Owners are reporting cascading brake system failures on 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee models, centered on a defective ABS/hydraulic control unit (HCU) module. The primary complaint: recall parts have been unavailable since at least March 2025, with some owners still waiting as of April 2026 for replacement components.
Core failures: ABS module malfunction triggering false brake pressure readings, causing brake lights to stay on when the vehicle is parked or turned off (draining batteries), and disabling anti-lock braking function entirely. Owners report the brake pedal failing to engage during emergency stops, extended braking distance after attempted repairs, and loss of electronic stability and traction control.
Collateral issues: Engine stalls, shift-lock failures allowing the vehicle to start without depressing the brake, false neutral indication in drive, unintended acceleration, and various warning light cascades (check engine, ABS, ESC, traction control).
Manufacturer response: Two recalls issued—22V426000 (June 2024) and 24V838000 (November 2024)—but replacement parts remain backordered. Owners report dealers claiming parts won't arrive until late 2025 or beyond. One owner paid out-of-pocket at an independent shop before the recall was announced; Jeep refused reimbursement solely because the repair wasn't done at a dealership. Owners cite federal law violations (49 CFR 573.13). Several owners describe unresolved complaints since recalls were issued, with vehicles essentially undriveable for months.
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Electrical/Software Failure
ABS module malfunction causing false pressure readings, communication errors, and power train detection faults. Module fails to operate correctly, sometimes drained by illuminated brake lights when vehicle is off.
When: Reported from 11,000 miles to 150,000 miles; failures emerging pre- and post-recall notification (Sept 2023–April 2026)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Check engine warning light illuminated; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light illuminated; Traction control warning light illuminated; Service ABS Soon message displayed; ABS communication error codes; Power train detecting faulty signal from master pressure; Wheel speed sensor error; Module drains battery when vehicle is off
Codes mentioned: ABS module fault, ABS communication error, Power train ABS module fault, Wheel speed sensor error, Brake pressure center stored in module error
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required. Parts on extended backorder as of April 2026. One owner paid $1,529 for unauthorized out-of-pocket HCU module replacement (reimbursement refused by FCA). Independent mechanics note diagnosis consistent with recall defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V838000 (Nov 2024) and 22V426000 issued for Service Brakes, Hydraulic covering ABS module defect. Parts unavailable for extended period (many complaints cite delays from March 2025 to end-of-year 2025, with some noting April 2026 still no parts). Manufacturer refused pre-recall reimbursement claims for independent repairs; denied coverage citing non-dealer repair. FCA claims parts unavailable or delays parts distribution to certain dealers only.
Brake Pedal/Brake System Failure
Loss of brake function or pedal response delay during driving, unrelated brake light illumination, and extended braking distance after repairs.
When: Reported from 23,000 to 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal failed to respond or responded with delay; Vehicle failed to come to complete stop despite brake pedal depression; Brake lights illuminated when brakes not depressed; Brake lights remain illuminated after vehicle turned off; Brake pedal became stiff when depressed; Extended braking distance after parts replacement; Brake light warning light illuminated; Check brake fluid warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Brake pressure failure on braking system, Master pressure fault
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had brake pads and rotors replaced at dealer; braking distance increased afterward. One owner's hydraulic unit was replaced after initial software update; one case required HCU module replacement. Many cases remain unrepaired due to recall parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to Recalls 24V838000 and 22V426000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Manufacturer advised software update in at least one case; later recommended hydraulic unit replacement. Parts unavailable for recall repair in majority of cases. Dealer advised one owner that replacement parts may not solve issue.
Brake Light Malfunction (False Illumination)
Brake lights remain illuminated without brake pedal depression, draining battery and creating safety hazard by providing false braking signals to other drivers.
When: Multiple reports spanning 2024–2025; one owner cites December 2024 onset
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights illuminated when vehicle parked; Brake lights illuminated when brakes not depressed; Brake lights remain on after vehicle turned off for several minutes; Parking assist feature and brake light remain on after brake pedal released; Battery drained by constant brake light illumination
Codes mentioned: HCU/ABS module false pressure reading in primary circuit
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced two batteries due to brake light drain. One owner had to enable auto brake light mode to restore function. Parts not available for recall repair to address root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V838000 (Nov 2024) addresses this defect. Parts unavailable; manufacturer advised one owner that part availability would be delayed from March 2025 to end-of-year 2025. Manufacturer referred multiple owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Traction Control Failure
Loss of stability and traction control, including tire slip on ice, difficulty maintaining vehicle stability, and control system malfunction.
