--- title: "2012-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "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." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 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. **Quick answer**: 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. ## 2012-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and service bulletins | Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | NHTSA 14V-530 | TIPM fuel pump relay failure / stall (recall) | major | | NHTSA 16V-240 | Monostable shifter rollaway (recall) | major | | NHTSA 20V-699 | EcoDiesel 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. ## 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 generation. Typical cost: Free under recall; $600-$1,200 for a TIPM replacement out of warranty. Recall/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: 2014-2015. Typical 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 recall. Recall/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. - [2012 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012) - [2013 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2013) - [2014 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2014) - [2015 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2015) - [2016 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2016) - [2017 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2017) - [2018 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2018) - [2019 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2019) - [2020 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2020) - [2021 Grand Cherokee](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2021) ## What changed during the 2012-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | Launch of the 6.4L SRT8; carries over 3.6L Pentastar/5.7L HEMI lineup from 2011 introduction | | 2014 | Mid-cycle facelift: new front/rear fascias, 8-speed automatic standard, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 introduced, monostable rotary shifter introduced (see rollaway recall) | | 2017 | Minor refresh: revised grille/lighting, Uconnect updates | | 2018 | SRT Trackhawk introduced with the 707-hp supercharged 6.2L | | 2019 | Final year for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 in the US Grand Cherokee | | 2021 | Final full model year of the WK2 as the primary Grand Cherokee nameplate | | 2022 | WK2 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 - [Wikipedia, Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), engine table and generation history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_(WK2)) - [NHTSA recall 14V-530, TIPM fuel pump relay](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2014/RCLRPT-14V530-6862.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 16V-240, monostable shifter rollaway](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCLRPT-16V240-9145.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 20V-699, EcoDiesel EGR cooler](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V699-5290.PDF) - [Fontana CDJR, Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity Guide (2011-2026), aggregated by-engine oil specs](https://www.fontanacdjr.com/service-department/service-and-parts-tips/jeep-grand-cherokee-oil-type/) - [Victorville Motors, Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity](https://www.victorvillemotors.com/service-department/service-tips/jeep-grand-cherokee-oil-type-capacity/) - [Collierville CDJR, Jeep Grand Cherokee Bolt Pattern Guide (1999-2026)](https://www.colliervillechryslerdodgejeepram.com/service-department/service-tips/jeep-grand-cherokee-bolt-pattern/) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee wheel/tire fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/jeep/grand-cherokee/2016/) - [Firkins CJ, How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://www.firkinscj.com/blog/how-to-reset-the-oil-life-indicator-on-a-jeep-grand-cherokee/) - [Suncore Industries, Common Quadra-Lift air suspension issues (WK2)](https://www.suncoreindustries.com/product/26221/common-quadralift-air-suspension-issues-and-strut-or-spring-replacement-options-for-your-jeep-grand-cherokee-wk2) ## Other Jeep Grand Cherokee generations - [2022-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2022-2025/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/common-problems). ## More for the 2012-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/filters) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012-2021/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.