2017 Jeep Cherokee Brakes Problems

The component that failed/malfunctioned was the module that activates the EPB. It is available for inspection if requested. My safety was put at risk because the parking brake would engage every time the vehicle shut off leaving me stranded and could put other drivers at risk if my vehicle was stranded on the roadway. It would sometimes reset if the battery was disconnected and then reconnected, but eventually trying to reset it did not work. Within a week, the actuators completely seized and the vehicle was inoperable, requiring to be towed. The problem was confirmed by a Jeep dealership service center. They noted that water was leaking into the vehicle from the outside and pooling. The inside rear cargo carpets are moldy and need to be replaced and the module is completely water damaged along with other electrical components being rusted and corroded. The issue has been identified by a certified mechanic at the service center. I had planned to reach out to my auto insurance provider to file a claim, but was informed of an active recall on 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees with similar symptoms to what I am experiencing. No warning lamps or messages were active prior to the failure. Both "Service Parking Brake" along with the red "brake" light were active to let me know my EPB was engaged. I was able to reset the message briefly to unlock the brakes by disconnecting the battery, but was only successful once. Then it needed to be towed to the dealership for further inspection.

NHTSA ID

11740133

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/3/25 and we were told the issue was a power transfer unit that would be covered on the recall but the part was on backorder until 12/2. Jeep would only cover $50/day for a car rental, so we had to rely on borrowing cars from others. Once 12/2 came, we reached out to the dealership and they said the part ship date was moved to 12/18! This is not a timely manner. We have made at least 3 calls to Jeep over the past week, and they keep telling us since 12/10/25 that they will let us know in 2 days...2 days pass and they transfer our case. Another two days pass and still no call from them so I called them back and they have yet to call me. We had our Jeep in the week of 11/17 or 11/24 for inspection and it passed. We noticed some lagging when we were going up hills in the 1-2 rpm range but mechanic did not notice it. Between the inspection and when it finally broke down, no lights came on and there were no warning messages. Not until the car broke down on 11/1.

NHTSA ID

11705609

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

My car back in June 2025 left me stranded in the turn lane with traffic backing up after the emergency parking brake turned on without warning. I was not able to drive e my car or to release the brake and move my car. I did a thorough review of all possible reasonable switches that could have caused the malfunction. So I tried to turn off all of the warning systems. Once I did this I couldn't drive faster than 5 to 10 mph. I was able to get to a parking lot about 100 ft away. I called a tow truck, spoke with my mechanic at the local dealership. He suggested what I had already done including removing the battery cables. We did all this to no avail. He got the car then took 3 days to get it to release after opening and closing the door 10 times before starting the car again. He said I need a modulator valve. We have been waiting for over 6 months and my car is still waiting for this part. I can not drive the only car I own when I have a safety issue. Should this had happened while driving with my grandson in the car it is unsafe and it isn't what an autistic child needs to face. This incident has happened 4 times since it happened in June. Every time it takes place, I have to turn off the car open and close the door 10 times before the carvwill release and reset the computer system to make the car drivable again. I did check with the dealership yesterday and still other jeeps of this year has the same issues but my car is not in that listing. What does a person have do when it is clearly a manufacturer defect?

NHTSA ID

11702683

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

My car is jerking when driven and enabling the park brake while driving. There is a recall on other similar models. I purchased this vehicle brand new and within the same year, had the engine replaced by the manufacturer due to mechanical issues. Please assist in getting this PTU fixed not at my expense. The dealership is telling me $3k but I feel this should be covered due to other recalls and the fact that this motor was replaced shortly after purchasing the car.

NHTSA ID

11691752

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact was informed that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to engage. The vehicle jumped a curb, causing the driver to activate the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The Brake Warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads were worn. The brake pads were replaced; however, the brake failure warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and test-driven. The contact stated that the brakes failed to engage while the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The dealer engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts store and a diagnostic test was performed and a fault for the brake booster was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being out of stock and needing the manufacturer's permission to sell the part. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained unrepaired. The contact stated that while driving into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11679256

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

I purchased a used 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in March 2025 for $13,000. Four days later, the transfer case failed while driving, leaving me stranded in traffic and requiring a tow. The dealership replaced the transfer case using a used part, but did not disclose that to me at the time. Roughly four months later, the vehicle failed again, this time grinding gears and failing to shift properly out of Park or into Drive. It began rolling forward while supposedly in Park, and now requires the emergency brake to be engaged at all times to prevent it from moving. This makes the vehicle unsafe to operate or park and creates a serious safety hazard for myself and others. There were no dashboard alerts or warning lights before either failure. The most recent symptoms appeared suddenly in July 2025 and have persisted. The initial failure was confirmed by the dealership, but I have not had the second failure diagnosed due to lack of trust in the dealership's work. The issues are plainly visible and reproducible. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. I have filed complaints with the New York Attorney General, DMV, and BBB. I later discovered that an open NHTSA safety recall on the powertrain was issued before the date of sale, but the dealership had me sign a document stating there were no recalls and failed to disclose this recall entirely. I am working with a lawyer and seeking resolution through consumer protection laws and formal complaints.

