Brake booster failure is the most common complaint in this cluster. Owners describe illuminated service brake warning lights, firm pedals that won't depress, and loss of braking power. Chrysler issued recall 14V-154 in November 2017 for brake booster defects, but some owners report their VINs were excluded from the recall list despite having identical symptoms. One owner found water had seeped into the booster, freezing in cold temperatures and triggering a C0021-02 diagnostic code. A dealer told another owner a small vacuum leak in the brake booster was acceptable—a claim worth questioning.
Beyond booster issues, owners report a brake line that rubbed through the steering column from the factory, causing repeated fluid loss and triggering low-fluid warnings. One owner faced a brake pedal that locked up repeatedly, trapping the vehicle until it spontaneously released after sitting. Most alarming are reports of complete brake failure mid-stop, with the pedal going to the floor and the vehicle striking other vehicles. One owner experienced brakes applying without any pedal input.
Recall parts have been in short supply at dealerships. One owner paid out-of-pocket before learning a recall existed, then received only a 50% refund from Dodge. Several owners struggled with dealers who couldn't reproduce intermittent failures but refused to perform deeper diagnosis.
Failure modes owners describe
Brake booster failure / loss of hydraulic power assist
The brake booster loses ability to provide power assistance, causing the brake pedal to become firm or unresponsive, and brake warning lights to illuminate. Owners report service brake lights, hard pedals, and reduced braking capacity. One complaint references a brake booster water intrusion issue (diagnostic code C0021-02) triggered by freezing temperatures, and another mentions a small vacuum leak from the brake booster deemed acceptable by a dealer.
When: Various mileages reported; one case at 50,084 miles, another at ~150,000 miles. Issues reported after vehicle was new or relatively young.
Symptoms owners cite: Service brake warning light illuminates; Brake pedal becomes firm or hard; Brake pedal will not depress; Loss of braking ability or reduced braking capacity; Brakes fail to respond to pedal input; Water intrusion into brake booster (freezing condition trigger)
Codes mentioned: C0021-02
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement. One owner paid out-of-pocket before finding out recall existed. Recall parts have been unavailable at dealerships in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-154 (NHTSA Campaign 14V154000) issued November 2017 for hydraulic power assist / brake booster failure. Some owners' VINs were not included in the recall list despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Chrysler case management #59431690 offered only 50% refund on repair costs to one owner. Recall parts have experienced supply delays at dealers.
Brake line rupture from rubbing on steering column
A brake line rubs against the steering column during normal operation, wearing through the metal line and causing fluid leakage. The condition appears to be a manufacturing defect present from the factory, with no accident or off-road use reported by the owner.
When: 50,084 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light indicates low brake fluid; Brake fluid level drops repeatedly despite no visible leaks at wheels; Brake line rubbing on steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line replacement. Owner paid for repair and requested reimbursement as a manufacturing defect; Dodge offered only 50% refund.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge case management #59431690. Offered 50% refund of repair cost instead of treating as recall or warranty matter.
Brake pedal locking and failure to release
The brake pedal becomes locked in the applied position, rendering the vehicle immobile. The pedal refuses to depress or release, and the park lock feature does not function. Brakes may remain locked for extended periods before spontaneously releasing. Occurs intermittently, making dealer diagnosis difficult.
When: No specific mileage given; events occurred in sequence over 24 hours.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal will not depress; Brakes remain locked / fully applied; Vehicle cannot move despite engine running; Brakes eventually release after prolonged sitting; Park lock feature non-functional; Loss of brakes at stop sign (pedal would not depress)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to reproduce complaint; no repair completed. Owner refused to leave dealership without further diagnosis due to safety concerns.
Complete brake failure during normal driving
Brake system fails completely and suddenly while driving at normal speed, with the brake pedal going to the floor and providing no stopping force. Vehicle hits other vehicles as a result. Occurs without warning after brakes were working normally at a traffic light immediately before.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail completely during traffic stop; Brake pedal goes to floor with no stopping force; No response to brake application; Vehicle continued moving and struck other vehicles; Airbag system also failed to deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Brake pedal becomes firm and non-responsive on cold soak
After the vehicle sits for several days, the brake pedal becomes abnormally firm and will not depress properly. Starts to return to normal function once the vehicle is started and warmed. Dealer identified a small vacuum leak in the brake booster and deemed it acceptable.
When: After sitting for several days
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal is hard and stiff after vehicle sits; Brake pedal returns to normal after starting engine; Vacuum leak in brake booster
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found small vacuum leak in brake booster. Dealer stated the leak was acceptable; owner unsure if booster replacement is needed.
Brakes apply without pedal input
The vehicle applies brakes spontaneously without the driver depressing the brake pedal. In one case, brakes apply with only light contact while descending, then car nearly stops completely. Vehicle may also accelerate suddenly when the brake issue resolves, creating alternating brake and acceleration problems.
When: No specific mileage or timing provided
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes apply without driver input; Brakes engage from minimal pedal contact on downhill; Vehicle nearly stops completely; Sudden acceleration when brake condition resolves; Risk of rear-end collision
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.