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2017 Jeep Cherokee brakes problems

severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →

Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes

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.

Service Bulletin 09-003-23 Jan 2023

2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9004402 Aug 2021

DIFFERENTIAL, Rear Axle (KL 4WD w/DK4 = 2-SPEED RDM) The Differential, Rear Axle (aka RDM) design, pump design, Driveline Control Module (aka DLCM) hardware & software and pressure sensor have all changed in the past few years. The chages are not interchangeable and each had a separate implementation date. Please comprehend it to avoid repeat repairs. There are 2 sections each with 3 sub-sections: 1) For 2014/5 VINs with DK2 = 1-spd RDM 2) For 2016 and later VINs with DK2 = 1-spd RDM 1) For 2014/5 VINs with DK4 = 2-spd RDM 2014 - 2015 VINs built with a 2-speed RDM used a 24 plate clutch design. Service RDMs (DK4: 68545100AA and DK4 + AWL: 68545101AA) have a 20-plate design. 1.1) If replacing

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9004401 Aug 2021

DIFFERENTIAL, Rear Axle (KL 4WD w/DK2 = 1-SPEED RDM) The Differential, Rear Axle (aka RDM) design, pump design, Driveline Control Module (aka DLCM) hardware & software and pressure sensor have all changed in the past few years. The changes are not interchangeable and each had a separate implementation date. Please comprehend it to avoid repeat repairs. There are 2 sections each with 3 sub-sections: 1) For 2014/5 VINs with DK2 = 1-spd RDM 2) For 2016 and later VINs with DK2 = 1-spd RDM 1) For 2014/5 VINs with DK2 = 1-spd RDM 2014 - 2015 VINs were built with a 1-speed RDM used a 24 plate clutch design. New service RDMs 68550586A$ use a 20-plate design. 1.1) If replacing the RDM · 24 plate and

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9003293 Nov 2017

A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The 2017 Cherokee's brake system shows multiple failure patterns across 23 complaints. The most common is the electronic parking brake engaging without driver input—at traffic lights, while parked overnight, or during highway driving—locking the vehicle and making it undrivable. Owners report the brake will not disengage despite repeated attempts; some need door open/close cycles or engine restarts to free the vehicle. Multiple owners describe the EPB module as water-soaked or corroded, sitting beneath the spare tire where water pooled. Repair costs run $400–$2,500, and parts are frequently on national backorder with 3-month wait times.

Brake booster failures occur at low mileage (1,200 miles, repeated) and higher mileage (60,000+), leaving owners unable to stop or requiring extreme pedal pressure. One owner reported a hissing sound under the dash; another had the booster replaced only to fail again three months later.

Hydraulic brake system failures where the pedal goes soft or to the floor at 30–40 mph have also occurred. One vehicle had worn brake pads but continued failure even after replacement, with a brake booster fault diagnosed.

One owner encountered brake and gas pedals spaced too close together with no gap between them. A flat-towing incident involved the electronic parking brake engaging on its own during a 1.5-hour tow, overheating and damaging tires—yet the dealer found no fault when testing the vehicle normally (without towing).

Same Jeep Cherokee brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019

Failure modes owners describe

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Unexpected Engagement

The electronic parking brake engages without driver input while driving, at traffic lights, or while parked. Owners report the brake locks the vehicle, making it undrivable. Multiple attempts to disengage fail. In some cases, the vehicle requires door open/close cycles or restart sequences to release. One case involved the brake engaging while flat-towing with all four wheels rolling.

When: While driving at various speeds, at traffic lights, overnight while parked, during normal driving. One incident occurred during flat-towing. Mileage range 13 to 120,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Electronic parking brake locks vehicle without driver engagement; Service parking brake warning light illuminates; Brake will not disengage despite multiple attempts; Vehicle becomes undrivable; Repeated occurrences (4+ times reported in one case); Automatic engagement at stop lights and while parked

Codes mentioned: Service Parking Brake indicator, Service Electronic Braking System message

Repairs/costs cited: EPB module water damage or corrosion; parking brake sensor corroded due to water leak; parking brake actuator locked; multifunctional switch replacement needed. Parts repeatedly on backorder. One owner reported $2,497 for EPB module replacement with 3-month wait for part. Another reported $400+ for module and $400+ for multifunctional switch, plus towing costs ($105-$171 per incident). Parts are water-soaked when found.

