2015 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,787 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 45 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkPark outsideMay 11, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitJun 11, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Campaign 20V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsAug 10, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
Campaign 16V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 12, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
Campaign 16V529000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkDec 9, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
Campaign 15V826000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust systemOct 19, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015. The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose.
If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R57.
Campaign 15V676000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateJun 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power liftgate vehicles and cover the power liftgate control module in a foam water shield, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R27. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
Campaign 15V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJan 28, 2015
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.
If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.
Campaign 15V041000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
128 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2023
Last July of 2022, my first issue was an electrical notice that caused the airbag and seatbelt sensor in the vehicle to continuously go off, which took several months to get fixed through the manufacturer of my Jeep Cherokee 2015. As of 2023, I have received two recall notices, and neither of which have been resolved since April of 2023. Since those notices, my check engine light has gone off and is getting repaired this week, there's been a leak inside the vehicle of a liquid spilling into the passenger side floor mat, and also the brakes have deteriorated quickly -- they were last repaired at 77,000 miles and are again experiencing issues at 99,000 miles. There is a specific manufacturer in my area (Salt Lake Valley Chrystler Dodge Jeep RAM on State Street in Salt Lake City, UT) that has been borderline negligent and straight up rude on multiple occasions.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 17, 2023
My 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited has a parking brake issue. My parking brake will not disengage, the car will not move forward or back, the warning lights are lit up on the dashboard. My Jeep is inoperable due to this issue. This has happened before in parking lots, etc but I was always able to pull over and disengage. That is NOT the case this time as had the car towed to the Jeep Dealership and diagnosed as the parking Brake Module is faulty, the part is back oprdered for months and will cost over $1700 to repair.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 10, 2023
My 2015 Jeep haslocked up on me twice now. The power brake system comes on automatic and I cannot accelerate. The first time it happened it about threw me into the windshield. This second time it jerked me forward. It has been in the dealership once to fix the problem. Now it has done it again. The warning lights come on the dash as power brake system malfunction, check engine soon, do not engage and put vehicle in park and several other warnings.
Service brakes, Jun 4, 2023
Anti skid dash light is on. Won’t turn off. Car is not drivable. Locked up and swerving from side to side
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 23, 2023
My alternator went out and was replaced and while in doing they said my gear shifter broke and when they tried to replace it that the new one broke too. My parking brake and check engine light are now on and they are not sure why.
Service brakes, May 17, 2023
Parking brake locked and would not release. Issue occurred while driving - luckily at low speed (apx 5mph) while in parking lot. Could not move vehicle since parking brake would not release. Impeded traffic in aisle. I am concerned that this could have happened while driving on surface streets or highway. If so, this would have created a very dangerous situation since the vehicle immediately came to an uncontrolled stop and was immobilized. Could not locate any sort of manual override for releasing brake. Had to have vehicle towed. There were no previous issues with parking brake. Cycled power/start several time to try and reset. No changes. Disconnected battery for 5 minutes to try and reset. No changes. Warning lights/messages included: service parking brake, 4wd system unavailable, start/stop unavailable, brake warning light, abs light, and possibly others. The vehicle is currently at dealership waiting repair (estimated to begin service week of 5/22/23, Nyle Maxwell CDJR, Taylor, TX)
Service brakes, Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle it displayed a message stating “Service Parking Brake”. After stopping the vehicle and placing it in parking, the parking brake engaged itself and would not release, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic parking brake had malfunctioned due to water contamination. All recalls have been performed and are up to date. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2023
Parking Brake Module has completely locked up and the vehicle is undrivable
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 28, 2023
Water fills up in the spare tire component which corroded the emergency brake box. I took it to the local Sunoco to fix they contacted Chrysler and was told to give the car back to me as is I should have it fixed by the dealership. My car is currently at a dealership and they’re telling me I have to pay $1600 for the repair. But if you Google this is a common problem with this vehicle.
Service brakes, Mar 16, 2023
The emergency brake engages on its own. In the past i have been able to release it after it "auto engages", sometimes taking more than 1 attempt. I stopped at a gas station last week. When I started my car to leave, the emergency brake auto engaged itself and would not release. Error message on screen read "service park brake". I called the local service department of chrystler/dodge/jeep dealership. Followed their directions to release the brake. However it would not release still. The incident left me and 2 children stranded for 2 hours. I had my vehicled towed to the dealership. Currently still awaiting resolution.
Service brakes, Mar 12, 2023
My brakes have totally locked up on my vehicle. The vehicle is undrivable at this point. I just have it sitting in the garage for now.
