Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango recalled for rollaway risk

More than 206,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs have been recalled for a possible rollaway risk due to a malfunction in the antilock braking system (ABS), the NHTSA disclosed on Monday.

The affected vehicles can be started and shifted out of Park without the driver pressing the brake pedal. The NHTSA says that can increase the risk of the vehicle rolling away unintentionally. The malfunction of the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) systems can also limit vehicle handling at higher speeds and in slippery road conditions, especially while turning. Additionally, the malfunction can cause the brake lights to not illuminate or illuminate unintentionally. All of these issues are safety hazards and grounds for a recall. 

This recall represents a replacement of a previous recall (22V-426), so owners who have had the fix done previously will have to do it again, once the fix is determined. 

The issues stem from a hydraulic control unit that falsely reads pressure in the primary brake circuit, according to the filing. The recall affects the 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2018-2019 Dodge Durango. 

After the condition occurs, the driver may notice a red “Brake” warning light illuminated in the gauge cluster, or the brake lights may remain illuminated after turning off the engine or parking the vehicle. 

Parent company Stellantis knows of no injuries or fatalities relating to the issue, but there have been 533 warranty claims and 29 field reports associated with it. No remedy or recall fix has been established yet.

Owners can expect notification by mail of the recall by Dec. 5. The fix will likely include a visit to a service center, and reimbursement will be provided to owners who have paid for whatever the solution may be out of their own pocket. 

For more info, contact Stellantis customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or visit the brand’s recall hub here.