NHTSA ID

11677746

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

Electronic parking brake engaged and wouldn't release. Possibility of occurrence while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center to have been caused by water leakage into the area where the parking control module is located. Water was found pooling in parking control module which corroded connecters. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11667823

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

Electronic parking brake (EPB) module. Yes confirmed by a independent service center. Warning Park Brake indicator. This is the second time happening. First time was Sept 2024 was fixed. Taking it in tomorrow for confirmation, if same issue mechanic stated the part is on National Backorder!!!! Unable to release out of Park Brake which in turn, unable to drive car. Safety issue when driving, stops abruptly, can't disengage safety brake.

NHTSA ID

11660436

Incident

May 11, 2025

Over the past several months, I’ve experienced intermittent issues with the electronic parking brake on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. On several occasions, the parking brake activated unexpectedly while I was driving, creating safety concerns and inconsistent vehicle behavior. As of two days ago, the issue became significantly worse. The electronic parking brake activated again while the vehicle was stationary and has since failed to disengage, rendering the vehicle undrivable. I had the vehicle examined by a certified mechanic, who performed a diagnostic test. The results indicated a water intrusion issue that has caused damage to the electronic parking brake module. The mechanic explained that moisture had likely entered the module area, leading to electrical malfunction and failure of the system to release the brake. This is now a critical mechanical and safety concern that requires immediate repair and resolution.

NHTSA ID

11659800

Incident

May 6, 2025

Parking brake malfunction. Parking brake will not disengage

NHTSA ID

11649751

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

My parking brake goes on out of the blue and my warning lights next to the shifter are on indicating there is a problem. My mechanic cannot fix it and the dealership said there is a recall but does not have a remedy, but says it is a SAFETY ISSUE.(!) I am afraid I will get into an accident. Please advise.

NHTSA ID

11648926

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

E-brake service light came on and couldn’t release it, so it had to be towed for a second time in 3 days. The first mechanic released it and said I would be able to drive it until I could get it to the dealership for a possible computer issue that he wouldn’t be able to preform. I drove it a total of 9.5 miles after this before it did it again and I had to have it towed. This was very scary to know that the e-brake could just lock up at anytime or anywhere. I could easily get injured or killed if it happened at the wrong time or place. The dealer found that the module was full of water and needed to be replaced. This is my 3rd Jeep in almost 31 years and now I’m not feeling safe with a Jeep anymore. Why hasn’t there been a recall when it’s a big safety issue? I did get warning lights when it happened the 1st time and did have it towed because it wouldn’t disengage no matter what I did. It’s costing me $400+ to replace the module and $400+ to put in a new Multifunctional Switch that the dealers repair shop also states is involved with this issue. Also, it cost me $105 for the 1st tow and $171 for the 2nd and $110 for the 1st mechanic to look at it. Again, I’m a senior citizen and should not feel scared to drive my vehicle nor need to spend $800+ and an additional $386 to resolve an issue that Jeep has known about for years and is just waiting for it to kill someone before they respond!

NHTSA ID

11647909

Incident

Mar 6, 2025

The Electronic Parking Brake turned on after putting vehicle in PARK. Could this brake have been applied while driving? If so, there could have been multiple fatalities or serious injuries. I did find some text on how there was a lawsuit going on about this.

NHTSA ID

11619568

Incident

Oct 13, 2024

While I was driving, the brakes completely failed. I was not able to stop my car. The brakes could not be tapped and the pedal simply did not move. I was only able to move the pedal approximately 1/2in applying tremendous pressure and the car slowed down to a stop. Upon repair, the “vacuum brake booster bump” failed, which is (I am told) a part unique to Jeep/Chrysler. There is no way to know when this part is going to break as it does not have signs of wear and tear and cannot otherwise be maintained. I was lucky this malfunction did not happen on a highway or a busy road as it certainly would have resulted in a catastrophic accident.

NHTSA ID

11605959

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

Parking brake has automatically engaged twice while at intersection, during the 1 week I have owned this used vehicle. This is an obvious and critical safety risk, causing a possible wreck from behind, or even worse, getting t-boned in an intersection. This is a know issue, and very irresponsible for Jeep OR NHTSA not to list as a recall. Does someone have to die in a wreck for this OBVIOUS safety issue to be addressed?

NHTSA ID

11593053

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

I was driving my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 2.4L, car won't start, I have oil pressure sensor to warn me when low doesn't alert me at all, only time is when I realized a beep when I made turns and would indicate oil pressure low! I can't get my car to stop and it stalled on me while driving with no indication of low oil, and I have two kids and could have been very bad, since no power no breaks no steering!

