Chrysler is Recalling More than 206,000 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango Vehicles Because the ABS Brakes Can Malfunction

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of the 206,000 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos can be started and shifted out of park without using the brake pedal. Those vehicles could roll away. Also, the ABS braking system can malfunction. If the brake lights aren’t working properly, it can also increase the risk of being rear-ended in a crash. Chrysler is working on a fix but doesn’t have one yet.

What is Causing the Problem

According to NHTSA:

"A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied." The potential problems are all blamed on the ABS module. NHTSA does not indicate if there have been any accidents or injuries because of the problem. 

The recall involves 206,502 SUVs.

• 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokees - 158,054
• 2018-2019 Dodge Durangos - 48,448

How Chrysler Will Fix the Problem

According to the Recall Report, some of these vehicles were already recalled for the same issue, which makes this recall even more frustrating for owners. Chrysler told NHTSA that they are working on a remedy. Owners should receive notification letters after December 5, 2024. They will be notified again once there is a remedy available.

Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously fixed under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 24V838000.

An automotive supplier named ZF North America, Inc. supplied the faulty modules so that company will bear some of the costs of the recall, but it is still a huge hassle for the drivers who have already tried to have the problem fixed. Chrysler says it will reimburse owners for any of the work they have already paid for to fix the ABS brake issue.

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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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