2020 Jeep Cherokee Brake Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  545%
• 25k–50k
  19%
• 50k–75k
  19%
• 75k–100k
  327%
• 100k–150k
  19%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the parking brake engaged independently while idling at a stoplight. The contact activated the hazard lights, shifted to park, turned off and restarted the vehicle, then reversed to unlock the parking brake to shift to drive to continue driving. The message "Parking Brake Engaged" was displayed with an audible chime, and the light indicating that the parking brake was activated was illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The ECM was replaced; however, the ECM could not be aligned with the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and another ECM was ordered; however, the ECM could not be aligned or programmed. …

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal scraping and crunching sound heard. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on a bumpy road surface and over a pothole. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the brake calipers, the brake rotors, and the brake pads were replaced. Additionally, a wheel alignment was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was test-driven; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle shut off and lost electrical power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure recurred while driving and the brake warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, almost causing the contact to hit her head against the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused the vehicle to be rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could only be repaired free of charge if it was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact avoided a crash with another vehicle by moving over to the side of the road, drove onto the grass, and navigated past a nearby pedestrian and a hill. The passenger's side door was scratched, and the passenger's side mirror was knocked off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the ABS sensor warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal had locked up and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at a red light, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the vehicle briefly rolled backward before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" and "Four Wheel Drive Unavailable" had displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle the parking brake had malfunctioned. The cause of the fialure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(POWER TRAIN ). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 82,000.

History of the vehicle in the shop for braking issues, on 08/09/2024; 2 vehicles in front braked for an animal on a busy road, and saw braking. Was at around 30mph and started to brake, car in front had an emergency brake event and came to a sudden stop. My vehicle sent a BRAKE!, warning and started to apply brakes, I went to an evasive maneuver, my steering was cut, my brakes kicked my foot to half pedal and I could no longer brake. Coasted into the back of the vehicle in front of me at around 25 mph.

On September 23, 2026, my wife was driving our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on I-65 South at mile marker 105.1 when the vehicle lost drive power and could no longer be driven. She became stranded on the side of the highway, and I had to pick her up. The vehicle also rolled while the gear selector was in PARK. We had it towed to Tom O'Brien Jeep dealership in Greenwood. Our vehicle is included in open safety recall 40D, NHTSA campaign 26V-290, involving the power transfer unit (PTU). The loss of drive power and rolling in PARK match the failure symptoms described in that recall. The specific mechanical cause still needs to be confirmed by the dealership. The Mopar recall lookup shows the recall is incomplete, the remedy is under development, and repair parts are not available. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. …

I will try to answer each question: The electronic emergency brake engaged on its own at a stop light, then later while driving on the highway. Could have easily been re-ended and lost control on freeway causing extreme damage. It was a night, and driving alone. Called dealership, they said to bring it in or tow it but wouldn't be able to get to it until Oct. 20th and then if a part needed to be ordered it would be longer. I then took it to our mechanic, who said it was the electronic brake module and most likely was caused by water leak. They showed me complaint article with complaints of same thing. I notified my insurance company of same. The warning lights only came when it happened last night. 10/04/22. They are not currently on, and I only drove it to the mechanic shop where they diagnosed the problem.

Brake complaints in other Cherokee years