2013 jeep grand cherokee. Consumer writes with regards to defective rear brakes. *as the federal safety agency cc'd with regards to premature wear of rear brakes. No answer required. *ea
Jeep Grand Cherokee premature wear problems
286 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 286
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $456
- typical mileage
- 20,000
Is there a fix? There are 16 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 10Jerking 7Shudder 6Overheating 5Door locks 5Harsh shifting 4Pulling 3Power windows 3
What owners say
Front brake pads and rotors required replacing at 23,000 without warning. An inspection at 17,000 miles was normal. Tire wear is normal and at 30,000 vehicle is still on its original tires. The vehicle has no warning system of brake pad wear
Interior door handles are made of cheep plastic and prematurely wearing out causing them to shatter making them inoperable so that occupants are unable to exit the vehicle in case of emergency
My 2012 jeep grand cherokee has the 3.6 liter pentastar v6 with the 5 speed automatic transmission. It has the quadra trac 1 full-time 4x4 system. The transmission is very "clunky" and feels unsure of what it should be doing. Upshifts come early, at low speed and RPM's. Often this is not an issue, but sometimes causes the vehicle to feel extremely underpowered. Pressing the accelerator further will eventually result in a downshift and a resulting clunk in the driveline. Low speed driving on curvy roads is not a nice experience with this vehicle. Downshifts are abrupt and anything but smooth. There is often a clunk that can be heard and felt while decelerating for an upcoming curve. The best way to describe the feeling is riding with a person who is learning to drive a manual transmission car for the first time. Not sure if this complaint is recall worthy, but I worry the transmissions indecisiveness is going to prematurely wear the driveline components. Perhaps a software update for the transmission would be a good place to start.
The front rotors and the rear rotors turned black while operating the vehicle under normal highway driving conditions. The front and rear brakes pads are not worn where they required replacement. The rotors appear to be defective. I saved the rotors for inspection if you so desire to inspect them. Having been a automotive technichian in the past and a mechanic on nyc taxi cabs I have never witnesses this kind of wear and tear on a rotor. Having had fleets of police vehicles I have never seen a rotor wear like this either. Even police vehicles having been in pursuits have not worn out like this.
All 1999-2002 grand cherokee wj models built through may 10, 2002 came equipped with brake calipers made by teves. They are black in color with an open-sided bracket design. Due to poor caliper centering, the teves calipers caused the rotors to warp, a problem that has plagued grand cherokees. At the very end of the 2002 model year, jeep changed to "fully-closed" style calipers designed by akebono. To address the warped rotor problem jeep issued a tsb, #05-003-02. We believe it should be a full recall do to the major wheel shake to the point of the driver almost loosing control of the SUV do to this vibration. Jeep has long known about this issue & was sued in a class action law suit which they settled the problem is excessive rotor thickness variation generated by poor caliper centering. This causes steering wheel shake. Grand cherokee brakes up through may 10th 2002 were designed by teves. Same brakes used on bmw & ford expedition but the grand cherokee was the first to use a twin piston caliper design. Chrysler wanted twin pistons because of the weight of the vehicle. The caliper spring causes the inboard pad to drag. It takes a lot of heat (cherry red) to warp rotors, so the main cause of rotor variation is not heat but uneven wear.
2008 jeep grand cherokee limited 5.7l hemi 4x4. Observe excessive rear brake pad wear in relation to front brake pad wear as if brake proportioning valve is defective causing more brake pressure to be applied to rear brakes instead of front brakes. Dealership states wear condition is normal.
About 3,000 miles ago the brakes began to pulse when applied during highway trips. This grew worse as time went on. Now they pulse even in the cold weather in december in ct during short trips (2-3 miles). When they pulse, the steering wheel shakes badly (as does the whole vehicle) especially at higher speeds and on longer trips. I will no longer allow my wife to drive it on highways. Today I went to action motors (jeep dealership in danbury, ct) and discussed the issue with two service managers. I was told that this was "normal" and that when brakes get "hot' they overheat the rotors and the rotors warp. Action motors wanted to replace the rotors at my cost. They said there was no jeep recall on the issue. I mentioned that this was the identical issue that jeep grand cherokees had in 1999 through 2003 and why did I have to pay for the defective design (does jeep not realize that brakes get hot when they are used). They told me the only reason that jeep offered free repair to those model years was that it was a result of a "law suit" against jeep. They also tried to convince me that this was normal on all makes of cars and to expect it. I have owned many cars in my many years of driving and none have experienced this issue under any conditions or any mileage. Seems someone or many must die before jeep accepts responsibility. I do not wish to have jeep repair my brakes at my cost. I no longer trust their intentions or their commitment to safety. I would like to take it to another repair shop but do not know how that might affect any "recall" directed by the federal safety agency that may occur in the future. The brake repair will have to been done very soon to make the car safe to operate. Shame on jeep.
Brake rotors warp easily,door latches brake down,air conditioning system makes noises and does not work properly.
I own gene's automotive repair. I have been repairing vehicles for over 40 years. My customer brought in his 2001 jeep grand cherokee for a brake check due to squealing. The pads were fine, but I noticed a lot of rusty dust. I was going to remove the caliper anchor pins to grease them and found them seized in the bore. Prior to this, I test drove the jeep and noticed the brakes didn't seem to be slowing as fast as I felt it should. The seized pins are the reason for this because as the pads wear, the pins should slide inward to accommodate the wear. If this problem had continued for an extended period of time, I suspect the anchor pins would eventually bend or shear off under the hydraulic pressure from the caliper. If the angle were to get severe enough, I believe it would seize the piston in the bore. The cause of this is possibly water intrusion past the anchor pin seal. I believe this design is dangerous and should be redesigned.
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 premature wear
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (94 complaints), 2000 (59 complaints) and 2001 (30 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix rotors or pads wearing out early on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $456 (median of 18 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history