FaultScore

2016 Jeep Cherokee brake problems

104 of the 2,046 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are about the braking system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 42,600 miles.

A

104

Complaints

4

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 92 88.5%
Parking Brake 10 9.6%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2 1.9%

Brakes across every Jeep Cherokee year

1989 119 5.5%
1990 178 8.2%
1991 188 8.7%
1992 51 2.4%
1993 160 7.4%
1994 71 3.3%
1995 95 4.4%
1996 113 5.2%
1997 83 3.8%
1998 101 4.7%
1999 117 5.4%
2000 124 5.7%
2001 64 3.0%
2014 213 9.8%
2015 137 6.3%
2016 104 4.8%
2017 63 2.9%
2018 38 1.8%
2019 110 5.1%
2020 26 1.2%
2021 14 0.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Grand Rapids, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

The parking brake has engaged on it's own 4 times. Twice while I was driving and twice while I was parked in my driveway with car started and attempting to leave. When parked it will not let me roll. When driving the vehicle shimmies and acts like it has serious problems like the wheel is about to fall off. One time there was a yellow exclamation point as a warning light as it was having the issue. The other time there were no warning lights. I never use my parking brake. It came on when I was about a mile down the road. I believe the first 2 times were in March. The last 2 were in May 2026

NHTSA complaint #11741684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jamesville, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

I was stopped at a traffic light and when it tire we green I was unable to drive as the emergency brake was holding the vehicle. I was unable to release it. Car would not go forward or backwards. Finally was able to drive after disconnecting battery for a few minutes. Drive directly to repair station. They changed the e brake switch, and the motor on one side of rear brake and the caliper also. Was working for less than one day and I am still experiencing the problem. The service brake light is still on dashboard.

NHTSA complaint #11722400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Juan, PR

SERVICE BRAKES

The parking brake will sometimes activate while driving the vehicle, I happens twice driving loosing control of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11716434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johannesburg, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

Driving on freeway October of 2025 and PTU failed causing loss of power and electronic emergency brake engagement. There were no previous indications or warnings with vehicle prior to total loss of propulsion. Vehicle is at jeep dealership in Gaylord Michigan not repaired. Fortunate there was shoulder on right I was able to swerve into and stopped without collision as vehicles sped by at high rates of speed. Towed to dealership where purchased, Serra Ford Gaylord Michigan in August 2025, diagnostics revealed PTU failure. Serra Ford advised could not perform warranty repairs as not jeep dealership. Towed to jeep dealership, Snethcamp Jeep Gaylord Michigan, who advised not warrantied in United States as Canadian vehicle. Snethcamp Jeep diagnosed PTU failure. FCA Canada denied claim 94684480 and advised vehicle not registered to Canadian citizen. Chrysler Customer Service US denied claim 94727687 and advised this is a Canadian vehicle. Recall was performed on PTU, recall number 45A, April 24, 2025. Ordered replacement OEM parts through Snethcamp Jeep and was advised 400 units on back order with no replacement parts in stock and wait would be approximately four months.

NHTSA complaint #11700633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

WHEN AT IDLE AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE PARKING BRAKE WILL ENGAGE. I HAVE TO PUT MY JEEP IN PARK AND THEN TURN THE JEEP OFF AND BACK ON A FEW TIMES TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES.

NHTSA complaint #11677471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Elkins, WV

PARKING BRAKE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake switch was released, however the parking brake failed to release as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts, the parking brake was released. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed park brake switch. The contact was informed that the parking brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11677602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marietta, GA

SERVICE BRAKES

Went to go to the grocery store and the Electronic Park Brake was engaged. Had it reset, went to the grocery store and it was re-engaged. Had it towed to dealer, upon diagnosis, corrosion was found at EPB module and connector pin. Declined repair and had it towed back home due to dealership quoting almost three thousand dollars for parts and repair. Upon later research, found that there is a known issue with water intrusion in this area that caused this and that there is a class action lawsuit due to almost 1.3 million vehicles affected by this and has been known about for almost 5 years. Dealership claims sunroof does leak but there has never been evidence of a leak from that area.

NHTSA complaint #11671254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,407 miles Virginia Beach, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed while standing almost up. In addition, the electronic brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the failure had occurred three times, and the brake booster was replaced after each failure. In addition, the contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 74,407.

NHTSA complaint #11661181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,407 miles Virginia Beach, VA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed while standing almost up. In addition, the electronic brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the failure had occurred three times, and the brake booster was replaced after each failure. In addition, the contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 74,407.

NHTSA complaint #11661181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Euclid, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

On or about [XXX] on Tuesday [XXX] my parking brake automatically engaged itself. With the help of a friend, pulled fuse and emergency brake was disengaged and I got to drive home. Two days later, same issue, now this time tried same remedy and it did NOT work. So now I’m stranded 30 miles from home with my dog. Call tow truck, tow vehicle to dealer, dealer said water had something to do with module activated emergency brake. I’m without vehicle for days while they locate module and have a guy who comes in once a week to find out where water is coming from. I’ve read at least 80 complaints on the issue today. Isn’t Chrysler gonna do anything about this problem? Sad, broke and car less! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11659708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cottage Hills, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

Parking brake module and connector got major water damage. My mechanic found over four gallons of water under my spare tire compartment. After inspecting it he found the module and wires fried. While driving my parking brake light came on and by time I parked my parking brake would not disengage. Check engine light, parking brake light, and traction control light. My vehicle is currently with my mechanic and currently being looked at. He is still trying to find parts and find the cause of the water leak. This was a very dangerous situation that could have caused a major accident.

