Recall 18V523 covers 154,335 2018-2019 Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Journey, and Compass vehicles for reduced rear braking. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 154,335 2018-2019 vehicles, including Cherokee, Compass, Grand Caravan, and Journey models, because rear brake caliper pistons have insufficient coating that allows gas pockets to form. Reduced rear braking performance can increase crash risk, and Jeep dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled parts are the rear brake caliper assemblies on 2018-2019 Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Journey, and Compass vehicles. A brake caliper holds the brake pads and squeezes them against the rotor when you press the pedal. Inside the rear caliper, a piston moves under brake-fluid pressure, so the rear brakes apply with the force the system expects.
On the affected vehicles, the rear caliper pistons have an out-of-specification chrome coating. That coating problem lets gas pockets form in the brake system. When gas is present where brake fluid should transfer pressure, the rear brakes do not respond as firmly, reducing rear brake performance under NHTSA campaign 18V523.
Owners can notice the brake pedal traveling farther than normal after vehicle start. The pedal can also feel soft, which means it takes more pedal movement to get the braking response you expect.
Who's affected?
Covers four models across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Dodge Journey | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Jeep Compass | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 154,335 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. If the brake pedal travels farther than normal or feels soft after startup, drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Journey, or Compass is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free brake-system bleed that clears gas pockets from the rear brake calipers and restores rear brake performance.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V523 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician bleeds the vehicle's brake system to remove trapped gas that can reduce rear brake performance. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the repair is free. For prior out-of-pocket brake repairs tied to this condition, Jeep used its standard reimbursement plan. Bring repair invoices or receipts to the service desk and ask how to submit them under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 28, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 28, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V523?
Recall 18V523 covers 154,335 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Journey, and Compass vehicles with rear brake caliper pistons that have insufficient coating. Gas pockets can form in the brake system, reducing rear brake performance and increasing crash risk. Dealers will bleed the brake system for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Journey, or Compass is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V523. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the brake system bleed. Reference recall number 18V523 or Jeep recall number U86 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system free of charge under recall 18V523. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Jeep dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear brake performance. Rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient coating can allow gas pockets to form in the brake system. That reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash, according to recall 18V523.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018-2019 Jeep vehicle is included, then give the dealer recall number 18V523 or Jeep recall number U86 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V523000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V523 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V523000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →