Jeep Forward Collision Warning issues in 2021–2024 Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vehicles may become the subject of an auto defect class action lawsuit.
Jeep’s FCW system is a safety feature that uses warning lights and automatic emergency braking to detect and prevent frontal crashes in situations, especially when the driver cannot respond in time. However, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners are reporting that the FCW system does not activate when it should.
Some Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners report barely avoiding crashes or sometimes rear-ending other vehicles because the FCW system’s automatic braking did not work.
Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners have reported the following:
- Forward Collision Warning “OFF” Light is stuck on
- FCW activates the brakes suddenly and unexpectedly
- Crash sensor system was off or not working
- FCW does not trigger brakes during a collision
Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners have reported that the dealers could not test the FCW system due to safety concerns. Cherokee and Grand Cherokee owners have submitted several complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“In 2022, I attempted to back into a parallel parking space and the emergency braking system kept activating to prevent backing up. Attempted getting corrected at the dealer but no trouble codes available. While driving, slowing down to stop at about 22mph, the emergency braking system kicked in, shifted into auto stick, switched back and reactivated normal drive. Six months later, I was at a stop sign, on green light, turned left from the left lane, accelerating to approximately 25mph, suddenly emergency braking activated again, again I had to use auto stick to kick out of emergency braking. Luckily the car behind me was not tailgating.”
– 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, NHTSA 11563667
“Crossing a 4 way intersection with no cars or animals in sight and while accelerating at about 40 mph the vehicle came to a shuddering halt in the middle of the road for no reason. My husband and I were both thrown forward whipping our necks back and forth and my collar bone taking a direct hit with the seat belt. There were no sounds to warn us, no lights came on, it just slammed its own brakes for no reason. My dealership brought me a loaner and the vehicle was towed to them where they are working on getting the issue solved, but I am going to be terrified this will happen again and rightly so.”
– 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, NHTSA 11531624
“The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message ‘Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Failure – Service Required’ was displayed and the emergency brakes were erroneously activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reprogrammed the AEB system, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 137.”
– 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, NHTSA 11617808
Is There A Jeep Forward Collision Warning Lawsuit?
As of now, not yet. The Jeep Forward Collision Warning issues are still under investigation.1 However, owners of 2021 and newer Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vehicles can pursue individual claims under their state’s lemon laws.
Is There A Jeep FCW System Recall?
As of now, no. Model year 2021–2024 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vehicles have not been recalled for faults in the Forward Collision Warning system.2-9 However, the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles have been recalled for issues with airbags, steering, suspension and a host of electrical issues.
My Jeep’s Forward Collision Warning System Doesn’t Work. What Can I Do?
If your Jeep’s Forward Collision Warning system malfunctions, take it to a Jeep dealership or repair facility. A repair visit is worthwhile, even if your dealership or repair shop cannot fix it within one repair attempt. Repair visits and their associated documentation can help you either address the vehicle issue or help you build a case if you want to pursue an auto defect claim against the auto manufacturer.
What Can I Get In A Jeep Auto Defect Claim?
If you pursue an individual lemon law claim against Jeep in California, you may be eligible to receive cash compensation, a substantially identical replacement vehicle, or a repurchase of your vehicle for roughly its initial purchase price (known as a lemon law buyback). You may also have other expenses associated with your vehicle defect, such as rental costs or towing costs, compensated by the manufacturer.
To prove that you have a defective Jeep vehicle, you will need the repair orders or work orders that document your visits to the dealership or repair facility for your vehicle issues. Under the California Lemon Law, vehicles are considered defective if they have a manufacturing defect that the dealership or repair facility could not repair within a “reasonable” number of attempts during the warranty period. What’s considered “reasonable” is determined on a case-by-case basis.
If you are successful in your Jeep lemon law claim, your attorneys’ fees and costs will be covered by the auto manufacturer as part of your final settlement.
Consult a Jeep Lemon Law Attorney Today
Our California Jeep lemon lawyers have handled hundreds of auto defect cases involving Jeep vehicles. Unsure if your vehicle is defective? We offer free consultations for potential lemon law claims. During the initial consultation, our lemon law attorneys will ask you about your Jeep vehicle issues and answer any questions you may have about the lemon law process.
Call us at 833-208-8181 or fill out our form below to sign up for a free consultation with Lemon Law Help.
References
- (2025, January 28). Jeep Grand Cherokee FCW Problem Lawsuit Investigation. ClassAction.org. https://www.classaction.org/jeep-grand-cherokee-forward-collision-warning-lawsuit
- (2021) 2021 Jeep Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/JEEP/CHEROKEE/SUV/4WD
- (2021) 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/JEEP/GRAND%252520CHEROKEE/SUV/2WD
- (2022) 2022 Jeep Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/JEEP/CHEROKEE/SUV/FWD
- (2022) 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/JEEP/GRAND%252520CHEROKEE/SUV/2WD
- (2023) 2023 Jeep Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/JEEP/GRAND%252520CHEROKEE%252520
- (2023) 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/JEEP/GRAND%252520CHEROKEE/SUV/4WD
- (2024) 2024 Jeep Cherokee. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/JEEP/CHEROKEE
- (2024) 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/JEEP/GRAND%252520CHEROKEE/SUV/RWD
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Orange County. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