When: Reported across wide mileage range; linked to ABS module defect
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated; Traction control warning light illuminated; Stability control warning light illuminated; Service Electronic Stability Control message displayed; Loss of traction control function; Vehicle spinning on ice or difficult stability maintenance; Auto START/STOP deactivated by system; Stability control system failed to operate as designed
Codes mentioned: Electronic Stability Control module fault, Stability control system failure
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced electronic stability control module; another case required stabiltrack control replacement per dealer diagnosis. ESC disabled in one case; warning light intermittently illuminated afterward. Multiple cases remain unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to Recalls 24V838000 and 22V426000. Manufacturer advised replacement of ESC/Stabiltrack module; FCA declined responsibility in one case after recall repair. Parts unavailable for primary recall repair addressing root cause.
Transmission Shift Lock / Gear Shift Malfunction
Erroneous transmission behavior including shift lock failure, unintended gear engagement, and false neutral indication while in drive.
When: Reported from 42,000 to 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle could be started and go into gear without brake pedal depression; Gear shifter failed to release immediately to intended gear from park; Multiple attempts needed to release shifter from park; Message displayed: transmission in neutral while gear shifter in drive; Message displayed: shift out of park; Brake warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Transmission neutral/park interlock fault
Repairs/costs cited: Failures not repaired due to parts unavailability for recall repair. One case involved unintended acceleration at 55 MPH linked to shift lock issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Linked to Recall 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) governing HCU/ABS module that controls shift interlock logic. Parts not available.
Engine Stalling and Starting Failure
Engine stalls while parked or during operation; vehicle fails to start; battery drain.
When: Reported at 20,000 miles and 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalled while parked; Engine stalled upon starting; Vehicle failed to start; Battery drained; Check engine warning light illuminated; ABS warning light illuminated; Service Electronic Stability Control message displayed
Codes mentioned: Engine stall fault, Battery drain fault
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved battery replacement attempt (two batteries replaced) but failure persisted. Vehicles not repaired; owners left stranded or unable to drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V838000 covers related defect. Manufacturer did not provide assistance in one case. Parts unavailable for repair.
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Pedal Response
Engine revving at high RPM at idle and accelerator pedal failures resulting in sudden acceleration or hesitation.
When: Reported at 50,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revved to 2,500 RPM while at stop light without pedal input; Vehicle accelerated significantly while at complete stop; Vehicle jerked when accelerating from stop with hesitation; Unintended acceleration at 55 MPH; Service Electronic Stability Control message displayed
Codes mentioned: Accelerator pedal control fault
Repairs/costs cited: One case replaced accelerator pedal but failure persisted after initial brake system recall repair. Multiple cases not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case received brake system recall service but unintended acceleration persisted; accelerator replacement did not resolve. Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance.
Brake System Noise (Squeaking/Grinding)
Abnormal sounds during braking including squeaking and grinding noises.
When: Reported at 50,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal squeaking sound when depressing brake pedal; Abnormal grinding sound when braking or coming to stop; Screeching sound with message Service ABS Soon displayed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had brake pads and rotors replaced; extended braking distance resulted after repair. Other cases not repaired due to recall parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to Recall 24V838000. Dealer recommended brake pad and rotor replacement in one case; however, repair did not address underlying ABS module defect and braking distance increased. Parts for recall repair not available.
Crash / Loss of Braking Control Leading to Collision
Total brake failure during emergency stopping, causing rear-end collisions and vehicle strikes.
When: Reported at 36,000 and 23,000 miles; one near-miss at higher speed
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal failed to function during emergency braking; Vehicle failed to stop on blind hill at 25 MPH; Brake failure during sudden stop requirement; Vehicle rear-ended preceding vehicle; Vehicle crashed into embankment
Repairs/costs cited: Two crashes resulted in injuries and police reports. One case had vehicle towed, no diagnosis performed at independent shop. Dealer determined no braking failure on inspection (disputed by owner). Vehicles not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to Recalls 22V426000 and 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Manufacturer was not notified in crash cases at time of complaint. One case involved delayed recall repair scheduling; parts not available to address underlying defect. Another case involved manufacturer denial of recall coverage and refusal to add vehicle to recall list despite receipt of multiple recall notices.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.