Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the electric parking brake engaged independently. The contact was unable to release the parking brake. The contact contacted an independent mechanic who informed her husband how to release the parking brake. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to water damage. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall for the failure. The contact stated that approximately 10 days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic who confirmed that there was water corrosion causing the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH on the highway, the brakes locked up, and the vehicle failed to move. The "Service Brakes" message illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module had failed due to water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the parking brake erroneously activated and the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to deactivate the parking braking. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions and no warning lights or messages were displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The "Check 4WD" warning light was illuminated, and the Auto START/STOP system failed to restart the vehicle. The contact would disengage the parking brake, place the vehicle in park, and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The failure was intermittent. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the sunroof, causing a shortage in the electrical system. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who had repaired the electrical system, including systems with the starter. The dealer confirmed that parts for the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) were unavailable. …
While driving down a major highway with speed around 55mph on a busy Friday afternoon, my check engine light came on, which caused my abs light, my traction light, and also my parking brake light to come on. I took the vehicle to the dealer on the 12th, and was told my brakes were fine, I only have 25000 miles on the vehicle at this time. After doing a diagnostic test no code was shown for why the lights are on. I was told to bring the vehicle back so they can perform a full check, which will take perhaps overnight, which is more money for a rental car, because I live over an hour from them, plus a deductible on my warranty. I noticed on reviews for 2018 and 2019 jeep latitudes several owners were having the same problems and I am wondering why there is not a recall on it. Several owners stated their car stopped in traffic, but mine did not. …
I see no open recalls on this issue however I did find a class action lawsuit related to this issue. My emergency (Parking) brake engaged and will not disengage. I stopped to get gas yesterday and upon re-entering the vehicle two lights appeared, the service parking brake message appeared on the screen along with the brake light. The car would not move the brakes would not disengage. Several attempts to press the switch to turn off the parking brake failed. I sat for 5 hours at a gas station waiting for AAA to find me a tow truck to get home. They were unable to locate a tow because of the need to dolly the vehicle because of the engaged parking brake. A friend came to assist me and after several thousand tries the parking brake disengaged. He followed me home (5 miles). This morning I attempted to take the car in for service as the warning lights were still on the dash. …
On several separate occasions my automatic parking brake engaged without me engaging it. It will engage and will not disengage unless car is restarted. On one occasion I was travelling approximately 20 mph when the brake engage and caused the car to stall. The most recent occasion I was unable to disengage the parking brake and had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer believes the issue is related to the EPB Module in the rear left side of the vehicle. Water has been leaking into the trunk and corroded the module and connector. I believe this is related to NHTSA investigation number PE 22-009. A technical service bulletin was issued related to this issue and it appears to be a widespread issue with this make/model.
while i was driving my vehicle put the parking brake on and then i was unable to get it deactivated at first, after a few seconds i got it and moved forward in traffic. after a few feet the vehicle put the parking brake on and i was unable to move once again. this was in the middle of traffic and i ended up blocking the single lane road. I called a family member who was near by and they came and some how got the parking brake off and drove me and the vehicle home. my safety and everyone one around safety was jeopardized because they had to go into oncoming traffics lane to pass me until i got moving. parking wouldn't engage when we got home and service parking brake light was on.
The parking brake pops on when I'm driving done the road!!! Often times when I start my car and put my car in Reverse or Drive and remove my foot from the brake the parking brake pops on and I start sliding down the road until my car stops!!! The major issue is when I was driving down a HWY at 37MPH no on coming traffic or no traffic behind me thankfully my parking brake engages and I fly into the steering wheel with a seat belt on and thankfully my 5 year old was fully bucked into his car seat and left unharmed!!! Although what if my Jeep does this with other vehicles around??? It's a super big safety and hazard!!! I won't ever purchase another Jeep!!
The electronic parking brake module failed due to corrosion and moisture in the rear driver side inner wheel well where it is mounted causing my parking brake to become stuck thus making the car undriveable. I had to have the car towed to my nearest repair shop, where it sat for 4 weeks due to part back order from dealer. I have had the module replaced and the computer reprogrammed which worked temporarily until the parking brake was engaged again by driving with the door slightly open and the problem came back. It is currently parked in my own driveway unusable.
Brake complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 687 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Cherokee brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.