I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding multiple safety-related issues with my 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. My vehicle is experiencing ABS and airbag warning lights, along with an illuminated BRAKE warning light on the dashboard. In addition, the emergency/parking brake is not functioning properly and fails to securely hold the vehicle when engaged. These issues raise serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s braking and occupant protection systems. The ABS warning light suggests a possible malfunction of the anti-lock braking system, while the airbag warning light raises concerns about whether the airbags will function as intended during a collision. The parking brake failure also presents a potential rollaway hazard. I am concerned that these problems may represent broader safety defects affecting other Jeep Wrangler owners. Given the importance of these systems, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate these issues, review similar owner complaints, and determine whether a safety recall or corrective action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to these safety concerns.
Jeep Wrangler brake failure problems
103 of the 15,954 owner complaints about the Jeep Wrangler describe brake failure, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 103
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 64,758
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 11Power steering loss 8Fire or smoke 6Engine failure 4Loss of power 3Won't start 2Wipers 2Warning lights 2
Trouble codes mentioned
C2200 2
What owners say
On 8/16/2026 the vehicle seized completely while driving. No power. No steering. No brakes. Obv my safety and the safety of the passengers in the vehicles and trucks that had to avoid me was serious. My vehicle was towed to the closest dealership for repair. I picked the 'repaired' vehicle up on 9/23/26. Within a few miles of leaving the dealership with said repair, the vehicle once again lost all power while driving. No power. No brakes. No steering. This was on a 55mph highway and the safety risk for me and others was severe! As of today (10/25/2026) the vehicle is still in the dealership with multiple but unsuccessful repair attempts.
My 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon developed an abnormal braking condition in which the vehicle felt as though the brakes were being applied without driver input, particularly when releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle experienced noticeable resistance and deceleration consistent with the brakes remaining partially engaged. An authorized Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle at approximately 53,542 miles and determined that both front brake calipers, both front brake hoses, brake pads, and rotors required replacement, along with a brake fluid exchange. I spoke directly with the repair technician, who stated that the failure could have originated from either the brake hoses or the calipers but could not conclusively determine which component initially failed. The dealership provided a written repair estimate documenting the required repairs. The availability of the removed components for inspection has not yet been determined. This condition presents a significant safety risk. Brakes that remain engaged can generate excessive heat, potentially causing brake failure, unpredictable deceleration, or loss of vehicle control, endangering the driver, passengers, and other motorists. The primary symptom was the sensation of unintended braking when releasing the accelerator. No brake-specific warning lights or messages have been reported. I am aware of other the federal safety agency complaints involving 2018 Jeep Wranglers describing internally restricted front brake hoses causing calipers to remain engaged. The symptoms and necessary repairs appear similar. Given the relatively low mileage and the potential for a serious safety failure, I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether premature brake hose or caliper failures represent a recurring safety defect affecting 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL vehicles.
2018 Jeep Wangler JK experienced a brake failure due to a rusted collapsed right front brake line. Vehicle is one owner with 29,855 miles at time of repair on 08/05/26. Repaired by independent service center. Garage kept for the first 6 of 8 years of ownership, never operated off road, and no accidents. Parked in a covered car port for last two years when not in use. This is a well maintained, daily driver vehicle driven by a 79 year old male.
As I was driving a service electronic stability control came up on my dash and I lost control of the vehicle. The brakes did not work and it was hard to steer. I almost hit a vehicle and the Jeep kept rolling until it stopped. Then I received an alert that the brakes did system, anti lock brake system, and Electronic Stability System failure. This is very scary my vehicle is a lease and they say they are fixing it but I’m very scared I will lose control of my Jeep while I’m driving.
The front left (drivers side) caliper stuck and the the brake line needs replaced. The caliper sticking was causing extreme heat that could have caused a fire as well as brake failure. The repair shop confirmed that the parts need replaced. No warning messages were ever appear. Additionally, the left brake line from Mopar is not available and there are almost a 1000 on back order. The Jeep is not drivable and no parts available for the foreseeable future to fix the problem.
