2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical system problems
836 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee — 51% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee suddenly was stalling, and would not re-start, especially when turning the steering. AAA Tech diagnosed as High Diode Ripple Voltage in the Alternator, damaging the Battery. Needed to Replace both Alternator and Battery at a cost of $1068. Car was recalled under T36, and…”
filed Sep 10, 2026
“Alternator smoking. it is available for inspection. Filled interior of vehicle with smoke the engine stopped running while driving. Took to dealership for a 2nd sun visor recall and had them diagnose the smoking alternator. The voltage light came on just before the alternator started smoking”
filed Sep 10, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the…Campaign 19V813000 · Nov 14, 2019
- Affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a…Campaign 17V435000 · Jul 10, 2017
- In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module…Campaign 15V115000 · Feb 27, 2015
- In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly failCampaign 14V634000 · Oct 8, 2014
- In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short…Campaign 14V391000 · Jul 2, 2014
Electrical System problems in other Grand Cherokee years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 30 | 41% |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 109 | 45% |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 177 | 46% |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 129 | 50% |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 114 | 28% |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 71 | 30% |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 82 | 22% |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 339 | 40% |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 87 | 24% |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 61 | 20% |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 136 | 10% |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 483 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.