2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: whining or grinding noise

Filed Dec 31, 2018 · Electrical · 40,530 miles · NY

While driving locally on a city street, heard a low whining sound, followed by the dashboard battery warning light being illuminated. Sound increased and decreased with vehicle speed. Drove immediately home, less than a mile, parked the vehicle, opened the hood and isolated the location of the whining sound to the alternator area. At this time I could also smell a burning odor (being an electrician).I put a meter to the battery terminals and recorded a voltage of 11.5,indicating that the alternator had failed. There were no visible signs of smoke that I could see as the time was about 9pm. But the smell of an electrical issue was clearly present.

Filed May 30, 2018 · Electrical · 35,000 miles · CA

The alternator has been whining for about 6 months and the battery light periodically illuminates. There is a recall on this issue but the part is on back order if I want the recall completed, they can have it changed tomorrow if I pay for it out of pocket. Makes no sense when people's lives are at stake.

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 103,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the battery indicator suddenly illuminated and a whining noise was heard coming from the engine area. Also, a burning electrical odor and smoke were present under the hood. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (brown jeep in patchogue, ny) and the manufacturer were notified in reference to the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 14v634000 (electrical system) although the failure was identical. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. When the vehicle was started, the contact heard a whining noise and smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator, thermostat, and battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (ganley chrysler of aurora 161 w. Garfield road, aurora, oh 44202) stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the VIN was excluded from the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. ...updated 10/23/17 *bf updated 11/20/2017

Filed Jul 31, 2017 · Electrical · 94,500 miles · MA

After starting the vehicle, a loud whining noise came from what was determined to be the alternator. The alternator probably short circuited resulting in the destruction of the wiring system to include the vehicle computer system. A burning odor was noticed from the wiring system under the hood ( engine compartment). The entire electrical system failed requiring the vehicle to be towed to the nearest jeep dealer. This episode happened while the vehicle was in motion traveling approximately 1 mile. The vehicle was then parked with the distinct odor of burning. The vehicle is now at the jeep dealership awaiting diagnosis.

Filed Jan 23, 2017 · Electrical · 43,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver heard a whining noise under the hood and the battery indicator illuminated. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered by a recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Jan 18, 2017 · Steering · 80,000 miles · KY

2012 jeep grand cherokee power steering is whining loudly while idling and in motion fluid is being lost.. Occasional vibration in steering system when cornering.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · VA

Battery light came on dash while driving. Driver suspected low battery voltage. Vehicle battery was replaced. After a mile or so of driving battery light came on again, with a high pitched whine from the engine and burning smell. Alternator failure was diagnosed. Alternator and serpentine belt were replaced. Owner found out subsequently, that although this vehicle was not covered by the jeep alternator recall, it is the same year and model of others that were covered. Repairs cost $250 for the battery, and approximately $1100 for the alternator, belt and labor. Owner believes that this vehicle shares the same fault as the recalled vehicles.

Filed Oct 11, 2016 · Electrical · 37,609 miles · NY

While driving a whining noise started. Then battery light came on. System started it indicate system shutting down. Drove straight to dealer and was informed the alternator was burnt out and the battery shot. I complained to fca. Their esponse there is a recall on 160 amp alternators but it .does not apply to my vehicle because it has a 180 amp alternator.

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · SC

Battery light came on while driving, started losing power, vehicle started whining. Turned vehicle off when I reached safe place. Mechanic restarted vehicle and an awful grinding and screeching came from under hood and smoke came pouring out for about 15 minutes. Alternator burnt up, blew out battery, and still waiting to figure out what the last issue is preventing it from being completely fixed. Jeep sent investigator out to view issues, and then sent me a letter saying sorry this happened but not our problem. Been without vehicle now for over 3 weeks.

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · NJ

The alternator on my 2012 jeep grand cherokee suddenly failed without any warning causing the vehicle to stall while driving, burning odor entered the interior of vehicle, alternator was smoking. On 8/13/16 I was driving the vehicle there was a sudden burning odor that entered the vehicle along with slightly increased belt driven whine noise. Within a couple of minutes the battery warning light came on immediately followed by the vehicle engine stalling. I was able to pull over, opened the hood, burning odor and smoke arising from alternator. I was able to get car to start up again after 15 minutes and drive less than a mile to my house. Continued burning odor and alternator whine noise. Contacted chrysler/jeep customer service spoke to representative and reported problem. I was informed that my vehicle had the 180 amp alternator. The 160 amp alternator for the model and year of my vehicle was recalled under p60 recall. I was informed by rep that because my alternator was 180 it was not part of recall. Did some research and found out that the failure of my 180amp alternator was exactly the same reason why the 160amp was recalled earlier for model and year of my vehicle. Got the vehicle towed to jeep dealership who confirmed alternator failed. Spoke again to jeep customer service who states the alternator for my vehicle was not part of recall case#29914869. No further assistance was provided by the manufacturer. The sudden failure of the alternator on this model and year have been identified and recalled for the 160 amp version, similar failure is occurring on the 180 amp versions and need to be recalled to remedy the dangerous situation of sudden stalling while driving and fire risk that exists from excessive heat of the alternator due to sudden failure. My vehicle is meticulously maintained and just passed multi point dealer inspection 2 weeks prior.

Filed Jun 17, 2016 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · CO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a whining noise coming from the engine and a burning odor entered the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from the alternator. In addition, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and destroyed the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.