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2012–2021 WK2 (4th generation)

2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems and Years to Avoid

5 documented problems with the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number.

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We have 5 documented problems on record for the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, of which 3 are serious and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSBIssueSeverity
NHTSA 14V-530TIPM fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall)major
NHTSA 16V-240Monostable shifter rollaway (recall)major
NHTSA 20V-699EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking (recall)major

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

TIPM fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall)

major

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the fuse/relay box that also runs the fuel pump, could suffer a shorted fuel pump relay ("TIPM-7"), causing a no-start condition or the engine stalling while driving without warning. Chrysler's recall covers certain 2013 (and some related) model-year vehicles; dealers replace the fuel pump relay/TIPM. Independent of the recall, TIPM failures affecting other circuits (wipers, power windows, headlights) are also widely and separately reported across this generation and are not always covered by warranty.

Most affected: 2012–2013 (recall population); sporadic TIPM complaints reported through the generationTypical cost: Free under recall; $600–$1,200 for a TIPM replacement out of warrantyRecall/TSB: NHTSA 14V-530

Monostable shifter rollaway (recall)

major

Grand Cherokees with the 8-speed automatic's monostable (spring-loaded, non-detent) rotary-style shift lever didn't give drivers reliable tactile/visual confirmation the vehicle was in Park, letting some owners exit with the vehicle still in gear and roll away. FCA's fix was a software update (adds an auto-Park feature when the driver's door opens) rather than a hardware shifter replacement.

Most affected: 2014–2015Typical cost: Free under recall (software update)Recall/TSB: NHTSA 16V-240

Quadra-Lift air suspension leaks and compressor failure

moderate

The optional/standard-on-upper-trims Quadra-Lift air suspension is prone to leaking air springs (commonly at the top shock/strut fitting) and worn-out compressors, especially as the vehicle ages, symptoms include sagging overnight, the ride height stuck in one mode, or an audible compressor running constantly trying to keep up. It's a known-quantity failure across the whole generation rather than a specific recall; some owners convert to aftermarket coil-over conversions to avoid repeat repairs.

Most affected: 2012–2021 (all Quadra-Lift-equipped trims)Typical cost: $150–$400 per air spring/strut; $800–$1,500 for a compressor

EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking (recall)

major

A batch of 3.0L EcoDiesel EGR coolers can develop internal cracks that let coolant leak into the EGR/intake system, risking overheating or (in FCA's own risk assessment) a compartment fire in worst cases. Dealers inspect and replace the EGR cooler under recall. This came on top of a broader 2019 FCA settlement over EcoDiesel emissions-control software, which owners should also be aware of when buying used.

Most affected: 2014–2019 (EcoDiesel only)Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 20V-699

Uconnect touchscreen freezes / reboots

minor

Early-to-mid-cycle Uconnect head units (8.4-in and 8.4NAV) can freeze, reboot on their own, or lose Bluetooth pairings. Software updates via USB or a dealer visit resolve most cases; persistent hardware failures need a head-unit replacement. Cosmetic/convenience issue, not a safety item.

Most affected: 2012–2017 (more common on earlier Uconnect versions)Typical cost: $0 (software update) – $600+ (head unit replacement out of warranty)

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Jeep Grand Cherokee built from 2012 through 2021 — the WK2 (4th generation), mid-size 2-row suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2012 Grand Cherokee2013 Grand Cherokee2014 Grand Cherokee2015 Grand Cherokee2016 Grand Cherokee2017 Grand Cherokee2018 Grand Cherokee2019 Grand Cherokee2020 Grand Cherokee2021 Grand Cherokee

What changed during the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • 2012Launch of the 6.4L SRT8; carries over 3.6L Pentastar/5.7L HEMI lineup from 2011 introduction
  • 2014Mid-cycle facelift: new front/rear fascias, 8-speed automatic standard, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 introduced, monostable rotary shifter introduced (see rollaway recall)
  • 2017Minor refresh: revised grille/lighting, Uconnect updates
  • 2018SRT Trackhawk introduced with the 707-hp supercharged 6.2L
  • 2019Final year for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 in the US Grand Cherokee
  • 2021Final full model year of the WK2 as the primary Grand Cherokee nameplate
  • 2022WK2 continues alongside the new WL for one more year, marketed as "Grand Cherokee WK" in reduced Laredo E, Laredo X, and Limited trim, 3.6L Pentastar only, not to be confused with the WL redesign sold in parallel

2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The recurring ones are: tipm fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall); monostable shifter rollaway (recall); quadra-lift air suspension leaks and compressor failure; ecodiesel egr cooler cracking (recall); uconnect touchscreen freezes / reboots. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by tipm fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall) (2012–2013 (recall population); sporadic TIPM complaints reported through the generation) and monostable shifter rollaway (recall) (2014–2015) and ecodiesel egr cooler cracking (recall) (2014–2019 (EcoDiesel only)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 14V-530 (tipm fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall)), NHTSA 16V-240 (monostable shifter rollaway (recall)), NHTSA 20V-699 (ecodiesel egr cooler cracking (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: tipm fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall), Free under recall; $600–$1,200 for a TIPM replacement out of warranty; monostable shifter rollaway (recall), Free under recall (software update); quadra-lift air suspension leaks and compressor failure, $150–$400 per air spring/strut; $800–$1,500 for a compressor; ecodiesel egr cooler cracking (recall), Free under recall.

Sources

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