2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 837 owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11766856 (filed 09/25/2026): “The alternator failed. it was the safety recall p60 (nhtsa 14v-634) remedy alternator, installed by an authorized fca dealer when the recall was completed on 08/30/2021, as fca confirmed in writing. on 09/24/2026, at 41,275 miles, the vehicle had no electrical power and would not start. an independ…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11763270 (filed 09/10/2026): “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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11763496 (filed 09/10/2026): “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, an…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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