The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Shifter” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag, check engine, ABS, brake, emergency parking, and 4WD warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure and had also occurred while driving. During the failure while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and the vehicle was unable to move forward or reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that there was an existing recall associated with the failure, but the VIN was not under recall. The dealer was contacted and was able to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,134.
Jeep Cherokee abs comes on
263 of the 14,517 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1991 model year.
- owner complaints
- 263
- worst model year
- 1991
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 80,000
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 47Check engine light 23Loss of power 9Transmission failure 6Stalling 6Spongy pedal 6Won't shift 5Pulling 5
Trouble codes mentioned
U1412 1U0420 1U0418 1U0415 1U0402 1P1720 1C14A7 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact avoided a crash with another vehicle by moving over to the side of the road, drove onto the grass, and navigated past a nearby pedestrian and a hill. The passenger’s side door was scratched, and the passenger’s side mirror was knocked off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the ABS sensor warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal had locked up and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, Auto Start/Stop, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Park Brake, ABS, traction control, check engine, and Blind Spot Alerts Unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving or idle at the light the ABS light, traction control light and parking brake light come on and have a loss power steering.
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it takes about 30seconds and it comes back on and stays on until the vehicle is shut off. There has been a couple times the vehicle has hesitated to go forward when the gas was pressed. I have taken it to an auto shop and they found code: C14A7-97 for PTU failure. They recommended to contact Jeep since there is a recall for that year. When the dealer checked my VIN it does not fall under the recall. I am afraid of driving it as I don't want it to stall on me or cause an accident as I usually have my young child with me. The shop said it would be around $6000 to repair. If not under the recall.
The Parking Assist, parking, ABS warning continues. There is a recall on the year model but not my VIN. I have not even been able to afford the sales tax (over $1000 USD) and dealer refuses to assist with the cost of diagnostic or malfunction repair.
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while in a drive-thru line, the front driver's side window started smoking. The contact disconnected the wiring to the door. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly, where it was diagnosed with an internal door electrical failure. The contact personally replaced the power window motor. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to O'Reilly’s, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the alternator and low battery voltage. The alternator was taken to two technicians for testing, and the contact was informed that the alternator was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was recently taken to O'Reilly’s and AutoZone for diagnostic testing and the contact was provided fault codes for EVAP system leak detected, 1,2,3 Active Grille Shutter (AGS), throttle pedal position sensor switch A circuit high, System Voltage below and above Threshold, denied torque request signal, ECU configuration mismatch, ECU vehicle option mismatch, output speed sensor, input speed sensor/Correlation, fan 1 control circuit, throttle pedal position sensor switches D and B circuit low, and DTC U0402-00 for TCM immediate repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Our 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk made the warning code "service 4 wheel drive" and shortly after when parked at a gas station shifted itself into 4 LOW. I figured it out after starting to drive and we limped home which was a few miles away. We called the dealership and were told to bring it in for diagnostic. While parked on the inclined driveway the Jeep shifted itself into N and luckily I was able to press the brake (Non-ABS or hydraulic assistance due to the engine being off) stop it from rolling through the sidewalk into the street. I was able to get the Jeep into 2H to drive the 5 miles to dealership where they said they would do a diagnostic. 2 days later they texted us to say the transfer case was at fault and that would cost us $3825 up front and then we could submit a claim to Mopar to be reimbursed. I don't believe the original PTU (Transfer case) is available for inspection but you could ask the dealership. It's obvious our safety along with neighbors, pedestrians, and people driving down the street were put at risk, and had we known how serious the issue was, I would have asked for it to be towed to the dealership instead of driving it. The problem was confirmed by the dealer to be under recall. I don't know if anyone besides the dealership has inspected our failed PTU. We had very little warning to the problem. I believe the first time we saw the warning light was the same day the vehicle began having mechanical failures.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking, the transmission was shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continued to move. The 4WD, Service ABS, Service Parking Brake, and Service Shifter warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle, but the key fob was stuck in the ignition, in the ON position. The contact unhooked the battery to turn off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and related the failure to the recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle until the remedy was completed. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
The vehicle suddenly started showing parking brake, traction, ABS, and check engine lights after being started. Earlier in the day, I had also started the vehicle but cancelled the errands and returned to start it later when the dashboard and warning lights came on. Putting it in reverse, the steering was stiff as if in neutral. Never left the driveway as I wasn't taking a chance in steering or braking. The battery is less than a year old. This is the second time this has happened.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Recall number 18V523000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
- Risk
- The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Recall number 00V136000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
- Risk
- The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Recall number 99V340000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
- Risk
- This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
Recall number 98V023000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
- Risk
- The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Recall number 98V005000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with antilock brake system (ABS). The antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear which could cause pump-motor deterioration.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the ABS function would be lose and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking. The instrument panel warning lights will signal system impairment and the base manual brakes will remain functional.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the vehicle's ABS and repair as necessary. The warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will be reimbursed for previous ABS component repair costs.
Recall number 96V260000 · Recall details
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical
- What is wrong
- The parking brake handle release button can separate from the parking brake handle assembly, causing the parking brake to be inoperative.
- Risk
- The parking brake may not hold causing the vehicle to roll inadvertently.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the parking brake handle assembly.
Recall number 95V172000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- There may be hydraulic fluid contamination from condensation formation that can plug the ABS brake booster pump filter; stress corrosion of the master cylinder snap ring has been traced to chlorine leaking from the low pressure hydraulic hose which may cause it to break; front brake hose to tire interference which may cause failure of the brake hose.
- Risk
- Contamination of the hydraulic fluid can causemalfunctioning of the anti-lock brake system; low pressure hose leakage causesloss of brake fluid and also results in corrosion and failure of the mastercylinder snap ring, resulting complete brake failure; failure of the front brakehose due to hose to tire interference will cause failure of one half of thebrake system resulting in a longer stopping distance than expected.
- Remedy
- Replace ABS low pressure hose; rebuild master brake cylinder; inspect, service interference problems, and replace front brake hose as necessary.
Recall number 91V003000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Improper insertion/crimping of the hose-to-end fittings of the high pressure hose on the anti-lock brake system can cause detachment of the hose from the ABS system, and discharge of hydraulic fluid.
- Risk
- Detachment of the hose from the ABS system causes theloss of the ABS function and hydraulic brake assist, leaving only manual brakesand decreasing stopping ability, which could result in an accident. Discharge ofhydraulic fluid in the area of the hot exhaust system could result in an enginecompartment fire.
- Remedy
- Replace the ABS high pressure hose.
Recall number 91V063000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Improperly installed brake fluid tube may allow the tube to contact the steering intermediate shaft damaging the tube.
- Risk
- Brake fluid leakage could occur and result in partialloss of braking capability.
- Remedy
- Reposition brake tube to avoid contact with steering shaft; also, replace any damaged brake tubes.
Recall number 91V023000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Cherokee abs
Why does the abs come on in the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, check engine light and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are U1412, U0420 and U0418.
Which Jeep Cherokee years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1991 (85 complaints), 1990 (67 complaints) and 2015 (19 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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