NHTSA complaint #11653777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles New Madrid, MO

PARKING BRAKE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle at a gas station, the check engine and brake warning lights illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate after several attempts. A handheld scanner was used to retrieve a code for a failure with the parking brake. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the parking brake module, actuator, and wiring needed to be replaced and that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for the repair. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11645122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Arm, MD

SERVICE BRAKES

My vehicle continues to sporadically lose power steering, power and braking. “4wd temporarily disabled” light keeps coming on but then goes off. I have taken to dealer and they say it doesn’t throw a code and there is nothing they can do. It’s a safety issue. Other Jeep Cherokee years and models keep getting recalled but not mine. Mine needs to be recalled. Very dangerous.has been happening increasingly more often in last two months.

NHTSA complaint #11637846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester Hills, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

The thing died randomly and locked the steering wheel. Dealer can’t recreate the issue and said they cant fix it. I pay monthly on this thing that cant be fixed?

NHTSA complaint #11628672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

The Vehicle stops abrutly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.

NHTSA complaint #11616674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

The Vehicle stops abruptly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.

NHTSA complaint #11616676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Vallejo, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as having an electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes started to fail. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not able to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11583301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sag Harbor, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

driver panel told me to repair park brake. at times when I put my car in park the park brake would activate and I was unable to move my vehicle. the parking brake activated automatically when I put my car in park. My mechanic said the parking brake module needed to be replace due to a leak in the rear door and getting to the parking brake module. I do have an invoice if needed. Just not able to upload to this form.

NHTSA complaint #11582256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shreveport, LA

SERVICE BRAKES

I had no warnings at all, had driven the vehicle just an hour prior, I go to get in vehicle and start it, I put the gear in drive and the dash board lights up saying service transmission, service brakes, "D" on dashboard blinking, engine light on, when I try and drive forward the vehicle does not move and says to put the car in "P" at "0" mph, when I did that the car starts to roll. The emergency break light is also lit up on dash board and unable to turn it on or off pressing button. I have to turn vehicle completely off to stop it from rolling. When pressing on brake the brake is completely locked up and unable to push it down. The 4WD light is also lit up on dashboard. It also made a loud bang jolt when put in Drive or Reverse. Then put in Park and begins to roll. My safety and others safety is put at risk because of no warning signs of having issues then unable to stop the vehicle from rolling could have caused my vehicle to roll into another car, home or even a person walking by. I am unable to leave my home or drive. I see online this has happened to thousand of other people even when there car was new and they were driving. This could've been so dangerous if I were on the road driving when it happened. Now I am stuck and cannot leave my home. I have had battery disconnected and reconnected and nothing helped. This appears to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle and needs to be recalled and fixed. I had no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to this happening. A/C went out on this vehicle at only 20k miles, had the whole thing replaced. Then started intermittently working on and off. Summer 2023 Had last recall fixed end of 2022 when engine light came on, dealership said it was an engine thermostat that dealership fixed under extended warranty and said they also did a recall fix.

NHTSA complaint #11573563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hephzibah, GA

SERVICE BRAKES

In 2020, Fiat Chrysler America recalled 67,248 units of the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee in the United States over a transmission issue that could result in a loss of power or rollaway situation. I'm currently experiencing this problem now. So I have a message stating service transmission and service break system.

NHTSA complaint #11570178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES

My parking brake suddenly turned on and my jeeps information center on the dash informed me to stop and shift to park. The light on the switch for the emergency brake flashes as well as the red light on the shifter and the vehicle would not shift anymore nor would the epb turn off . I had to disconnect my battery for about 30 minutes before it allowed me to disengage the parking brake and start to drive again. It happened again once or twice before it completely just stopped engaging even when I tried to engage it. Car states when attempting to engage the parking brake that the parking brake needs to be maintained the light on the switch flashes and a warning light stays on now. The odometer started flashing a day or so after the initial issue began. Now I am unable to use my parking break at all, the warning light and message to get parking brake serviced show constantly as well and the odometer continues to flash.

NHTSA complaint #11561671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Freeport, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season

NHTSA complaint #11560753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Orchard, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

Park brake service warning is flashing on. This is also engaging the park brake and unable to disengage it.

NHTSA complaint #11553721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Cedar Rapids, IA

PARKING BRAKE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking space, the electronic parking brake engaged inadvertently, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the parking brake lever was independently lifted, and the parking brake indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11553837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Richfield, NC

PARKING BRAKE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a turn on a backroad, the vehicle stopped abruptly as the electric parking brake engaged independently. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and became inoperable. The check engine warning light and the Service Transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact shifted into park (P). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake). The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA complaint #11552212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

My emergency brake is automatically engaging randomly. I was at a red light and it engaged and my vehicle would not move while in Drive. I had to shift to park and back to drive in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11551346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vernon Center, MN

SERVICE BRAKES

Was driving and my parking break engaged on its on for several seconds and then disengaged on its own.

NHTSA complaint #11548434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Raleigh, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

In the last 6 months my electronic parking brake engaged and it would not disengage. Towed it to the dealership twice. The second time it froze in a parking lot and I blocked a parked car for over an hour. Additionally, there were multiple times my Jeep lost total power while driving. Made a left into my neighborhood and was almost broadsided. Not good at all. As I type this has been towed to the dealership. DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #11547785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richfield, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Car is still not operable. I’m about to contact Jeep. I did read online about the investigation for 2015-2022 jeep Cherokee . The electronic brake malfunction because of corrosion due to water leak

NHTSA complaint #11546372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crawfordvile rd, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Emergency brake will not disengage and is effecting braking and driving. It has been inspected but 2 different mechanics who have been unable to resolve issue. This has ruined my brakes and has made the vehicle difficult to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11546156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems

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