Jeep Wrangler Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 799 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Jeep Wrangler across 30 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (120). The words owners use most often: “abs module” (28% of reports).
- 799service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 62mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- $1,550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 30%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 225 of 799 complaints (28%)
- Traction control: mentioned in 139 of 799 complaints (17%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 52 of 799 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical service brakes repair on the Jeep Wrangler at $1,550, and half of them between $1,100 and $2,200.
Based on 20 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 249 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 799 complaints, 62 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 14 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Wrangler | 2 | 18% | — |
| 2025 Wrangler | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2024 Wrangler | 20 | 3% | — |
| 2023 Wrangler | 7 | 2% | 10,000 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 13 | 3% | — |
| 2021 Wrangler | 24 | 3% | 6,250 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 12 | 2% | 25,916 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 30 | 4% | 5,982 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 54 | 3% | 8,000 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 77 | 25% | 28,383 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 120 | 26% | 38,400 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 119 | 25% | 41,500 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 65 | 10% | 37,350 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 62 | 9% | 35,000 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 46 | 6% | 56,000 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 25 | 5% | 46,151 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 32 | 5% | 58,358 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 11 | 3% | 104,373 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 38 | 4% | 58,000 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 20 | 4% | 90,000 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 2 | 0% | 110,000 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 3 | 0% | 79,000 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 2 | 1% | 97,500 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 2 | 2% | 173,500 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 3 | 3% | 108,317 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 85,000 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 15,000 |
| 1998 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | 69,000 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 2 | 0% | 113,077 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 3 | 1% | 187,500 |
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.
My 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon developed an abnormal braking condition in which the vehicle felt as though the brakes were being applied without driver input, particularly when releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle experienced noticeable resistance and deceleration consistent with…
This failed part has not for me caused an accident but it could easily cause one. A failing or failed ABS module renders the ABS braking system useless. As well as no cruise control, traction control and throwing the jeep into limb mode whenever it decides. NO warning. Thousands of jeeps are…
ABS module failure. Common on Jeep Wrangler JK. Could cost $1,500 to repair. Things happen but this is a common occurrence according to forums. Confirmed by reputable licensed mechanic.
The ABS module has gone bad and there is no replacement available. I am concerned that my car is now lacking these essential safety features and it seems like there are no plans to ever make this part again. I am not sure what I can do if this part does not exist anymore.
FCA US sent me a written warranty extension (15 years/150,000 miles) for the instrument panel cluster on my vehicle, covering a blank EVIC display with no digital speedometer, fuel level, temperature, odometer, or PRNDL. My vehicle has this condition intermittently. As I was traveling approximately…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Wranglers have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 799 owner complaints about service brakes 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?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix service brakes problems on the Jeep Wrangler?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,550 (half paid between $1,100 and $2,200), from 20 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “abs module”, in 225 of 799 complaints, followed by “traction control” (139).
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.