2017 Jeep Cherokee brakes problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Brakes · NC

The power brake booster malfunctioned, losing power brakes, greatly increasing stopping distance. Vehicle has 92000 miles on it.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Body, Brakes · NY

There was a leak in my trunk that completely shorted out my electric parking break module. My safety and others safety were put at risk because the emergency break was turning on automatically and I could not control it. I noticed it blinking and quickly pulled into a parking lot where the brake went on. I couldn't move the car at that time it took me a couple attempts to get the emergency brake off. I managed to get the car moving and went right back home where then the emergency brake turned on again. I ended up having to call a tow truck. This easily could've been worse if I made the decision to continue on my route that day because the emergency brake was turning on automatically. I took my car to an auto shop who determined with photo evidence that my electric parking brake module was filled with water. They noted "Shorted module Full of water due to trunk water leak. Needs module replacement and connector repair with reprogram. Trunk leak needs to be addressed." A small warning light appeared on my dashboard when the issue started. There was no prior warning lights or problems with the car. I had just gotten my car inspected a few days prior and passed inspection with no issues. I didn't notice the leak until after my emergency brake stopped working. That's when I began to investigate my car and found water in my spare tire compartment.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · ME

The component that failed/malfunctioned was the module that activates the EPB. It is available for inspection if requested. My safety was put at risk because the parking brake would engage every time the vehicle shut off leaving me stranded and could put other drivers at risk if my vehicle was stranded on the roadway. It would sometimes reset if the battery was disconnected and then reconnected, but eventually trying to reset it did not work. Within a week, the actuators completely seized and the vehicle was inoperable, requiring to be towed. The problem was confirmed by a Jeep dealership service center. They noted that water was leaking into the vehicle from the outside and pooling. The inside rear cargo carpets are moldy and need to be replaced and the module is completely water damaged along with other electrical components being rusted and corroded. The issue has been identified by a certified mechanic at the service center. I had planned to reach out to my auto insurance provider to file a claim, but was informed of an active recall on 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees with similar symptoms to what I am experiencing. No warning lamps or messages were active prior to the failure. Both "Service Parking Brake" along with the red "brake" light were active to let me know my EPB was engaged. I was able to reset the message briefly to unlock the brakes by disconnecting the battery, but was only successful once. Then it needed to be towed to the dealership for further inspection.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · PA

on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/3/25 and we were told the issue was a power transfer unit that would be covered on the recall but the part was on backorder until 12/2. Jeep would only cover $50/day for a car rental, so we had to rely on borrowing cars from others. Once 12/2 came, we reached out to the dealership and they said the part ship date was moved to 12/18! This is not a timely manner. We have made at least 3 calls to Jeep over the past week, and they keep telling us since 12/10/25 that they will let us know in 2 days...2 days pass and they transfer our case. Another two days pass and still no call from them so I called them back and they have yet to call me. We had our Jeep in the week of 11/17 or 11/24 for inspection and it passed. We noticed some lagging when we were going up hills in the 1-2 rpm range but mechanic did not notice it. Between the inspection and when it finally broke down, no lights came on and there were no warning messages. Not until the car broke down on 11/1.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OH

My car back in June 2025 left me stranded in the turn lane with traffic backing up after the emergency parking brake turned on without warning. I was not able to drive e my car or to release the brake and move my car. I did a thorough review of all possible reasonable switches that could have caused the malfunction. So I tried to turn off all of the warning systems. Once I did this I couldn't drive faster than 5 to 10 mph. I was able to get to a parking lot about 100 ft away. I called a tow truck, spoke with my mechanic at the local dealership. He suggested what I had already done including removing the battery cables. We did all this to no avail. He got the car then took 3 days to get it to release after opening and closing the door 10 times before starting the car again. He said I need a modulator valve. We have been waiting for over 6 months and my car is still waiting for this part. I can not drive the only car I own when I have a safety issue. Should this had happened while driving with my grandson in the car it is unsafe and it isn't what an autistic child needs to face. This incident has happened 4 times since it happened in June. Every time it takes place, I have to turn off the car open and close the door 10 times before the carvwill release and reset the computer system to make the car drivable again. I did check with the dealership yesterday and still other jeeps of this year has the same issues but my car is not in that listing. What does a person have do when it is clearly a manufacturer defect?

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · MI

My car is jerking when driven and enabling the park brake while driving. There is a recall on other similar models. I purchased this vehicle brand new and within the same year, had the engine replaced by the manufacturer due to mechanical issues. Please assist in getting this PTU fixed not at my expense. The dealership is telling me $3k but I feel this should be covered due to other recalls and the fact that this motor was replaced shortly after purchasing the car.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · IN

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact was informed that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to engage. The vehicle jumped a curb, causing the driver to activate the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The Brake Warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads were worn. The brake pads were replaced; however, the brake failure warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and test-driven. The contact stated that the brakes failed to engage while the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The dealer engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts store and a diagnostic test was performed and a fault for the brake booster was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being out of stock and needing the manufacturer's permission to sell the part. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained unrepaired. The contact stated that while driving into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

I purchased a used 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in March 2025 for $13,000. Four days later, the transfer case failed while driving, leaving me stranded in traffic and requiring a tow. The dealership replaced the transfer case using a used part, but did not disclose that to me at the time. Roughly four months later, the vehicle failed again, this time grinding gears and failing to shift properly out of Park or into Drive. It began rolling forward while supposedly in Park, and now requires the emergency brake to be engaged at all times to prevent it from moving. This makes the vehicle unsafe to operate or park and creates a serious safety hazard for myself and others. There were no dashboard alerts or warning lights before either failure. The most recent symptoms appeared suddenly in July 2025 and have persisted. The initial failure was confirmed by the dealership, but I have not had the second failure diagnosed due to lack of trust in the dealership's work. The issues are plainly visible and reproducible. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. I have filed complaints with the New York Attorney General, DMV, and BBB. I later discovered that an open the federal safety agency safety recall on the powertrain was issued before the date of sale, but the dealership had me sign a document stating there were no recalls and failed to disclose this recall entirely. I am working with a lawyer and seeking resolution through consumer protection laws and formal complaints.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Body, Brakes · MD

Electronic parking brake engaged and wouldn't release. Possibility of occurrence while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center to have been caused by water leakage into the area where the parking control module is located. Water was found pooling in parking control module which corroded connecters. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · WI

Electronic parking brake (EPB) module. Yes confirmed by a independent service center. Warning Park Brake indicator. This is the second time happening. First time was Sept 2024 was fixed. Taking it in tomorrow for confirmation, if same issue mechanic stated the part is on National Backorder!!!! Unable to release out of Park Brake which in turn, unable to drive car. Safety issue when driving, stops abruptly, can't disengage safety brake.