NHTSA ID

11583381

Incident

Apr 12, 2024

On [XXX] my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude experienced full power failure while driving, resulting in an uncontrolled stopped with lack of power brakes, steering or other electrical assistance while in middle of road with traffic traveling 20 mph just avoiding impact with car in front of me. Had I been on highway or traveling faster I may have encountered a deadly impact to rock walls on road or surrounding traffic or oncoming traffic. There is a recall listed [XXX] Campaign number [XXX]. I have made a complaint to JEEP 800-853-1403 who noted my vin with case number [XXX]. My jeep vin is not included in recall notice but clearly should be and covered for repair under [XXX] . My Jeep regained power 5 min later and I drove it knowing unsafe to repair shop where it sits. My Vin should be added to the already listed appx 67k jeeps 2014-2017 year. I also have MOPAR extended warranty. I will not drive my jeep for obvious reasons until the repair is made. This is a potential deadly issue that needs to be extended to the currant recall listing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11579557

Incident

Mar 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact started the vehicle and became aware that the Auto START/STOP and Parking Brake Failure messages were displayed. The contact drove to work and parked the vehicle. The contact returned to the vehicle and attempted to start the vehicle however, the emergency parking brake was activated and could not be deactivated. The emergency parking brake light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer stated that the parking brake was activated, and the parking brake module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake) as a possible solution. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11569083

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Mileage

82,000 mi

The car randomly activated the Electronic Parking Break and it will not disengage. I have disconnected the Battery hoping to reset the module but that did not work. This car will also randomly refuse to start or shut down. Only resetting the ECM/PCM will clear the error and get the car moving again. This is a safety concern because the Ebrake may engage while moving at high speeds. There is a warning light indicating that Ebrake needs service. There is also an unknown leak coming in from the roof and running towards the back lift gate. Water will pool in the storage section to the left and right of rear lift gate.

NHTSA ID

11557056

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

My parking brake locked up and no matter what we tried to attempt to unlock the parking brake nothing worked so my vehicle was towed. This problem occurred overnight while it sat in my parking area I did not have the parking brake engaged by me. Later, we discovered from my mechanic this could have occurred on the highway which could have led to a fatal accident. I think there should be a recall on the emergency parking brake module . Our parking brake module was found in water which meant the compartment the module was in was leaking water into the compartment which caused corrosion which led to the locking up of the parking brake.

NHTSA ID

11556848

Incident

Oct 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to disengage. The contact shifted the vehicle into Service Mode for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound and the contact felt as if the brake pads were rubbing against the rotors. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11552890

Incident

Jun 14, 2023

Mileage

110,000 mi

After the weekend rain, I went to start the 2017 Jeep Cherokee it did not start. I had the battery car jumped and it started up when driving it the steering wheel locked up. The dashboard started to display antilock brake assist off system, power steering assist off system, service transmission restart in Park with vehicle 0 speed, and so many red lights started flashing afterwards. I was in the car with my children a car that was coming behind me had to swerve around me as my car instantly stopped. This could’ve been a horrific or fatal car accident. I just hit my car check to renew my plates the emissions pass and everything safety was good. With this current situation, I would now have to get my car back to the dealership for further inspection, and will be without a car.

NHTSA ID

11552797

Incident

Oct 30, 2023

Parking brake engage itself upon starting car and was still engaged while backing out of garage. Service parking brake and service start/stop warning lights are now on. Investigation for repair found excessive drain on battery for age of the battery (14 months).

NHTSA ID

11536406

Incident

Jul 27, 2023

The parking brake deploys automatically (while parked), locking the vehicle, and leaving it undrivable. Just prior, there was an illuminated brake symbol and message to service parking brake, on dash screen. Vehicle was towed to a local garage, and diagnosis was: parking brake censor corroded due to water leak. Part was replaced. Two days later, brake locks vehicle a second time (while parked), due to water damage. Waiting for part to be replaced again, and continued effort to locate leak. I don't know if either of the failed parts are available for inspection, but I will inquire. My main safety concern is for brake to automatically activate while driving. Not to mention the cost for repeat servicing.

NHTSA ID

11521020

Incident

Apr 24, 2023

While pulling into our neighborhood the service parking brake light came on - followed by the parking brake flashing and then the electronic parking brake engaged by itself when we pulled into our driveway and would not release. We consulted a Jeep dealer and after multiple attempts to disengage the EPB it was towed to our local Jeep dealer for repair. We were advised after 2 days that they could not figure out why the EPB would not release and then after 4 days they advised that the EPB module was damaged by water and it would not be covered by warranty or our extended service agreement and the repairs would be $2497. They also said the part needed to perform the repair was on back-order and they had no idea when it would be in and provided an estimate with a delivery date 3 months away.

NHTSA ID

11508724

Incident

Feb 12, 2023