Possible Driveability Issues due to the Winter-Blend Fuel into the Warmer Season
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system, typically surfacing around 85,000 miles at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
| Model year | fuel system complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Grand Cherokee | 3 |
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 3 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 36 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 31 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 7 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 36 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 37 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 13 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 fuel system complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached. If valve is found out of place please call Bob Jackson (248) 944-0466 bob.jackson@fcagroup.com, or Joe Lovell (734) 309-6467 joe.lovell@fcagroup.com before proceeding. If unable to reach after 15 minutes record the following information and proceed with oil pump replacement and hold part for return to FCA via Fastrack system
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set: P0300- Multiple Cylinder Misfire P0302- Cylinder 2 Misfire P0304- Cylinder 4 Misfire P0306- Cylinder 6 Misfire
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FLASH: MIL Illumination For P0730 And Transmission Shift Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, the technician may find that Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0730 Incorrect Gear Ratio is setting erroneously. In addition to correcting the DTC, the following Transmission Control Module (TCM) calibration improvements are now available. These updates are broken down by vehicle line and engine category.WK, WD, JK and LC Vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine (Sales Code ERB) Hanging in gear d
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set: ? P0300- Multiple Cylinder Misfire ? P0302- Cylinder 2 Misfire ? P0304- Cylinder 4 Misfire ? P0306- Cylinder 6 Misfire
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system generates persistent starting and stalling failures rooted primarily in the fuel pump relay and module. Owners report the vehicle fails to start on demand or requires multiple crank attempts, sometimes with no warning lights. Engine stalling while driving—at traffic lights, on surface streets, or at highway speeds—is common and recurs even after dealer repairs.
Recall 19V813000 (and predecessor 15V115000) addresses the fuel pump relay, but owners encountered a severe parts shortage that left vehicles inoperable for months. Many dealers couldn't schedule repair appointments because replacement parts were on indefinite back order. Even after relay replacement, some owners experienced fuel pump module failure, requiring additional out-of-pocket repair. Cold-weather start failure persists in some vehicles despite previous relay replacement.
One critical design issue emerged: the keyless start system prevents engine shutoff unless the transmission is in Park—a dangerous flaw if the throttle jams, and Chrysler confirmed it is intentional.
Failures occur across the mileage spectrum, from 35,000 to 189,000 miles. Safety hazards include sudden loss of power while driving in traffic and inability to restart immediately when needed. Owners reported being stranded, paying for Uber while vehicles awaited parts, and facing out-of-warranty denials when the recall remedy proved ineffective.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Relay Failure
Fuel pump relay becomes defective, preventing fuel delivery to the engine. This is the primary failure mode cited in recall 19V813000. Owners report multiple instances where the relay either fails outright or becomes intermittently inoperable.
When: 47,000 to 156,000 miles; some failures occur after recall repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start or requires multiple attempts to start; Engine stalls while driving at various speeds (25 mph to 59 mph); Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle must wait before restarting; Abnormal clicking sound during start attempt; Check Engine or Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump relay failure (multiple narratives identify this directly)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of fuel pump relay; some owners paid out of pocket after warranty expiration. Recall repair parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving many vehicles unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000 (Electrical System / Fuel System, Gasoline); NHTSA Campaign 15V115000 (Electrical System); Dealers informed owners that replacement parts were on back order or unavailable; manufacturer stated no timeline for parts availability in some cases; some vehicles not eligible for later recalls.
Fuel Pump Module Failure
The fuel pump module itself fails, independent of or following relay failure. One owner reported silicone contamination of the fuel pump after recall repair, causing complete pump inoperability.
When: 35,000 to 156,000 miles; some occur after relay replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Engine stalls while driving; Loss of motive power; Vehicle inoperable after extended period
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump module failure, Fuel pump short circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of fuel pump module; 150 AMP Mega fuse replacement attempted in one case but failure persisted. Parts on back order in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000 referenced; one owner claimed VIN not included in later recall 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel)
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving
Vehicle loses engine power and stalls while in motion at highway and surface street speeds, presenting a serious safety hazard. Occurs both before and after recall repairs.
When: 50,200 to 97,000 miles; recurring across multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning at 25 to 59 mph; Loss of motive power while driving; Engine shuts off while on freeway or at traffic lights; Malfunction indicator illuminated in some cases
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump relay failure, TIPM failure
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay and/or TIPM replacement; in one case, repair involved transfer case, rear prop shaft, and final drive control module due to secondary vibration damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000; NHTSA Campaign 15V115000; some owners received no assistance after contacting manufacturer; one recall repair (19V813000) did not resolve stalling, requiring fuel pump replacement
Cold-Weather Starting Difficulty
Engine fails to start immediately in cold weather conditions. One owner reported the failure recurred after a previous fuel pump relay replacement under recall 15V115000.
When: 54,000 miles; recurring after seasonal temperature drops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to immediately start in cold weather; Failure recurs despite previous recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign 15V115000 (fuel pump relay replacement), but failure recurred when temperatures became cold.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V115000 applied; manufacturer contacted but no assistance offered
Failure to Start with No Warning
Vehicle will not crank or start on demand with no illuminated warning lights to alert the driver. Cause sometimes undiagnosed; dealers unable to duplicate or diagnose the issue.
When: 72,500 to 189,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start without warning light; Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminated (some cases); Requires multiple starts or waiting before engine turns over; Intermittent start failures
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump failure, TIPM fault
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement diagnosed in some cases; mechanic unable to replicate failure in others; vehicle remained unrepaired in several narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000 applied to some vehicles; one vehicle not eligible for recall 22V406000 despite similar symptoms; post-recall failures diagnosed as needing fuel pump replacement
Unintended Acceleration with No Engine Shutoff Mechanism
Design flaw: with remote keyless entry, engine cannot be turned off unless gear is in Park. If throttle jams causing unintended acceleration, driver cannot shut off engine. Manufacturer confirmed this is intentional design.
When: Design inherent to model
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot turn off engine while in Drive due to keyless start system design; Unintended acceleration cannot be stopped via engine shutoff; Safety risk in accident scenarios where engine rev-up occurs
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available; manufacturer stated this is a function of vehicle design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Customer Service stated: 'The characteristic you describe is a function of your vehicle's design and there is nothing that can be done to fix the condition.'
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had fuel system trouble with your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 47,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.