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2023
In June 2022, my electronic parking brake engaged and would not unlock. On the dash, the Parking Brake light, the Brake light and the Stop/Start light were all illuminated. I was unable to drive the vehicle. I had to have AAA tow it to the dealer to find out what was wrong with it. The dealer I took it to had to install a new Parking brake module and rewire 32 pins on the new connector. They informed me that there was corrosion on the unit and did not find any water in the compartment area. My vehicle is a 2015 Jeep Cherokee and at the time of the repair it only had 40,649 miles on it. I had to pay right at $1,200.00 for this repair and I feel I should be reimbursed from the manufacturer since the vehicle was only 7 years old and has low miles. This will happen again if they don't come up with a fix for it.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 21, 2023
Went for service and they stated my EPB is not engaging properly, they could tell water was in the spare tire well at some point....I bought this car in 2019 & was never told of this possible problem This incident obviously happened before the date of this complaint, but I was not aware until service technician told me on 2/21/2023 "Power going to Park Brake Module---No power out" Thank you for your time
Service brakes, Feb 15, 2023
Electric Parking Brake on my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited V6 has malfunction. Water has leaked into the car, creating standing water that affected the EPB module and is now inoperable. I cannot release the parking brake and the car cannot be driven. This happened while I drove to my mail box. I was luckily close to home but this is a serious safety risk. The brake cannot be released to even have it towed, even after several attempts of different methods to release. I cannot get the part to fix the problem as it is on back order with no ETA.
Service brakes, Jan 29, 2023
Electric Park Brake (EPB) light came on while parked. Parking brake actuator would not contract. Vehicle now can’t be driven as the parking brake is engaged. Found the part from a dealership and when I went to replace it, the parking brake actuator was flooded with what looked like brake fluid. New $130+ OEM part was installed and fixed the issue. Approximately 6 months later, the same issue occurred with the new OEM part. I have seen people say this issue has happened while driving. I’ve heard of dozens of complaints of this part already. When will this become a recall? It seems to me that it should have already been addressed since this vehicle has been around nearly 9 years.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2023
I was making a left turn onto the southbound roadway which which consists of six Lanes. I was getting up to approximately 35 mph when the parking symbol light came on and the screen was showing service parking brake and service transmission. I was still in Drive when the car started coasting and when I stepped on the gas, all it did was revved. I had to Coast into the left turning lane and came to a stop as I tried to put it in park I could hear a whirring noise coming from under the dash as if the parking break button was pressed. I could not get it out of Drive and I tried putting it in neutral then back to drive then into neutral but could not get the car to move. Finally was able to get it into park and I shut the car off. After about 10 minutes I started the car up and the dash showed nothing I put it into drive and it kicked into gear and as I accelerated it was feeling like I couldn't get out of second. Then the brake light came on the p in a circle with an exclamation mark came on, ABS light came on, skid light came on., check engine light came on, and the screen flashing back and forth between service parking brake and service transmission. I was able to make it 2 miles to work at very slow speed and put it in park and turned it off. There was more rollback than normal when put in park so I put a chuck under the wheel so it wouldn't roll. Approximately an hour later I took it up to Tire Plus to see what was wrong. Upon picking it up they told me that I had to take to a dealer. The following codes are; u0418, u04828, u1412, p1720, u0420, uc003, u0415. When I went to pick the car up some hours later it started right up like normal and halfway home which is approximately 3miles, everything lit up again this time the engine sounded rough and again I had to Coast to the right side of the road shut it off wait 10 minutes, start it up and I was able to get it home, where it's been since. I'm very concerned for my safety. From Reading, alot of others are as well.
Service brakes, Jan 19, 2023
Vehicle Parking brake randomly engages. Warning lights and "Service Parking Brake" Brings vehicle to stop, can not get brake to disengage. Repair garage inspected vehicle. Water intrusion in parking brake module. Confirmed myself of water in module area. Referred to a Jeep Dealership- along with TSB#08-060.16. Towed to dealer. Dealership is avoiding repair. Told battery was no good, causing issue. Battery was less than year old. Battery brought back for warranty. Battery functioning at 98%- no issue. Return to dealership- still told battery could be issue, could not produce tech readout off a battery test. Refuse to look at root cause. Will no acknowledge TSB provided.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2023
Parking brake was randomly engaging. Currently engaged will not release. Mechanic ID issue. WATER INTRUSION in parking break module. Claims it’s a known issue but no recalls have been issued. Parts may be delayed 2 months.
