My wife was driving our jeep and it suddenly shifted into park while slamming the brakes on its own. She had to stay in the middle of the road shut it off & then start up and drive again but it keep happening the whole 20 mins stopping ride home.
Jeep Grand Cherokee phantom braking problems
17 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking), most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical mileage
- 20,000
Is there a fix? There are 16 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20241
- 20232
- 20222
- 20213
- 20182
- 20145
- 20111
- 20001
Often reported together
Collision warning 5Adaptive cruise 3Shudder 2Sudden acceleration 1Stalling 1Hesitation 1Headlights 1No deployment 1
What owners say
I own a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee that is experiencing unintended automatic braking while driving. The crash detection/forward collision warning system shows a constant warning light on the dashboard. While driving under normal conditions with no obstacles present, the vehicle will suddenly brake on its own. This has occurred multiple times and now happens almost daily. The problem first occurred on November 26, 2024, the same day I purchased the vehicle used with approximately 34,158 miles. The issue has continued as the mileage has increased to approximately 51,500 miles. This creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can suddenly brake in the middle of traffic without warning, which could cause another vehicle to collide with the rear of my vehicle. I am concerned about the risk of a crash or injury. The problem has been reported to the dealership multiple times since purchase. The vehicle has been in the shop for repair attempts, but the issue has not been permanently corrected. The warning light remains on and the unintended braking continues to occur during normal driving. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
Hybrid system failure alert (red wrench)– the vehicle has shut down while driving, including on highways. When the light goes on – it has braked on its own without me touching the pedal. DCI- is the code the dealership says is coming up No fix for it
While passing through an intersection the AEB brought the vehicle to a full stop despite no forward traffic or obstructions. Warning system lights lights for other systems (traction control, airbags, etc.) lit up in the dash. A vehicle traveling behind nearly collided in light of the unwarranted braking. After coming to a complete stop the vehicle released the brake on its own and shut off the other system warning lights. Normal operation ensued.
While turning left, vehicle hit brakes on its own, driver and two passengers experienced neck pain. Two vehicles behind both screeched to a halt. There is dash cam video, but won’t let me upload.
Crossing 4 way intersection with no cars or animals in site and while accelerating at about 40 mph vehicle came to a shuddering halt in the middle of the road for no reason. My husband and I were both thrown forward whipping our necks back and forth and my collar bone taking a direct hit with the seat belt. There were no sounds to warn us, no lights came on it just slammed its own brakes for no reason. My dealership brought me a loaner and vehicle was towed to them where they are working on getting the issue solved, but I am going to be terrified this will happen again and rightly so.
Driving through my subdivision, no other cars in sight, no animals, no people, nothing in front of me and the automatic emergency braking mechanism engaged and brought my car to a sudden stop.The brakes engaged on their own, tires squeeled and my body jolted, almost hitting my head on steering wheel. Automatic brake sensors have activated before for no reason as no objects were in sight, but never has the vehicle actually stopped on its own. Luckily I was in my subdivision with no one behind me otherwise someone could have rear ended me and an accident would have occurred with injuries
While traveling at approximately 60 mph, the vehicles automatic braking engaged while no vehicles, people, or other items were in the vicinity of the vehicle. On a separate occasion, while traveling at approximately 20 mph, turning into a gas station, the automatic break engaged in the middle of the road. There were no other vehicles, people, or other items in the vicinity of the vehicle.
While using the acc function and setting forward distance at any length the problem is that when the car in front of you slows, stops,,or turns my vehicle will brake on its own. However, while braking during the mentioned operation the big problem is that the brake lights do not illuminate. I have had several close calls with someone nearly running into the back of my vehicle during the use of the adaptive cruise control (acc). This can be extremely dangerous if you are now fully aware of this problem. This should have been addressed during the acc hazardous examination phase. A very simple fix would be to install an I/p switch in the brake line at the master cylinder so that the pressure from the acc applying the brakes sends the pneumatic signal to an electrical signal that lights up the brake lights. This problem should absolutely have been caught and addressed during the design phase. I found out when I asked a service manager about it and he said the lights do not come on. He also said they know about it.
My 2018 jeep grand cherokee just accelerated by itself up a sidewalk at a parking lot and ran into the pillar of a building. I then put it in reverse and it accelerated into a car parked beside me. The front axle snapped completely even though the impact was not tremendous. The air bag did not deploy. This vehicle has all kinds of impact sensors and usually brakes on its own even when it senses a leaf from a nearby bush and none of that worked. This happened just yesterday and I'm at a loss as to what to do. I cannot believe my internet search has yielded so many similar stories! *dt *dt *dt
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 phantom braking
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking) problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (5 complaints), 2021 (3 complaints) and 2018 (2 complaints).
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