NHTSA Complaint #11531530 — 2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

I've been experiencing an issue with the brakes on the vehicle not operating properly since 2022. The vehicle does not brake normally, and the brake pedal must be pressed completely down to the floor, or pumped repeatedly before the vehicle begins to slow, and when it does slow, the brakes are less than responsive. There have been several instances where despite allowing extra stopping distance and pressing the brakes all the way to the floor, the vehicle does not stop normally, and I've come dangerously close to being involved in a collision as a result. I've reported these issues to Jeep in the past when the vehicle was there for service, but it was not adequately evaluated. I replaced both front and rear brake pads and rotors, only to have the issue continue. On 6/27/23 when my vehicle was in the body shop for unrelated repairs, the body shop conducted a brake diagnosis and confirmed the stiff break pedal when attempting to brake. They verified the appropriate vacuum at brake booster and vacuum sensor, and disconnected the brake booster sensor and smoke tested the brake booster to find smoke leaking into the main cabin area. They recommended replacing the brake booster assembly with water shed per TSB, and re-checking. They noted that the Vacuum brake booster has failed, and TSB is available in regards to installing water shield with new brake booster, under safety recall T59/NHTSA 17V-572. Once body work was completed, we took the vehicle to Perkins Jeep for the open recalls and requested repair of the brake booster, but were told this isn't a Jeep problem, and that it should have been taken care of at the body shop under insurance-- even though this brake issue was pre-existing to the body damage to the vehicle. Jeep states they do not have the OEM parts to repair this issue and other open recalls at this time, and there is a waiting list.