The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was large puff of smoke coming from the driver's side of the vehicle while coming to a stop. The contact became aware of a brake fluid leak, causing a complete loss of brake pressure and braking power. The brake fluid was leaking more when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the technicians discovered that the catalytic converter was melted, causing severe heat damage to the adjacent brake lines. The contact stated no other parts were damaged. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the original failure. The dealer was unable to determine what caused the catalytic converter to collapse onto the heat shield near the brake lines. The contact stated that the dealer offered to repair the vehicle by rerouting the brake lines. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,116.
Jeep Grand Cherokee brake failure problems
304 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe brake failure, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 304
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical repair cost reported
- $750
- typical mileage
- 54,197
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 31Stalling 30Power steering loss 19No deployment 16Loss of power 14Wipers 8Check engine light 7Sudden acceleration 6
What owners say
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
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.
While driving home from work on March 13, 2026, the alternator in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.0L EcoDiesel) failed, resulting in a progressive loss of electrical power. As battery voltage dropped, the vehicle entered “limp mode.” When I was aproximatly 1 mile from my home when I was forced to stop at a railroad crossing while a freight train was passing. At that time, due to low voltage, the electronic shifter and ignition system became completely unresponsive. I was unable to shift the vehicle into Park or Neutral and was also unable to shut off the engine. The vehicle remained in Drive, requiring constant brake pressure to prevent forward movement. This created an immediate and dangerous situation, as I was stopped very close to a moving train with no functional means of securing or disabling the vehicle. Any loss of braking force or control could have caused the vehicle to enter the path of the train, creating a high likelihood of serious injury or death. After reaching my residence, the condition persisted. I remained unable to shift or shut down the vehicle and was forced to manually disconnect the negative battery cable, which is located under the passenger seat, in order to stop the engine. I am very lucky that I had a small metric socket set in the vehice, that I am somewhat mechanically enclined, and that I have long arms & legs, as this process was extremely difficult. I had to disconect te battery cable while maintaining my foot on the brake to avoid crashing into my garage. The vehicle appears to be designed such that engine shutdown is not permitted unless the vehicle is in Park, while the electronic shifter becomes inoperative during low-voltage conditions. This combination creates a hazardous failure mode in which the driver cannot place the vehicle in Park or turn off the engine during an electrical failure. This incident appears consistent with hazards identified in the federal safety agency Campaign Number 16V240000 (Recall S27). Despite records indicating that rec
Brakes repetitively seize, causing the wheels to overheat and the vehicle to shake while braking, putting the vehicle at risk of fire, reduced brake performance, and brake failure. Two different dealerships have confirmed from the problem at various points, the brakes are "repaired" and then have the same failure with the same components again. There are no warnings that the brakes are seizing other than the smell of burning brakes, or smoke coming from the wheel.
Car has died while driving 4 times in the last 3 years. Complete loss of power WHILE driving. Lost of power steering, loss of brakes while driving. Chrystler is saying recall was resolved by previous owner but it is still happening. EXTREMELY dangerous. I have paid out of pocket to replace the TIPM (over $3000) and I was not told about the fuel pump relay issue associated and connected with this recall.
Was driving at night on a rural highway. Experienced a complete electrical failure - all lights, engine function, power steering and power brakes failed; coasted to the side of the road. ~~I thought that I had just run out of gas, but adding gas did not permit the car to restart. Tow truck could not jump start the vehicle. It was towed to the dealership, where they replaced the regular battery (<20k miles on it), performed the hybrid battery software upgrade (the "recall"), sent me home. Towing and rental coverage were not offered. ~~BTW, I had requested this recall about 3 months previously, but it was "not available" yet. ~~The vehicle continued to stutter intermittently, concomitantly flashing the "service hybrid battery light." I took it back to the dealership. They ran tests, inspected it for unwarranted damage, cleared out the codes, and sent it home. ~~Another 2 months of the same incidents, sometimes with a "refuse to start in the morning" altogether aggravation. I grew increasingly concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the highway. Obviously, this problem wasn't going to go away with just ignoring it and hoping for the best. ~~I contacted the dealership to bring it in for service again; they refused to even entertain the idea of providing me with a rental until they could fix it, even knowing that it's clearly a warranty issue. I took it to a different Jeep dealership, somewhat distant from my home but actually the dealership from which I had purchased it online. They were so kind, got me into a rental and promised to look into it. They got in contact with the manufacturer quickly. Jeep engineering department admitted they can't fix it. 6 weeks later, they still haven't fixed it, I'm paying almost $3000/m for pmt& insurance for a car that's unsafe to drive, but the corporation hasn't offered me any options to get out of a lease.
A message comes through the dash screen saying Def service 50 miles left vehicle not restart again , I take it to dough smith jeep dealer in Spanish fork for diagnostic they told me to replace a lot of things like def pump, def injector and NoX sensor (bank 1) we do and we didn’t solve the problem after spending thousands of dollars and im not able to get my Emissions ready because of that , automatic brake system failure it says to clean the sensor I cleaned really good but keep showing brake failure message
While on highway, wipers, lights and horn began on their own. Then car shifted to neutral and brakes failed. I was going 70 miles per hour. I was able to get off the highway and have the car inspected by a licensed mechanic. It is the electrical computer or TIPM. The car is unable to start. This issue is a very dangerous safety issue.
My Jeep Cherokee has lost power twice. Once while idling at a red light and once while going 70 MPH on the Interstate. The gas pedal went to the floor without resistance and would not give any fuel to the engine. The lights were still on so I didn't lose power completely, but the engine was not responding. The recent recal 25V011000 sounds like what happened to my car, but the 2020 model is not included in the recall. I have taken it to the dealership, but they could not find anything wrong with it.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
- Risk
- A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V‑426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V‑426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 24V838000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
- Risk
- A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- This recall is replaced by the federal safety agency recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
Recall number 22V426000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- 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 brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
- Risk
- A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Recall number 16V168000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- 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 slip
- 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
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
- Risk
- This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V009000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into the ABS electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill during certain conditions.
- Risk
- This could cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V434000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, front brake calipers in a certain lot may have been manufactured from gray iron instead of ductile iron as designed and could fracture without warning.
- Risk
- This would increase the vehicle's stopping distance and could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers to see if they fall into this lot and, if so, will replace them free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V415000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit. The recall began on february 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V493000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Grand Cherokee brake failure
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (37 complaints), 2012 (31 complaints) and 2014 (17 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $750 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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