Service brakes, Jan 3, 2023
I experienced an Emergency Parking Brake malfunction while car was moving. Car suddenly had the message "Service Parking Brake" while driving on the highway. Check engine, barking brake, and traction control lights all came on. Pulled off the highway to a shopping center and when putting the car in park, car was stuck in the middle of the road in park unable to change gears. Car was able to be disengaged only by overriding the gear in order to be moved to a safe location, but remained otherwise in Park with the same "Service Parking Brake" message. Dealer has mentioned that the brake module was corroded or shorted and the entire system needed to be replaced along with complete disassembly of shifting mechanism.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 8, 2022
UNKNOWN I had to jump my vehicle due to battery dying out. Once jumped, I received a warning that my electrical emergency park brake malfunctioned. I had trouble shifting gears if I could get them to shift at all. I could hear and feel grinding beneath the jeep. Looking deeper into this it was discovered that there is a vehicle investigation (pending potential recall) on water leaking inside the vehicle to be causing corrosion leading to the E Break module to fail in my specific model. I eventually got the vehicle towed to the dealership. Their service department claimed I may have spilled drinks into my module. I do not buy drinks or carry any in my vehicle cupholders (which are placed by design right behind the gear shift module). Nothing was spilled, the damage is consistent with the common issue pending investigation #PE22009. I am currently awaiting a complete transmission replacement due to the defect.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 4, 2022
I have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. It has been in the shop many times due to poor manufacturing and recalls. Prior to me purchasing the vehicle in May 2020, it was involved with a recall for a water leak and powerlift gate short due to water damage. It has leaked water into the hatch/ trunk area since I purchased it. I have spoken with 2 dealerships about the issue. The most recent was November 1, 2022 when it was left with Rockwall Chrysler. My issue is that the Electronic Parking Brake Module was damaged to due heavy rain and the continued leak. On October 30, 2022, we were trying to leave in the cherokee and the Service Brake warning light was on as well as service shifter. The vehicle was stuck due to a malfunctioning parking brake. After multiple attempts, the brake disengaged and I continued to work. October 31, when I started the vehicle the following warning/ service lights were on and remains on: Service Brake Light (2 different lights) ACC/FCW not available / service Auto start/ stop unavailable/service Airbag warning light (went off 11/3/22) 4WD Unavailable/service On my drive home from work, the electronic parking brake engaged while I was turning across traffic and I almost was hit by a large delivery truck. Once I managed to get the vehicle to drive, it happened again on the highway service road and I was very close to being rear ended by an 18 wheeler that was driving behind me. The dealership did no repairs due to the $575.00 charge I cannot pay to diagnose and do a leak test. I explained this was involved with a recall and they basically told me it was fixed in with Canada or Ohio and I needed to return to that dealer (I live in TX). Which is not possible because the vehicle is sitting in my drive way and will not move due to the brake being stuck on. I picked the unrepaired vehicle up on 11/3/22 and was advised its best to get rid of as soon as possible. The problem is that I owe roughly $13,000 on the jeep. I cant afford this and a rental
Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 31, 2022
this vehicle shows all recalls have been completed. however, every time it rains, the hatch compartment fills with water. 10/30/2022, my electronic parking brake light came on and the vehicle was stuck in park. Once we got the car home, I opened the hatch and removed the spare tire; there was standing water in the area from rain. This morning I was leaving for work an d the following lights came on; 1) Service 4WD 2) Service electronic Parking Brake 3) Service Airbags 4) Service Front Collision system 5) Service auto start stop 6) Adaptive Cruise Control not available 7) cruise/ fcw unab=vailable- service required This vehicle has been a complete nightmare. I did record the event as we used a shop vac to remove the water. the Service 4 wd light comes on and goes off randomly daily; the PTU was "flashed" but the problem continued. I have contacted the dealership only to be told all recalls are complete and I must pay for the additional repairs. I have contacted Jeep and have had zero resolutions.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2022
Upon placing vehicle into park, the parking brake independently engaged and would not release. Car was not able to move. Brake calipers were locked into position. Manufacturer TSB: 08-060-16 Based on repair invoices, it appears the electronic parking brake module is damaged by water leaking into the compartment. In case of inadvertent activation, the EPB causes a stalling condition, bringing the subject vehicles to a stop. TSB 10191415 followed in May 2016, instructing dealers on replacing the subject module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion. The technical service bulletin states “the electronic parking brake module is located in the back left side of the cargo area interior, near the spare tire.” The first model year of the KL-generation Cherokee has accumulated 2,187 complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. 11 of those complaints are filed under parking brake issues
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2022
Was driving home for lunch and stopped at traffic light. Parking brake self-engaged and would not release. I could not move the car in either direction. Repeated attempted to get parking brake to release by pushing/pulling on switch. Finally turned off car (sitting in moving traffic) and when I restarted the brake released. Was able to get car home and parked. Called my regular mechanic and got it in yesterday, but again brake wouldn't release (it had not been set) without turning car off and on. When my repair shop took the components apart, it revealed that water had leaked down into the computer system that controls the parking brakes (had various flashing lights on dash -- odometer/stop/start signal, etc.) and damaged the circuitry. The repair shop called to explain this problem and noted that NHTSA had begun and investigation into this problem in July and had about 80 cases under investigation at that time -- apparently a body-weld issue causing leak into that component. Prior to this locking up, a service parking brake light had come on intermittently for a couple of days. My wife and I were both at risk and just fortunate this didn't lock up while on the interstate which we drive regularly. Have called local Jeep dealer where we bought it and they claim they have heard nothing about this and the earliest we can get in is 10/18. Our mechanic has temporarily disabled the parking brake (both electronically and mechanically) so that the vehicle is drivable, but said he wouldn't advise driving on it very long this way, due to the other warning components that are now compromised.
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2022, crash
wheels locked up, unable to stop car. wheels were not turning during accelerator and car would not come to a stop when braking as tires were just sliding and skidding on road. could not change gears