2019 Jeep Cherokee Brakes Problems

I was leaving the parking lot of a grocery store - I was probably 100 yards from where I parked to the exit to the road. My [XXX] and [XXX] were in car seats in the back. I went to merge into traffic going left out of the parking lot. As I accelerated to merge into traffic and get up to speed, the emergency brake on my car engaged with roughly half of my vehicle in the lane of oncoming traffic. As quickly as I could, I realized what had happened and turned off the emergency brake so that my car would move. By this time the car coming at us had to swerve around us and another car behind them was honking at us for being in the way and in the lane. The emergency brake was engaged because the driver side door was not 100% entirely closed. It was closed enough that when I would have realized on my own that it wasn't fully closed, I could have safely and easily done it. Instead, it put mine in my daughter's lives at risk. To my understanding, this is the way this "safety" feature is supposed to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750419

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

My vehicle has an open PTU recall and when driving down the road my vehicle completely lost power was unable to drive or put vehicle in park in the middle of a turn which resulted in on coming traffic coming towards my vehicle. There were no injuries thankfully. My car was towed to the Jeep dealership in Anchorage, AK to have the PTU recall done as that was the suspected reasoning of the failure. After weeks of back and forth I was told the transmission was damaged and needed replaced and the PTU recall was not able to be done due to the recall instructions. I was quoted 8-12 thousand dollars in repairs which was unrealistic to me. I then had vehicle towed to an auto body shop that could replace the transmission for a lesser price. Once at the auto shop they discovered there was a complete PTU failure which caused the transmission damage and told me to take it back to the dealership for repairs to be covered under the recall. The dealership submitted the information and I was denied the recall and repairs. The dealership informed me I would have to pay for a new transmission out of pocket. However once I had the new transmission testing the PTU recall could damage and that I also need to pay out of pocket for the PTU. This has been extremely frustrating and given the pictures and evidence submitted for PTU failure causing the transmission failure and still being denied I find it absolutely appropriate to submit a claim

NHTSA ID

11735221

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

While driving home from Church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The rear differential completely froze, forcing the vehicle to skid recklessly without operator control or ability to brake. Steering was near impossible as the car veered first to the guard-rail on the median, and then across 2 lanes of traffic towards the guardrail on the shoulder. A terrible accident was avoided by an alert and skillful driver who was behind me. After what i later came to find out from the dealer (having the vehicle towed) was the rear drive train gears sheered, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder.

NHTSA ID

11727737

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

The Parking Assist, parking, ABS warning continues. There is a recall on the year model but not my VIN. I have not even been able to afford the sales tax (over $1000 USD) and dealer refuses to assist with the cost of diagnostic or malfunction repair.

NHTSA ID

11723533

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

My vehicle has has these issues since I bought them but were unaware of how to report them. I also got a recall letter about my PTU failure and Feldman Jeep in Livonia falsely reported the recall completed and it wasn’t. My car is noisy and vibrational when driving higher speeds, service 4wd messages and noise when I turn the automatic brakes off.

NHTSA ID

11723378

Incident

Apr 27, 2021

When approaching a light, the car will completely shut off and my steering wheel will lock, and the emergency break will engage. I will be unable to use any part of my car for at least 1-2 minutes before the break releases and allows me to start my car again.

NHTSA ID

11720466

Incident

Sep 9, 2024

There has been an open recall for over a year and no remedy has been found. I am having failure with my speed power and every dealership wants to charge me because there is no remedy for this recall. My vehicle is eventually going to give out if I don't get this fixed and unfortunately i don't have the money.

NHTSA ID

11712689

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

Recall was done for this and my jeep has this issue I currently have a power train controller that is out I have no power from controller to rear. Currently now my all wheel drive doesn't work at all .

NHTSA ID

11705067

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

First brake switch stopped working. I could not move vehicle and had to have it towed to dealer where the brake switch was replaced. Now less than year later I get a SVC 4WD notice.this happened right after I had my vehicles oil changed and tires rotated. I am told I now have a faulty PTU actuator that must be replaced for almost $2k. I have a 2019 Cherokee L with 88,500 miles.

NHTSA ID

11694613

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

My vehicle, had had issues with the brakes even after repairing (changing them) a horrible grinding and squeaking. The shifter reads "Service shifter soon" how does one even do this. The car jolts forward, or stalls in the middle of traffic, when I press the gas, when I brake sometimes it does not register, I have had the fuel sensor repaired and its still says its not working. I am going to be hit one day on account of this vehicle. I have taken it in to the dealership when these problems started with the auto start and stop censor going off. The windshield wiper line is kinked and I have taken this in multiple times for them to tell me nothing is wrong, and they do not service. Jeep brand is going to kill me due to its unsafe traveling. I have asked called and wrote in and no one will help me.

