2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems

Alternator diodes short to ground, destroying alternator, battery, and TIPM/PCM. Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, resulting in loss of power steering and power brakes. Engine stalls without warning. Owners report this is a known defect across multiple model years; FCA has issued multiple recalls (P60-14V634, T36-17V435, T75-17V741) but excluded many 2012 Grand Cherokee VINs.

When: Typically 30,000–140,000 miles; one owner at 41,000 miles, another at 50,000 miles, another at 46,000 miles. Can occur within 8–10 seconds of activation under normal driving or after sitting idle while running.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminates; Electrical burning/whitish smoke from engine compartment; Engine stalls abruptly with no warning codes or dashboard indicators; Complete loss of power steering and power brakes; Radio and other electrical systems may continue operating briefly; Vehicle will not restart or is very difficult to restart; Alternator has failed diodes

Codes mentioned: P60-14V634, T36-17V435, T75-17V741

Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; battery replacement (destroyed by short); possible TIPM/PCM replacement. Costs reported at $2,000–$2,300 for battery and related repairs. Owners report dealerships claim repair is not covered under recall if VIN is excluded.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA issued recalls P60-14V634, T36-17V435, T75-17V741 for alternator diode thermal fatigue. Recalls expanded multiple times but many 2012 Grand Cherokee VINs remain excluded. FCA received $120,000,000 fine for ineffectual recall process. Parts unavailable for extended periods at dealerships.

Engine stalls randomly or during specific driving conditions (braking, downshifting, turning, exiting highways) without warning codes. Loss of power steering and power brakes follows stall. Vehicle will restart after shifting to Park and pressing the start button. Dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose; no fault codes stored. Some owners report this occurs 6–25+ times over months or years.

When: 30,000–150,000 miles. Can occur on cold start more frequently; harder to replicate when engine is warm. Typically happens during deceleration, turning (especially sharp turns or S-curves), or on exit ramps.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls silently with no warning indicators; Loss of power steering assist; steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Loss of power brake assist; brakes become very hard or ineffective; Radio, lights, and climate control continue to operate; No fault codes displayed on diagnostic scan; Vehicle difficult to control and slow down; Restarting requires shifting to Park, then pressing start button; Occurs at speeds 20–70 mph, especially during turns or braking

Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced fuel pump relay (twice in some cases), but problem persists. Some dealers report this is a known issue with 5.7L Hemi engines and push-to-start button models but have no fix. No repair has proven effective.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledge this is a known problem for 5.7L engines with push-to-start beginning around 30,000–50,000 miles, but FCA has not issued a recall or confirmed fix. Recall parts unavailable from manufacturer.

Power steering hose unexpectedly disconnects or bursts, causing sudden loss of power steering fluid and immediate loss of steering assist. Hose may disconnect at clamp or fitting. Problem recurs after dealership repair attempts. Can occur within 400 miles of purchase or after previous repairs.

When: As early as 400 miles; also at 3,000 miles and 80,000 miles. One owner experienced recurring failures within days after dealership repair.

Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'pop' sound from engine area; Hose disconnects or bursts without warning; Immediate loss of power steering assist; steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Power steering fluid sprays or leaks onto engine and underside of hood; Steering difficulty at low speed (1 mph) or while driving

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reconnects hose or replaces it per Chrysler directive. One owner reports mechanic's replacement hose burst immediately during test drive. Multiple reconnection attempts required; recurrence common after repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued repair directives with fixes, but hoses fail repeatedly. No full recall for hose failures in 2012 model, though similar recall issued in 2010 for 26,000 vehicles with power steering hose problems. PE12020 NHTSA action number assigned for steering hose investigation, but repair effectiveness unclear.

Rack and pinion seal develops cracks or fails prematurely, leaking power steering fluid. Leak may be internal or internal with fluid contained in boot, masking the problem from owner notice. Can occur at very low mileage (38,000 miles). Replacement requires full rack and pinion assembly replacement at high cost ($1,300–$3,000).

When: 38,000–120,000 miles. One owner at 46,000 miles, another at 33,000 miles with no off-road use.

Symptoms owners cite: Difficult steering; steering wheel becomes hard to turn; Power steering fluid leak from front of vehicle (red fluid under car); Low power steering fluid level (may not trigger warning light); Internal leak contained in boot, making problem undetectable without inspection; Steering vibration or shaking at highway speeds; Violent steering wheel shake when braking or at speeds 55+ mph

Repairs/costs cited: Full rack and pinion replacement required. Cost $1,300–$3,000 depending on labor and alignment. One owner also required replacement of tie rods. Repair not covered by FCA warranty at higher mileage.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealership technicians confirm this is a common problem and note that FCA redesigned the rack in later model years due to this issue. No manufacturer warranty coverage offered for this defect.

Electronic power steering system loses communication or power, resulting in complete loss of steering assist without warning. Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn or locks. No warning lights illuminate before failure in some cases.

When: 141,000 miles reported in one case; another at 1 mph in driveway; another at 30 mph on road.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn or locks; Loss of electronic power steering assist; No warning light illuminates before failure; No communication to power steering module (diagnostic finding); Steering assist may intermittently return to normal

Repairs/costs cited: VIN excluded from PE12020 recall in one case; vehicle not repaired. Repair cost and parts unknown.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicles excluded from NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE12020 (STEERING) did not receive recall remedy. Manufacturer provided no remedy in at least one case.

Steering wheel vibrates or shakes violently during highway driving, worsens when braking. Defect persists after tire replacement, balancing, and four-wheel alignment. Dealership unable to diagnose root cause after multiple service visits.

When: As early as 150 miles; also at 33,000 miles, 70,000 miles, and higher mileage.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates or shakes violently; Shaking worse at speeds 55+ mph; Shaking worsens when applying brakes; Vehicle jolts or jumps to the side when driving over uneven pavement or overpasses; Vehicle rocks side-to-side; Defect continues after new tires, balancing, and alignment

Repairs/costs cited: Both front tires replaced and balanced; four-wheel alignment performed. No improvement. Dealership unable to diagnose. Rack and pinion replacement estimated at $1,900+ with alignment.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer unable to provide assistance. Dealership technicians confirm this is very common and note that many Jeeps require rack and pinion replacement for this issue.

Vehicle loses all electrical power, steering, and braking while in motion with no warning. Engine stalls; dashboard lights dim or go out. Vehicle cannot be restarted immediately. Multiple electrical components fail simultaneously or in cascade.

When: 32,000 miles within first 2 years of ownership; 128,000 miles after 3–4 years; 140,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Service 4WD System warning illuminates seconds before shutdown; Electronic Throttle Control (lightning-bolt) warning appears; Engine stalls abruptly without warning; Complete loss of power steering and power brakes; Transmission appears to shift to neutral; vehicle rolls on grade; All power systems offline; vehicle cannot be restarted; Strong hot/burning electrical odor present after shutdown; Seatbelt indicator flashes; air conditioning and radio shut off

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay and overlay harness replaced; wireless ignition node replaced; integrated key fob replaced; TIPM kit replaced; brake booster replaced; 2 key fobs replaced. Despite multiple repairs, vehicle continues to fail.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued (brake booster water shield, alternator diode thermal fatigue) but root cause of cascading electrical failure not addressed by recall parts.