Problems · by component

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee service brakes problems

278 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite service brakes, 17% of all 1,644 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
278
17% of all complaints
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11768120
“The engine power cuts of randomly while driving with no warning at all. When it happens the steering locks up veering the vehicle to the left so you have no control and at the same time the power brakes lock up and you are unable to stop the vehicle. Everything else works when this happens lights, radio, heater, air conditioning. No warning lights display. I had the vehicle with a mechanic that kept it for over 4 months to test drive and see if it would occur. It happened while he drove it but no codes show up to determine the cause. I had it towed back to my home and contacted Jeep Chrysler and they gave me a claim number to bring to my local Jeep dealer. They had it for over a week and unfortunately the jeep ran fine so once again no resolution to be able to fix. I bought the Jeep from Carvana 9/7/24 and am still paying it off but yet haven't been able to drive it for the past 15 months because it is unsafe for myself and anyone else on the roadway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11744558
“Upon starting my Jeep on the coldest day of the year back in January when I pressed the brake pedal to start it there was a loud and it reminded me, there was a recall out for the break booster pop and the pedal went all the way to the floor. It was fifteen below zero out.So I thought that it blew a brake line. I checked the lines going to all four.Wheels and could not find any fluid. I could not figure out where all the fluid went. I refilled the reservoir with two full cans of brake fluid. Tried pumping the pedal and again it went to the floor. Got out and inspected all lines and the reservoir itself.... Still could not find a leak. I googled the problem and saw a recall for the brake booster. Said it was installed incorrectly and water could enter the booster and master cylinder and freeze if cold outside and cause a serious accident causing serious injury or death. I inspected the system and water had entered the booster and master cylinder and froze. It ruined the master cylinder. I asked the dealership if they would pick up the vehicle and repair it. First they said yes then no they don't pick vehicles up. They ordered only a little shield to fix the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026Service brakesODI 11741339
“The vehicle is a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with open safety recalls T59 and V62. The brake warning light is currently illuminated, and based on the symptoms I believe the brake booster may be failing. The braking system is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that the vehicle may have reduced braking assist or impaired braking performance while being driven. This creates a risk of increased stopping distance, loss of braking confidence, or inability to stop safely in traffic. I contacted the FCA/Stellantis-recommended Jeep dealership in Lapeer, Michigan multiple times this week to schedule recall-related service. I was repeatedly transferred to service voicemail and did not receive return calls. When I called back and asked to speak with someone else, I reached the service manager. I explained that the vehicle has an illuminated brake warning light and that I suspect the brake booster may be failing. The service manager focused on where I lived, why I was not using a closer dealer, and mentioned that the vehicle is 14 years old, rather than clearly arranging recall service or addressing the brake safety concern. The problem has not yet…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2026Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735121
“Vehicle has two open unrepaired recalls: T59 (NHTSA 17V-572, brake booster water shield) and V62 (NHTSA 19V-813, fuel pump relay). The brake booster is currently symptomatic — an audible humming noise is present when the vehicle is stopped and idling, consistent with vacuum loss in the brake booster system. I contacted LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fenton, Michigan to schedule the recall repairs. An appointment was set for 8:15 AM on April 24, 2026. I requested a loaner or rental vehicle as the dealer indicated they would need to keep the vehicle over the weekend for the work. The dealer never followed up regarding the rental. Instead, the dealer contacted me to appraise my current vehicle and discuss new vehicle inventory. The recall work was never discussed. When I did not appear for the appointment, the dealer did not follow up or offer to reschedule. I then contacted Stellantis customer service directly and explained the situation, including the active brake booster symptom. The Stellantis representative connected me with a second dealership, Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, then disconnected from the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2026Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11733588
“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed while slowing down; however, the RPM elevated to 5,500 RPM. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was stopped, turned off, restarted, and operated normally. Additionally, the remote start feature was not operating properly. After remote starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The contact also stated that a phone call was ringing through the radio even though the phone was not in use. The contact researched online and believed that the vehicle had been hacked. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be hacked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11718744

Showing 6 of 278 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.

Service brakesReported Sep 18, 2017NHTSA 17V572000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.

Service brakesReported Apr 1, 2014NHTSA 14V154000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.