NHTSA ID

11689897

Incident

Mar 31, 2023

While driving, the emergency brake system becomes enabled, which immediately causes the vehicle to stop and sometimes stall. This is so dangerous! My daughter has been in the middle of an intersection when the vehicle has done this, she's lucky she hasn't been struck and killed. We have not taken it to a dealership, however online reports confirm this problem, and that the NHTSA is investigating it. There is a warning light that comes on when this happens, it says BRAKE, and then it gives prompts on what you need to do to disable the emergency brake. This has happened about four times in just this past year (we purchased this vehicle used and have owned it for one year), with the most recent time happening over the weekend. I was reversing the vehicle to move it to another spot in our driveway. I reversed the vehicle, then put it in Drive, and it immediately stopped and flashed BRAKE and enabled the emergency parking brake, although I didn't even touch it! I had to then put my foot on the brake, push the emergency brake button, (I think twice), and then I was able to drive forward.

NHTSA ID

11684490

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Unavailable - Service Soon" was displayed with the 4WD icon illuminated intermittently for three months. The contact that while driving at 15-25 MPH, and there was a slight grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11680944

Incident

May 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stoplight, the brake pedal was depressed, and the parking brake was activated unintendedly. The contact pressed the parking brake button, but the parking brake failed to release. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the parking brake released. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be inspected. The certified mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V917000 (Electrical System). The mechanic informed the contact that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. An appointment for the vehicle to be inspected was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11676146

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and the parking brake warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the back-over prevention and forward collision sensors were independently deactivated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11672411

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

Mileage

77,000 mi

Delamination of the Display can have settings that affect the way the vehicle physically brakes and steers that are configured via the Uconnect system. Needs replaced

NHTSA ID

11665257

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages for the ABS, Traction Control, and Parking Brake were displayed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11663039

Incident

May 22, 2025

Mileage

101,000 mi

Unknown. Discovered with maintenance

NHTSA ID

11655630

Incident

Apr 19, 2025

Have been dead spots in the gas pedal since we bought it, had almost caused accidents a few times. The transmission has been banging in gear for 4 years. The rear brake calipers do not work. I have asked the dealer many times why my 19 doesn't have the recalls for thus like the 18 and 20 do. They have no answers. I

NHTSA ID

11644128

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

ChatGPT You said: My jeep 2019 is losing power and steering which lead em.to.collide with a pole to stop the vehicle in was going around 30 mph and the brakes also stopped working write me a complaint answering these questions with my story What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Complaint Regarding Vehicle Malfunction – 2019 Jeep To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2019 Jeep, which resulted in a dangerous loss of control while driving. Component/System Failure: While driving at approximately 30 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing both the steering and braking systems to fail simultaneously. This forced me to collide with a pole in order to stop the vehicle. I believe this may be related to the electrical system, power steering, or braking system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction put both my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. Losing power, steering, and braking capabilities made it impossible to control the vehicle, which could have led to a severe accident involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Reproduction/Confirmation: At this time, I have not had the issue formally reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but I am seeking an inspection to determine the cause. Inspections: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but I am in the process of reporting this incident to all relevant s

NHTSA ID

11640163

Incident

Jan 29, 2025

When I am at a stop like a stop sign or light the engine will sometimes stall not allowing me to drive. It won’t go which is extremely dangerous. The car will have lights come on about airbags or it’ll be passenger seat belt when I don’t even have a passenger in the car. The brakes have locked up on me when coming to a stop the brakes have gone rock solid allowing no movement and I’ve almost hit other cars due to it locking up and not stopping. You would have thought someone out a rock under my brake. All of this has happened multiple time.

NHTSA ID

11638188

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

Automatic brakes suddenly came on. Huge BRAKE busy road and could not get the car going

NHTSA ID

11637548

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brakes would activate causing the vehicle to stall and shut down immediately without any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The oil level sensor had been replaced but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle made a bumping and thumping sound underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the brakes were squealing while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that several attempts were needed while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the brakes might not have been properly installed on the vehicle. The brakes and the battery had been replaced; however, the failures persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving approximately 25 MPH, the brakes unintendedly activated, causing the vehicle to stall. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that antifreeze was leaking from the vehicle. The contact called AAA and the vehicle was jumpstarted after several attempts. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was persistent, and the vehicle needed to be jumpstarted regularly. The contact stated that the vehicle would only drive for short distances before stalling and shutting off. The failure had occurred 3 times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11636015

Incident

Sep 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Automatic Emergency Braking unintendedly activated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP function and the brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,400.

NHTSA ID

11635976

Incident

Jan 5, 2025

Mileage

153,400 mi

My vehicle is leaking in the front and passenger seat and my emergency brake comes on and I can't disengage it unless I stop the car and turn it off and back on. Sometimes it takes 2 times to do this. In November, twice I was merging into traffic going 45 miles per hour and it happened. I prayed I wouldn't get smashed. I turned the car off and back on and I was able to disengage the emergency brake. On 1/3/2025, it happened as I was backing out of my driveway onto traffic. I had to turn the car on and off 2 times before I could disengage the emergency brake. I was lucky no vehicles traveling on the road. There is a terrible sound and then the car bucks and you are jarred. I read about an investigation on this same issue back in July 2022. My dealer says until they can replicate the problem they can't fix it. Please help!

NHTSA ID

11634529

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11628413

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Mileage

69,000 mi