Lawsuit Alert: The Jeep Cherokee May Have 1 Dangerous Problem
Oh no, the Jeep Cherokee might need a lawyer, as it faces a safety hazard. A class action lawsuit has been filed against the Jeep Cherokee because it may suddenly stall in traffic, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
UPDATE: Recalls were issued for 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019 Cherokee models due to parking issues.
This Jeep Cherokee problem could be dangerous
If you have experienced braking issues with your Jeep Cherokee model, then ClassAction would like to hear about it. A lawsuit has been filed over an alleged defect for 2014 – 2022 Jeep Cherokee models.
The electronic parking brake may engage while the Cherokee is in motion, resulting in sudden stalling or abrupt stopping. As a result, the risk of injury and rear-end collisions is greatly increased.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation after receiving multiple complaints related to the issue. In July 2022, there were already 80 reports about the electronic parking brake.
This could be a much larger problem that impacts over 1.3 million Cherokee models. However, no reports of injury or death related to this issue have been reported. Also, Stellantis and the NHSTA haven’t released a recall yet.
Why does the Cherokee have a braking problem?
The Jeep Cherokee electronic parking brake problem could be related to a previous issue involving water leaks. Based on driver feedback and repair invoices, the parking brake could be damaged by leaking water.
There was a recall back in 2015 that addressed the power liftgate module being damaged by leaking water. As a result of the water damage, the liftgate module could catch on fire. This recall covered about 100,000 Cherokee models manufactured between 2014 and 2015.
The electric parking brake module and the liftgate module are located in similar areas. Perhaps the previous recall corrected the liftgate but failed to address the cause of the leaking water.
Also, Jeep released a technical service bulletin that provides instructions for replacing the electronic parking brake module, which includes inspecting the connector module for corrosion if the driver complains about struggling to release the brake.
One complaint involves driving the Cherokee on a four-lane highway at 65 mph when it partially lost power. It also wouldn’t accelerate, upshift, or downshift while the brake lights started flashing and the lights on the dash illuminated.
A mechanic showed the driver the electronic parking brake module, and it showed signs of corrosion due to leaking water.
What happens if the Cherokee is recalled?
If the Jeep Cherokee gets a recall, then the electronic parking brake module may be replaced at no charge to owners. It’s also possible that people who already paid for this issue to be corrected could be reimbursed.
However the investigation is only in the preliminary evaluation stage. Things could take, a few months before we learn more. If the lawsuit is successful, then drivers may be reimbursed for vehicle repairs, and Jeep could be forced to correct the problem.
Update: Stallantis claims that the lawsuit is baseless and has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit based on a lack of evidence.
Don’t worry about driving your Jeep Cherokee unless you start to experience issues with accelerating and braking. You may notice an issue if it’s hard to release your parking brake. Currently, no organizations are recommending for drivers to stop using their Cherokees.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this case develops. You may need to take your Cherokee in for maintenance if a recall occurs.
