2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4 Dr SUV Laredo E/ Laredo X 4x, 4 Dr SUV Limited 4X4/Overland, Srt-8
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 189.8–191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,661–5,150 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,361 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,661 lb (4 Dr SUV Laredo E/ Laredo X 4x).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 9% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1361 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 6.4L 8-cyl
- Lightest version 190 lb heavier
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Grand Cherokee →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV Laredo E/ Laredo X 4x | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,661 lb | 51/49 |
| 4 Dr SUV Limited 4X4/Overland | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,850 lb | 53/47 |
| Srt-8 | 191.3 in | 77.2 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 5,150 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -9% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -23% | $4,750 | 555 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -21% | $5,050 | 592 |
| Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Kia Sorento | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (10)
Electrical System · Nov 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V813000 · 528,594 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Service Brakes · Sep 18, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V572000 · 646,394 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Interior Lighting · Dec 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V879000 · 389,252 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- 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 · Feb 27, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V115000 · 339,525 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 8, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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 · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V391000 · 653,562 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
- Fix
- 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 · Apr 1, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V154000 · 646,498 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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 · Mar 4, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V104000 · 18,780 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 · Sep 29, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 728 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 248 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 208 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Grand Cherokee years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Grand Cherokee | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 55 |
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 121 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 315 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 23 | 597 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 24 | 491 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 502 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 241 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 24 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 370 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 855 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 364 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 311 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →