Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the vehicle was not braking normally, and braking distance was extended while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the ABS warning illuminated after driving over a bump in the road. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the calipers, rotors, and brake pads replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that recently after adding brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir, there were signs of a brake fluid leak coming from the rear passenger's side wheel well. …
Car was bought at affordable auto. The parking break had to be used in order for car to stay parked. We got home the windows on passenger side did not go down. Transmissions slips and goes out of gear you must change gears like a stick shift and the jeep is automatic. The truck was as is but the safety hazards sHould have been fixed. We took back to the dealership affordable auto next day and two more times after that. All the problems still were there. Yesterday I asked could they put freon in the truck since they wont fix anything so the air conditioner does not work and I have a heart condition. I was told they will not put freon in the jeep until we catch up on car payments. we are a month behind because tried to get windows fixed but motors is dead completely. I told them that was wrong and we were threatened that they will repossess the jeep if we don't like it.
The break tail lamp shots out and had to replace the unit twice this year and the was wiring shots to the break light and it cost me $1500 for the break light wiring shot and the tail light assemble. I have had this problem for 3 yrs consecutive and I think it is a safety issue since it is the breaks lighting and their has been multiple complaints about the same issue for this vehicle on line. I think that Chrysler should recall all this vehicles and rewire them for free since it is a safety fitcher. The whole break wiring had melted because it had a shot and burnt the bulb sockets and assemble unit
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after shifting from reverse to drive and pressing on the brake, the vehicle accelerated. The contact stated the more he pressed the brake, the more the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle slightly contacted another vehicle in the contact's driveway. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle currently sits unrepaired in the contact's driveway. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 10 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal in rainy weather conditions to prepare for an emergency stop, and the pedal went completely to the floor. The vehicle would not stop and the contact crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle also appeared to experience a mild increase in speed instead of the ABS unit activating. During the failure, she concluded that when the ABS activated, it malfunctioned and prevented her from coming to a complete stop. The contact has a copy of the police report and pictures of the incident. She is in the process of having the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. She is also in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 84,000.
I left a doctor's appointment and turned out of the parking area to find that my brakes were very spongy and it took me about 15 feet to come to a complete stop after only going 8-10 MPH. At the next stop sign my brakes completely failed, I could pump them up but they went straight to the ground afterwards. I drove into a busy street because I could not get them to stop and collided with another car going around 45 MPH. My airbags did not go off nor did my seatbelt lock when I struck the car. At the scene the police officer noted that the breaks pumped up but were very spongy when pushing them down. However, the dealer finds that there is nothing wrong with the breaking system currently. I am going to have a Chrysler authorized representative come and inspect the system.
This is horrible and I was scared. But I was driving slowly up my street and it started to race, I was trying to brake as I turned in my parking space my car was still racing and wouldn't brake and I ended up driving into my property, it seemed to accelerate as I kept braking and up the steps the car went and the car then stopped inches from my door. It was racing as I was braking and it would stop not until it hit the porch step. It was horrible, this car has never launched like a rocket. It was like it magically accelerated. I have had this car for years and keep it maintained. I see there have been recalls about this, why did I not get a card. I am glad I or anybody did not get hurt. Jeep is in shop.
Dt: consumer had an accident today. Consumer was about to make a left, a car was braking ahead and the consumer hit the brake. The consumers breaks did not respond. The tachometer was going up. Consumer hit brakes a second time, still did not work. Consumer hit other vehicle, and then vehicle stopped. Previous warning. Took vehicle to repair shop, mechanic said it just needed an oil change. Last Friday at one point it seemed like the brakes didn't grab. Jeep stated there was a service alert or recall. In the past consumer asked for information about this problem, when the driver tries to slam on brakes instead hits both the gas and brake pedal because of it being so close together.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but it took a greater amount of time to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 06e022000 (service brakes, hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 09/21/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed but completely failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to a stop and no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the tires were corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,800.
Brake complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 159 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 12% of the model year's 1,295 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (87 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 8 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 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.