Brake Booster Failure

Brake booster loses function, leaving the driver unable to stop the vehicle or requiring extreme pedal pressure to slow it. One owner reported a 'vacuum brake booster bump' failure unique to Jeep/Chrysler with no advance warning signs. Another reported hissing sound under the dash and repeated failure at low mileage.

When: At 1,200 miles (first failure, then repeated); at 62,622 miles; around 30,000 miles in flat-tow case.

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes soft or all the way to the floor; Requires extreme pressure to move brake pedal (only 1/2 inch with tremendous pressure); Complete brake failure at speed (30 mph, 45 mph reported); Hissing sound under dashboard; Service Electronic Braking System message displayed

Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Braking System message

Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replaced at 1,200 miles; failed again later at same mileage interval. Vacuum brake booster bump part failed. Owner reported mechanic replaced booster but failure recurred three months later. No costs specified for most cases.

Brake Pedal / Hydraulic Brake System Failure

The driver depresses the brake pedal but the brakes fail to engage, or the pedal becomes unresponsive. Incidents occurred at speeds ranging from 30-40 mph. One owner reported the brake warning light and metallic grinding sounds. Another experienced a soft pedal at 30 mph that went completely to the floor.

When: At 30-40 mph while driving; at 120,000 miles; during normal driving.

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but fails to engage; Pedal becomes soft or goes to the floor; Brake warning light illuminates; Metallic grinding sound from brakes; Vehicle continues without stopping despite pedal pressure

Codes mentioned: Brake Warning light, Brake booster fault

Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads worn and replaced; brake booster diagnosed as defective (fault retrieved at auto parts store diagnostic). Dealer test-drive confirmed brakes failed while in reverse. Parts out of stock and requiring manufacturer permission to sell. Vehicle remained unrepaired. NHTSA Campaign 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) referenced by owner.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 17V572000 referenced (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, VIN not included in campaign notice and dealer not contacted by owner.

Steering and Brake Seizure with ABS/Shifter Warnings

Steering wheel and brake pedal both seize while driving at highway speed. Service Shifter warning light illuminates. In a separate but related pattern, ABS and parking brake initiate repeatedly while driving despite prior shifter sensor replacement.

When: At 45 mph while driving; at 30,000 miles (oil leakage case); unspecified mileage for ABS recurrence.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seized; Brake pedal seized; Service Shifter warning light illuminated; ABS initiating while driving; Parking brake initiating while driving

Codes mentioned: Service Shifter warning light

Repairs/costs cited: Oil change performed at first dealer visit (McKinney Dodge); oil consumption test ordered at second dealer (Piedmont Chrysler). Valve cover found leaking at independent mechanic and replaced. Number 3 cylinder needed replacement after valve cover work. Valve cover leaked again after repair. Vehicle not repaired. Shifter sensor replaced in ABS case but problem recurred.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure in valve cover/steering/brake seizure case.

Pedal Spacing / Brake-Gas Pedal Conflict

Brake and gas pedals are too close together with no space between them, making it easy for the driver to depress both at once, especially in emergency situations. Owner purchased vehicle with only 13 miles and experienced issue immediately.

When: With 13 miles on vehicle; during low-speed maneuver.

Symptoms owners cite: Brake and gas pedals side-by-side with no spacing; Driver unable to distinguish pedals in emergency; Simultaneous depression of both pedals possible

Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned. Owner stated cost was over $3,000 and is considering another vehicle.

Flat-Tow Parking Brake Unintended Engagement

While the vehicle is being flat-towed behind an RV with all four wheels rolling and following OEM manual instructions, the electronic parking brake engages on its own. The vehicle began smoking and two tires were damaged (flat, chewed up). Dealer found nothing wrong when testing the car normally (not flat-towing).

When: During flat-tow approximately 1.5 hours into journey; vehicle was at 30,000 miles per related oil consumption/valve cover case context.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle smoking while being flat-towed; Tires overheating and wearing in small area from brake drag; Brake appears to engage without driver in vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: Tires damaged and required replacement at tire dealer. Dealer test drive found no fault (test did not include flat-towing). YouTube video found showing need to disengage electronic parking brake for flat-towing, not covered in owner manual.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manual mentions electronic parking brake can be disengaged but provides no warning about flat-towing requirement. YouTube video from 2017 Jeep salesman explained the requirement.

Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Jeep Cherokee? 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 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Based on the 23 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 56,671 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

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/2017/Jeep/Cherokee. 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.
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