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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Wrangler brakes problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 42 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler brake system shows multiple distinct failure modes across 38 complaints. The parking brake is the most frequently cited problem: owners report the lever hits the backstop without actually engaging the brakes, a flaw they trace to a slipping clutch mechanism in the self-adjusting design. Vehicle rollaway incidents have occurred even on flat surfaces and after adjustment. Owners document this as a well-known issue across JK forums, with many relying on wheel chocks as a workaround. Chrysler issued recall B03 for Wrangler rollaways, but owners report the issue persists after the recall.
The ABS control module failure is the second major pattern. Code C2200 (internal failure) triggers warning lights and disables traction and stability control. The critical issue: Jeep has discontinued this module and its chip, making replacement nearly impossible. Dealerships report parts on backorder for over a year with no ETA. Used modules sourced from other Wranglers reportedly fail just as quickly. The base braking system still works, but loss of ABS leaves the vehicle underdriveable in owners' assessment.
Brake calipers freeze or seize, causing dragging, burning smells, and overheating. Mechanics report this occurs unusually often on relatively new Wranglers. Hardware defects—missing caliper bolts—also appear. Brake boosters fail with excessive noise and pedal collapse. One owner experienced complete brake loss at speed, coasting to a gas station; another hit a parked car during attempted parking when the booster failed.
Same Jeep Wrangler brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Parking Brake Assembly - Loss of Holding Force
Parking brake handle hits backstop without engaging brakes; mechanism slips due to design flaw in self-adjusting clutch. Brake fails to hold vehicle on flat surfaces or inclines even after adjustment. Documented across forums as widespread issue in JK generation (2007-2014).
When: From new; progressive issue; reported at various mileages from 15K to 49K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Handle pulls to backstop without holding; Slipping sensation described as hitting a void or stripping gears; Vehicle rolls backward on inclines or flat ground with brake engaged; Brake works intermittently; may hold after adjustment for only 1-2 pulls; Requires excessive force to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report parking brake shoes and drum clearance is correct; adjustment does not resolve issue. Some owners use wheel chocks as workaround. Manual transmission vehicles at higher risk since parking brake must hold the vehicle. Replacement e-brake assemblies installed with costs cited up to $1,138.41.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall B03 issued for Jeep Wrangler rollaway failures; however owners report problem continues after recall. Dealers told owners "they all do that" and issue not covered under warranty after 12K miles.
ABS Control Module Internal Failure
ABS module develops internal electronic failures causing diagnostic code C2200. Affects traction control and stability control systems. Modules are on indefinite backorder nationwide; Jeep reports it has discontinued the part and chip, making repair impossible. Part has been unavailable for over a year with no ETA.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 46K, 80K, 95K miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates on dashboard; Traction control light comes on; Brake system warning light on; Wheels lock and release repeatedly during turns; Dashboard message indicating brake light bulb failure (false positive); Condition repeatable: lights appear after ~10 minutes driving, reset overnight but return after driving
Codes mentioned: C2200 (ABS Control Module Internal Failure)
Repairs/costs cited: ABS control module replacement required. Dealers report module unavailable with hundreds of outstanding orders. No wrecking yards stock parts. Online sources depleted. Used modules sourced from other Wranglers reported as equally likely to fail. Vehicle technically driveable but base braking system only; no ABS or traction control. Some owners report vehicle shut down on highway twice while searching for replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread failure. Manufacturer provides no assistance. Some dealers quote 4x normal part price when available. Jeep/Stellantis reports either re-engineering part or no longer manufacturing it; no clear timeline.
Brake Booster Failure
Brake booster develops excessive noise and fails to function properly. Multiple units replaced at same dealership suggesting systemic issue.
When: September 2013 (first failure); September 2015 (second failure on replacement unit)
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive noise from brake booster; Brake pedal traveled to floorboard during braking attempt; Loss of brake pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement. Dealer noted parts were on backorder; dealership had 3+ other replacements on order for same issue at time of first repair.
Brake Caliper Sticking and Seizure
Brake calipers freeze or partially seize, causing dragging brakes and overheating. All four calipers seized in one case; single caliper frozen in another. Damage extends to pads and rotors.
When: 24K miles (single caliper); failure also reported with all four calipers at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from rear wheel (or wheels); Brakes smell hot or burning; Brake pedal less responsive; Vehicle pulls hard to one side (when single caliper affected); Wheels extremely hot to touch; Drag sensation when accelerating after stopping
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of calipers, brake pads, and rotors required. Mechanic recommended replacing both sides to match even if only one frozen. Cost cited $500+ for single caliper replacement and pads/rotors. Mechanic reported oddly frequent occurrence on relatively new Jeep Wranglers.
Brake Pedal Loss of Pressure (Intermittent)
Brake pedal sinks to floorboard with little or no pressure during braking events. Occurs intermittently; dealership unable to reproduce. In one case, pumping brakes restored pressure and normal function.
When: At 21K miles and under highway conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floorboard; Minimal brake pressure before pedal bottoming out; Vehicle unable to stop; coasted to safety; No warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose or reproduce issue on inspection.
Brake Squealing and Burning Odor
Brakes emit loud squealing noise and burning smell during braking or parking. Occurs especially in colder conditions or during harder braking.
When: 12K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing from inside vehicle during braking; Burning odor from brake assembly; Squealing during parking attempts; Brake pedal travels toward floorboard
Repairs/costs cited: Caliper, rotor, and rear brakes failed and required replacement. Not repaired under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number 31801254 opened. Repair not covered under warranty.
Missing or Loose Brake Caliper Hardware
Bolt missing from front passenger-side brake caliper, causing vibration and clicking during braking.
When: 312 miles (essentially at delivery)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal vibration while driving at 40 mph; Abnormal clicking noise during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Front passenger caliper bracket, rotor, and wheel replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no further assistance offered.
Brakes Staying Applied / Not Releasing
Brakes remain applied after stopping, causing dragging sensation. Brakes do not release completely even after vehicle is stopped.
When: Various mileages reported
Symptoms owners cite: Dragging sensation when accelerating after stop; Brakes stay applied without driver input; Burning smell and smoke from brake assembly reported in extreme case with oil contamination
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
There has been an issue with my emergency brake since my Jeep was new. It does not hold adequately, and must be pulled extremely tight to even engage at all. I have been told by the dealer that "that's just how they are." I don't believe this for one minute, and in fact find it insulting that Chrysler expects consumers to believe this. I have never owned a vehicle where the emergency brake won't…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 20,000 and 79,164 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 79,164. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Jeep/Wrangler.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.