2011 Jeep Liberty brakes problems

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · MO

I have owned this vehicle since 2011 and began having issues with passenger airbag light coming on intermittently or sometimes staying on during trip whether a passenger was in the seat or not. Had to install a new motor in 2025 due to antifreeze overflowing into engine components apparently after overheating even though gauge on dash never indicated issue. Squeeking sound when putting vehicle into reverse, cert mechanic installed front pads and rotors and rear brake pads and left rear brake caliper for a total cost of $620. Traveled to kc (appx 100 miles) one day later and vehicle began losing acceleration, stuttered and seeemed to surge intermitently then rear brake began locking up and smoking excessively before illuminating a check engine light. Draggin/locking rear brake broke loose on drive back home but still had check engine light. Took back to mechanic who diagnosed rapid misfire on cylinder no. 1 but was not able to trace cause. Recommended taking to dealership for diagnostic at a cost of $150 per hour. All 3 issues I am reporting are apparently pervasive with this vehicle as I have read numerous documented complaints from customers having the same or similar issues. However, the federal safety agency website indicates that there are no recalls associated with my vehicle. This is unacceptable!!

Filed Feb 15, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 151,000 miles · AL

Purchased vehicle used in january 2020. Five days later, the first dtc illuminated, and it has been an absolute nightmare ever since. So far I have replaced the purge valve, water pump, serpentine belt, radiator, alternator, pcv valve, tensioner assembly, front brakes, left exhaust manifold, door seals, sway bar bushings/links - all within the first 10,000 miles. Brake caliper pistons seized and locked, causing brakes to smoke and overheat, discovered exhaust leak only after developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Even after all of that, the vehicle still sounds awful and has serious performance issues. I fully expect that the engine will be toast any day, and I still have almost three years worth of payments left on it.

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Brakes · 1 miles · CO

My vehicle was in motion and I was driving on a three lane street with a speed limit of 45 MPH when the ABS brake system suddenly seized. The brakes remained engaged and the only way I could drive my car was to put it in reverse, then neutral then drive. My entire drive home I could hear the brakes and whenever I had to stop at a stop sign the brakes would lock.

Filed Nov 7, 2019 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · CO

If the car is stopped on a hill the brakes will seize up. The traction control and ABS lights will stay on. It takes about a day for the brakes to release. This can happen while driving as well. It has happened 5 times. The systems can also be reset by pulling the ABS fuses. The vehicle will not move while the brakes are locked. This has happened on the highway and the middle of the road.

Filed May 10, 2018 · Brakes · 90,231 miles · NJ

Driving my vehicle today and started shaking in front passenger side. I pulled over thinking a flat tire. Nothing and continued. I then began smelling burning and more shaking and smoke. I pulled over again at this point . My front brakes locked up. One month ago I had similar situation with back brakes and had to have both calibers and roters and pads replaced. All four calibers will now have been replaced on this vehicle and roters due to calibers freezing . Vehicle was towed and undrivable.

Filed Jan 9, 2018 · Brakes · 43,000 miles · FL

Noticed heat and smell coming from rear left wheel. The first time it happened the brake caliper froze, I had it changed in 2014. Also on the same wheel I had to changed 2 times the ABS sensor, one time in 2015 and again 2017. My mechanic observed the brake hose (rear left wheel) malfunctionned which in turn is melting the brake pad which is smudging onto the rotor. He explained that the brake fluid is boiling due to the brake hose. Jeep is 43,000 and this will be my second brake job. I need to change brake hose, pad, caliper and rotor on both side to make it safe to drive. Please help me find if there is a problem with the brake hose that has been reported by others owners of jeep liberty 2011. Thank you very much. The brake hose is back ordered and we were told it will take about 2 to 3 weeks for the part. It is scary!

Filed Nov 16, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 55,000 miles · PA

10/20/17 driving 5 minutes & brakes locked - jeep wouldn't move at all - after 20 minutes jeep ran normally for 3 weeks; 11/9/17 driving grandbabies home - going 40 on a major highway - brakes again lock up jeep came to a stop & would not move forward and would not reverse - ESC indicator light on, ESC off appeared in the odometer and the ABS light was on - the smell of brakes was overwhelming - called aaa for a tow - after an hour - all sorts of creaking noises could be heard - ? Brakes releasing - was then able to drive the jeep - cancelled aaa - drove jeep immediately to my mechanic - after 2 days he could not figure out what the problem is nor could the issue be duplicated ; called the jeep dealer that I bought it from on essington ave in philadelphia - they said they had never heard of this issue - to bring the jeep in to be "diagnosed" for $115.00 - when asked for a loaner - they told me I'd have to pay for a rental - there are 55,000 miles on the jeep

Filed Jul 10, 2017 · Brakes · 94,000 miles · MN

Brakes locked up 3/2017 had it towed to anderson jeep in az. They replaced the ABS module and hcu. 100 days later they locked up again in mn. Towed to forest lake jeep. When tested it worked ok then later they drove it and it locked up while they were traveling down the road. Codes showed same parts have to be replaced. They don't feel confident that this will correct the problem. We are concerned that this will cause a safety problem in the future. The latest was on a city street while car was in motion.

Filed Mar 9, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 120,000 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep liberty. While stopped, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The ABS and traction warning indicators illuminated. The air bags in the driver and passenger side headrests deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and nerve damage to the left side. The passenger seated in the front sustained neck injuries, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a default in a wheel sensor that needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a brake sensor defect. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, but the issue could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 jeep liberty. When the contact entered the vehicle and depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle surged forward, struck another vehicle, and crashed into a concrete wall. There were two injuries that required medical attention. The contact did not observe any warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.