump/etc when all the fluid leaks out.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I went in for normal service and was told that the rack and pinion was leaking and needs replacing.
They mentioned that they replaced it last year. It's still under warranty. The replacement is no charge. However, this is the third rack and pinion going in. Paid for the original replacement.
Then I have had two replacements fail at 11 to 12 months (12 month warranty, go figure). Are they now using substandard replacement parts?
- Frank K., Cedar Rapids, IA, US