NHTSA Complaint #11487870 — 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE

I placed my Jeep into park at a drive thru ATM, once I finished my transaction, the parking brake independently engaged while attempting to shift to drive. I was finally able to disengage the parking brake after many attempts by holding down the parking brake button and shifting to drive with my foot on the gas pedal at the same time. I managed to pull out of bank lot and made a left turn at 15 mph, once I got into the right lane safely, I released the parking brake button but then the parking brake immediately engaged as the service parking brake message displayed. I was unable to move the vehicle and my jeep was towed to Paul Bailey's (Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram) dealership in North Kingstown, RI. My jeep was evaluated that coming Monday, 6-6-22 when tech found codes in system for electronic parking brake. The tech then removed carpets and discovered standing 12 inches of water retained in the spare tire compartment as well as major corrosion in module. The tech tested vehicle and found leaking through the sheet metal seams at top of both sides of tailgate which he then cleaned and resealed. The tech stated that the water had led to an electrical shortage [of the EPB module], which caused the failure. He replaced park brake module, spliced in new 30-pin connector for park brake module and then reassembled vehicle. The tech cleaned sunroof drains of debris causing overflow onto headliner and removed headliner to confirm repairs and clean. The tech also removed rear fascia, resealed body seams behind lights and bumper. I notified the manufacturer of the failure but offered no assistance at all. The vehicle was repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer until July 18th for a total of over 6 weeks with no rental car discounts from Jeep dealership or help from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 53,631 miles. If my 2yr old and 4yr old were in my jeep on the highway at 65mph, this would be a tragedy and possibly a fire explosion!!!