CATASTROPHIC SAFETY COMPONENT FAILURE AND INCIDENT.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic / Electronic Control Module suffered an immediate, internal electronic failure, triggering active diagnostic trouble code C2200. This structural internal defect completely disabled the anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control systems simultaneously. This total system shutdown caused a severe, life threatening incident on a high speed highway in TEXAS. While driving with my children inside the vehicle, the brakes failed to respond normally during an essential braking event, resulting in a near-miss collision and nearly causing our JEEP to roll over due to the sudden loss of electronic stability and traction controls August 2024. The lack of basic safety infrastructure makes this vehicle completely unsafe to operate, posing an extreme risk to my family and other drivers on the road.The component failure and active code C2200 were officially inspected, reproduced, and confirmed by a factory authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership workshop. However, the manufacturer (Chrysler/Mopar) has placed this critical safety component on an indefinite, long term engineering backlog. The dealership parts department formally verified a national backlog of over 436 unfilled consumer orders for this exact part, stating that many safety compromised owners have been left stranded without a repair for 1 to 2 years! Mind you I immediately called JEEP customer care August 2024 and I am still dealing with them till today! The manufacturer is failing to provide safety critical parts within a reasonable timeframe, forcing consumers like my partner and I to choose between operating a vehicle with a severely compromised braking system or losing our primary livelihood transportation. This massive supply chain breakdown constitutes an ongoing, severe public safety hazard that requires immediate federal investigation and a mandatory safety recall!! What are our rights?
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, however the brake pedal failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor, and the service brakes failed to engage. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a hole in the brake line. In addition, the brake fluid was squirting out of the brake fluid canister. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The vehicle has been virtually trouble-free for many years. Recently, it began to have some issues. The vehicle is covered under a lifetime warranty from Chrysler and has been serviced by the local Jeep dealer. We brought the vehicle in to service in November, 2025. One of the issues that had just occurred was that the brake warning lights came on. The dealer said they were not able to replace the AntiLock Brake module because they were backordered. They said the vehicle would be safe to drive. We waited a month and still no part. I reached out to the manufacturer, and they said the part was not in stock and I would be notified when they would be able to send it to the dealer. It is no about 5 months later and still no part. The part(s) show as available from the Manufacturer online, however they continue to say there are none available for our vehicle. The Dealer service department said this is not unique to us, that it is a constant problem for them to get this part from the manufacturer. We need the vehicle for transportation and are worried that the defective part may lead to brake failure and an accident.
Over the past two days, the vehicle has intermittently displayed an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system error message while driving. At the same time, the brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press, as if the brake booster or power assist is not functioning. When this occurs, it requires significantly increased force to slow or stop the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. The issue appears randomly and then resolves on its own. The vehicle starts normally, but the brake assist failure and ESC warning recur intermittently without warning. No modifications have been made to the braking system. I lightly tapped my house due to the sudden loss of braking power. No accident with another vehicle or person.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive jeep liberty, dodge nitro and ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
- Risk
- This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V315000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 jeep wrangler left and right hand drive passenger vehicles manufactured from may 15, 2006 through april 22, 2010. There may be contact between the right and left front inner fender liners and the right front and left rear brake tubes which could cause wear of the tubes causing a brake fluid leak.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak can cause partial loss of service brakes at the affected wheel increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V236000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 1,585 my 2007-2008 jeep wrangler, right hand drive only, vehicles. Some vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and rear brake tubes.
- Risk
- Prolonged brake tube contact could wear a hole in the tube and cause a partial brake system loss. This could cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a revised brake tube clip to retain the tubes, inspect the brake tubes for damage due to potential contact with the steering intermediate shaft, and replace the brake tubes if necessary. The recall began on june 30, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 08V202000 · 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: 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
Parking brake: conventional
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the parking brake can self-release without warning.
- Risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a parking brake assembly with a stronger pawl return spring. Owner notificaton began september 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V041000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
- Risk
- This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
Recall number 98V023000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
- Risk
- The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Recall number 98V005000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On 1987 through early 1990 models, both front brake hoses can wear due to direct contact with the wheel opening splash shields. On the late 1990 through 1992 models, periodic rubbing contact of the left front brake hose can occur due to movement of the splash shield in certain vehicle operating conditions.
- Risk
- Either condition can cause loss of front brake systemfunctions, resulting in increased stopping distances and an increased risk ofvehicle accident.
- Remedy
- The 1987 to 1990 model vehicles will have both splash shields replaced and both front brake hoses replaced as necessary. All affected late 1990 through 1992 model year vehicles will have additional fasteners installed to further secure the left side splash shield. Also, the left front brake hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recall number 92V148000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Wrangler brake failure
Which Jeep Wrangler years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (10 complaints), 1995 (9 complaints) and 2018 (8 complaints).
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