I purchased a new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee on May 9, 2026. On June 4, 2026, less than one month after purchase, the vehicle experienced a sudden brake system failure while I was driving. The brake pedal became hard and unresponsive, the ABS warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle had very limited stopping power. Fortunately, I was able to safely drive the vehicle to the dealership without an accident or injuries. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed brake booster (part # 68734134AB) requiring replacement. However, the replacement brake booster is on backorder, and Stellantis has confirmed that there is currently no estimated delivery date and no assigned distribution for the part. As a result, my vehicle has been out of service for 4 weeks with no repair timeline. Stellantis has acknowledged that this involves a critical safety component but has been unable to provide a meaningful resolution beyond monitoring the backorder. I continue to make lease payments, insurance payments, and other vehicle-related expenses for a brand-new vehicle that I cannot safely operate because of a warranty-covered safety defect. This is a serious safety concern because the failure involved the vehicle's braking system and significantly reduced the vehicle's ability to stop. Had this occurred at highway speeds or in heavy traffic, the consequences could have been catastrophic. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this brake system failure warrants investigation to determine whether it affects other 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles and whether the lack of availability of replacement brake boosters for a critical safety component creates an ongoing risk to consumers. A vehicle with a brake system failure should not remain out of service indefinitely because a safety-critical replacement part is unavailable.
Jeep Grand Cherokee spongy pedal problems
25 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe soft or spongy brake pedal, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 25
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 47,500
By model year
- 20261
- 20201
- 20193
- 20141
- 20132
- 20124
- 20114
- 20044
- 20021
- 20012
- 20001
- 19991
Often reported together
ABS 4Sudden acceleration 2Tire blowout 1Seat belt 1Loss of power 1Fuel pump 1Engine failure 1Collision warning 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was stiff while being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Brakes lights remain on when vehicle is in Park and in Drive without brake pedal activation. ABS is also engaged in Park and presents with hard pedal and no travel. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealer in September 2014. Note- Recall Z48 software update was performed April 2023. Service notes state replaced ABS module, no change. Internal pressure sensor reporting 117PSI with no brake pedal input. Replaced HCU module. I paid $1529 for this repair. FCA refused to reimburse me on the original Z48 recall and now refuses reimbursement for the 94B/the federal safety agency 24V‑838 recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and slowing for traffic, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal was firm. The contact stated that added force was needed to depress the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact almost had to pull onto the shoulder since the vehicle was not slowing as needed. The contact stated that the word "BRAKES” in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Ready Alert Braking System had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was possibly related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V104000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); for the hard brake pedal; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
While driving 65 mph on the highway, the jeep lost all acceleration. I was able to get to the shoulder and the car said to put it in park. I did and then was unable to shift to any other mode. The brake pedal was hard as a rock and would not move. The air then turned hot. When I turned the vehicle off and back on - everything seemed fine but losing power on a major highway was extremely dangerous. No warning lights or messages. No other symptoms prior to this instance. Car is currently at independent service center and they cannot determine what is wrong.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space the brake pedal was hard when pressed and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed to the side of a building. After the incident, it was discovered that the front brakes had seized and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact indicated that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not active. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. A police report was taken at the scene. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the crash and an engineer was sent to examine the vehicle. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 35,800.
My vehicle is equipped with chrysler's ready alert braking system (rab) which chrysler says is not installed on my vehicle according to it's VIN. The rab system on my vehicle (which was recalled under your campaign 14v104000) caused an accident with injuries exactly you described as the reason for your recall campaign in the first place. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge vehicle is equipped with the system. I have owned the vehicle from new and the rab system was even demonstrated to me by the dealership salesperson during my original test drive. In addition to accident/medical reports, the broken ankle bones could only have come from unforgiving hard brake pedal, during the crash as our vehicle failed to stop.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 jeep grand cherokee. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brake booster failed. The contact stated that the brake pedal became stiff when depressed and the vehicle nearly failed to stop in heavy traffic. Afterwards, the contact heard a hissing noise inside the vehicle. Westbury jeep chrysler dodge ram (111 bond street, westbury, new york 11590, (516) 336-4788) was made aware of the failure and diagnosed that the power brake booster was faulty. The vehicle was repaired by removal and replacement of the power brake booster. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. In addition, the manufacturer stated that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 67,481. *dt *bf *tr updated 10/3/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep grand cherokee. While operating the vehicle, the brake sensor light illuminated off and on and the brake pedal felt spongy when depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a leak was present in the brake booster and the booster would need to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v1540000(service brakes). A water diverted shield was installed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,400.
We bought the 2012 jeep grand cherokee from serra chevrolet in madison tennessee on 5 16 2015 we noticed on drive home brakes were making noise and brakes were all way to floor and spongy I called chrysler and they said there was a recall on brake booster and fuel pump why did this dealer not check those recalls out this is a very unsafe vehicle to operate due to brakes not operating properly the dealership is setting them selves up for a law suit
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 spongy pedal
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have soft or spongy brake pedal problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (4 complaints), 2011 (4 complaints) and 2012 (4 complaints).
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