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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes problems

289 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,000. 21 crashes reported.

owner complaints
289
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
49,000
crashes
21
recalls
3

Which part fails

  • Power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Brake failure 31ABS 13Grinding brakes 7

Related recalls

Service brakesReported September 18, 2017 · 646,394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Risk
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.

Recall number 17V572000 · Recall details

Service brakesReported April 1, 2014 · 646,498 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Risk
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.

Recall number 14V154000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported March 4, 2014 · 18,780 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
Risk
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.

Recall number 14V104000 · Recall details

What 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

The engine power cuts of randomly while driving with no warning at all. When it happens the steering locks up veering the vehicle to the left so you have no control and at the same time the power brakes lock up and you are unable to stop the vehicle. Everything else works when this happens lights, radio, heater, air conditioning. No warning lights display. I had the vehicle with a mechanic that kept it for over 4 months to test drive and see if it would occur. It happened while he drove it but no codes show up to determine the cause. I had it towed back to my home and contacted Jeep Chrysler and they gave me a claim number to bring to my local Jeep dealer. They had it for over a week and unfortunately the jeep ran fine so once again no resolution to be able to fix. I bought the Jeep from Carvana 9/7/24 and am still paying it off but yet haven't been able to drive it for the past 15 months because it is unsafe for myself and anyone else on the roadway.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Brakes · IN

Upon starting my Jeep on the coldest day of the year back in January when I pressed the brake pedal to start it there was a loud and it reminded me, there was a recall out for the break booster pop and the pedal went all the way to the floor. It was fifteen below zero out.So I thought that it blew a brake line. I checked the lines going to all four.Wheels and could not find any fluid. I could not figure out where all the fluid went. I refilled the reservoir with two full cans of brake fluid. Tried pumping the pedal and again it went to the floor. Got out and inspected all lines and the reservoir itself.... Still could not find a leak. I googled the problem and saw a recall for the brake booster. Said it was installed incorrectly and water could enter the booster and master cylinder and freeze if cold outside and cause a serious accident causing serious injury or death. I inspected the system and water had entered the booster and master cylinder and froze. It ruined the master cylinder. I asked the dealership if they would pick up the vehicle and repair it. First they said yes then no they don't pick vehicles up. They ordered only a little shield to fix the booster per the recall but said that's all they would do. Why would I pay $200 out of my pocket to have the vehicle taken to them.Only to have them put a shield on the booster. I still would have no brakes. That is ridiculous. This is supposed to be a major safety issue.And it is! If I had been driving when I pressed on the brake pedal and it went to the floor I could have been killed or other innocent people could have been killed. You the federal safety agency 's answer said Chrysler is contractually. Obligated to not only pick up my vehicle but to repair any and all components of the brake system to return the vehicle to previous safety operation at no charge to me. You also said that I should be given a loaner vehicle to use while mine is repaired. Dealership is refusing. I could be dead and so could other innocent people

Filed May 1, 2026 · Brakes, Fuel system · MI

The vehicle is a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with open safety recalls T59 and V62. The brake warning light is currently illuminated, and based on the symptoms I believe the brake booster may be failing. The braking system is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that the vehicle may have reduced braking assist or impaired braking performance while being driven. This creates a risk of increased stopping distance, loss of braking confidence, or inability to stop safely in traffic. I contacted the FCA/Stellantis-recommended Jeep dealership in Lapeer, Michigan multiple times this week to schedule recall-related service. I was repeatedly transferred to service voicemail and did not receive return calls. When I called back and asked to speak with someone else, I reached the service manager. I explained that the vehicle has an illuminated brake warning light and that I suspect the brake booster may be failing. The service manager focused on where I lived, why I was not using a closer dealer, and mentioned that the vehicle is 14 years old, rather than clearly arranging recall service or addressing the brake safety concern. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealer because I have been unable to obtain timely service despite repeated attempts. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamp currently present is the brake warning light. The exact first date the warning light appeared was within the last 2 weeks.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Brakes, Fuel system · MI

Vehicle has two open unrepaired recalls: T59 (the federal safety agency 17V‑572, brake booster water shield) and V62 (the federal safety agency 19V‑813, fuel pump relay). The brake booster is currently symptomatic — an audible humming noise is present when the vehicle is stopped and idling, consistent with vacuum loss in the brake booster system. I contacted LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fenton, Michigan to schedule the recall repairs. An appointment was set for 8:15 AM on April 24, 2026. I requested a loaner or rental vehicle as the dealer indicated they would need to keep the vehicle over the weekend for the work. The dealer never followed up regarding the rental. Instead, the dealer contacted me to appraise my current vehicle and discuss new vehicle inventory. The recall work was never discussed. When I did not appear for the appointment, the dealer did not follow up or offer to reschedule. I then contacted Stellantis customer service directly and explained the situation, including the active brake booster symptom. The Stellantis representative connected me with a second dealership, Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, then disconnected from the call without notice. I was left explaining the situation a second time to a dealership that informed me they do not provide loaner vehicles. The rental option requires me to pay out of pocket upfront and then seek reimbursement from the manufacturer in the form of a check. This is not a viable option. Additionally, this dealership is located approximately one hour from my residence in Flint, making it logistically impractical for recall service. I am currently driving a vehicle with an active safety defect affecting the braking system. The recall remedy language states that limited braking ability can cause a crash without prior warning. Neither the manufacturer nor two dealerships have provided adequate accommodation to complete the recall repair while ensuring I have safe transportation during the service per

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 94,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed while slowing down; however, the RPM elevated to 5,500 RPM. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was stopped, turned off, restarted, and operated normally. Additionally, the remote start feature was not operating properly. After remote starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The contact also stated that a phone call was ringing through the radio even though the phone was not in use. The contact researched online and believed that the vehicle had been hacked. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be hacked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

While driving the engine power randomly cuts off & steering & brakes lock up veering the vehicle to the left which causes me to have no control of my vehicle. Everything else stays on radio...lights...etc. There is absolutely no warning at all when this occurs. This has happened to me 3 times while driving almost causing me to crash. I brought it to a local Jeep dealer & they couldn't find any codes showing what the issue was. So in fear of getting into a crash that could possibly injure myself or others on the road I haven't been able to drive it safely.

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 87,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM fluctuated before the transmission slammed into gear. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure, and a failure with the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and other unknown parts were replaced on the transmission. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately and the vehicle stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced, and the accelerator pedal also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that recently the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and ABS system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed May 9, 2024 · Brakes · WI

In 2018 the brake booster was tested (vacuum test), and was deemed fine, even though the part itself was placed incorrectly per the recall and could fail at any point. It was not replaced, and marked the recall as closed. Last week the part, brake booster, failed while driving. Jeep is not willing replace due to recall being closed in 2018 and overall recall closed in March 2022.

Filed Jan 22, 2023 · Brakes, Steering · PA · crash

I was leaving work and made a right turn. The vehicle steering and breaks locked up and I hit a telephone pole. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle did not stall. Serious injury could have occurred. Police report and involvement happened as it was a large accident.

Questions about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes

Does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 289 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes?

Yes, 3 recalls: 17V572000, 14V154000, 14V104000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have bad brakes?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (622 complaints), 2000 (438 complaints) and 2011 (331 complaints).

Other 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Electrical 837Engine 302Fuel system 248Transmission 102Steering 100Lights 56Airbags 43Acceleration 35Suspension 32Visibility 32Body 26Driver assistance 25Seat belts 12Seats 12Tires 10Wheels 10Locks 1

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