Water Corrosion Likely Cause of Brake Issue in Jeep Cherokee SUVs
More than one year after launching an investigation into complaints about the electronic parking brake in 2014 to 2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs, the NHTSA has still not concluded its findings, issued a recall, or offered a resolution.
In July 2022, federal safety regulators reported they would address the customer complaints and investigate the cause of alleged faulty brakes in roughly 1.34 million Jeep SUVS made by Stellantis.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been looking into whether the parking brake may become corroded by water seeping into the computer controlling the brakes. If this happens, the brakes could suddenly switch on while the SUVs are in motion or parked causing the vehicles to abruptly stop or stall. So far, federal safety regulators have not released the cause and or remedy.
Owners of the affected vehicles have repeatedly complained to the NHTSA. One person complained that their SUV suddenly lost power while traveling at 65 mph. The motorist told safety regulators the check engine light came on and they could not accelerate or shift gears. One owner in Michigan told the NHTSA they had the parking brake repaired, but it reoccurred. There are currently no known injuries or deaths from the problem.
Also, there was a class action lawsuit filed back in 2022 for this issue, but nothing has been settled to date. The Cherokee class action lawsuit alleges water leaks into the electronic parking brake module and causes corrosion.
There was a technical bulletin issued back in May 2016 for a similar problem with 2014 to 2016 Jeep Cherokees.
Stellantis, the company formed after the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA Peugeot, is cooperating with the investigations.
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson 1-(877) 465-8161
Do you own a defective Jeep Grand Cherokee that experiences repeated problems or safety issues? If so, there doesn’t have to be a recall before you reach out to an experienced attorney and get help. California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.
We highly recommend Jeep owners with safety concerns or repeated breakdowns obtain invoices for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 1-(877) 465-8161 or read on for answers to frequently asked questions.
Published on Oct. 13, 2023
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