In a recent announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 206,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs have been recalled due to a potential rollaway risk caused by a malfunction in the antilock braking system (ABS). This safety issue poses a serious threat as the affected vehicles can be started and shifted out of Park without the driver pressing the brake pedal, increasing the risk of unintentional rolling away. Additionally, the malfunction of the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) systems can compromise vehicle handling, especially at higher speeds and in slippery road conditions.
The recall, which is a replacement of a previous recall (22V-426), affects the 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2018-2019 Dodge Durango models. The root cause of the issue lies in a faulty hydraulic control unit that falsely reads pressure in the primary brake circuit. Drivers may notice a red “Brake” warning light illuminated in the gauge cluster or the brake lights remaining illuminated even after the engine is turned off or the vehicle is parked.
Although parent company Stellantis has not reported any injuries or fatalities related to this issue, there have been 533 warranty claims and 29 field reports associated with it. As of now, no remedy or recall fix has been established. Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive notification by mail regarding the recall by December 5. The fix will likely require a visit to a service center, and Stellantis will provide reimbursement to owners who have incurred any out-of-pocket expenses related to the issue.
For more information and updates on the recall, owners can contact Stellantis customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or visit the brand’s recall hub on their website. It is crucial for affected vehicle owners to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety and proper functioning of their vehicles.
