Jeep Wrangler Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 244 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Jeep Wrangler across 26 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (22). The words owners use most often: “abs module” (9% of reports).
- 244service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- ABS module: mentioned in 22 of 244 complaints (9%)
- Traction control: mentioned in 22 of 244 complaints (9%)
- Front brakes: mentioned in 18 of 244 complaints (7%)
- Brake rotors: mentioned in 14 of 244 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 154 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 244 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 7 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Wrangler | 2 | 0% | 29,000 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 114,000 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 2 | 0% | 98,813 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 13 | 1% | 79,588 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 31,069 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 13 | 3% | 77,000 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 13 | 3% | 89,000 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 8 | 1% | 93,000 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 95,000 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 5 | 1% | 110,000 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 4 | 1% | 44,123 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 8 | 1% | 21,500 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 3 | 1% | 37,953 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 12 | 1% | 53,000 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 21 | 4% | 18,000 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 21 | 3% | 18,700 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 10 | 2% | 10,500 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 16 | 8% | 24,450 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 7 | 7% | 4,020 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 3 | 3% | 144,000 |
| 2001 Wrangler | 5 | 3% | 23,500 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 12 | 5% | 31,000 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 11 | 5% | 78,750 |
| 1998 Wrangler | 14 | 5% | 49,431 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 22 | 5% | 84,758 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 16 | 8% | 77,222 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (6)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2010
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive jeep liberty, dodge nitro and ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
Risk: This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 jeep wrangler left and right hand drive passenger vehicles manufactured from may 15, 2006 through april 22, 2010. There may be contact between the right and left front inner fender liners and the right front and left rear brake tubes which could cause wear of the tubes causing a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can cause partial loss of service brakes at the affected wheel increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2007, 2008
Problem: Chrysler is recalling 1,585 my 2007-2008 jeep wrangler, right hand drive only, vehicles. Some vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and rear brake tubes.
Risk: Prolonged brake tube contact could wear a hole in the tube and cause a partial brake system loss. This could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a revised brake tube clip to retain the tubes, inspect the brake tubes for damage due to potential contact with the steering intermediate shaft, and replace the brake tubes if necessary. The recall began on june 30, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2007
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into the abs electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill during certain conditions.
Risk: This could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2007
Problem: On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (abs) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
Risk: This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control unit. The recall began on february 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Model years: 1998
Problem: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
Risk: This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal and making a quick turn, the traction control warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the braking system was replaced. Additionally, the air bag…
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the ABS, BRAKE, and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control became inoperable. The dealer was contacted and the vehicle diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed…
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The ABS, BRAKE, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed and DTC: C2200…
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced an ABS module failure. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with ABS control module failure…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The ABS, cruise control, and traction control features were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Wranglers have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 244 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Jeep Wrangler. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Wrangler service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “abs module”, in 22 of 244 complaints, followed by “traction control” (22).
Other Jeep Wrangler problems
- Steering problems (3,541)
- Electrical System problems (2,983)
- Engine problems (2,187)
- Power Train problems (2,179)
- Suspension problems (1,586)
- Air Bags problems (1,482)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,312)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (1,085)
See all Jeep Wrangler problems.