Clicking sound when braking
Asked by Brandi815 Aug 30, 2016 at 11:58 AM about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD
Question type: General
I bought a new 2016 Jeep Cherokee in Jan. and it makes a clicking sound
when I'm slowing down to a stop. It's not continuous, it's just one click-type
sound as I'm slowing down. I'm getting the run-around from my dealership,
they have replaced rotors which did nothing, they say they don't know
what it is, and have suggested that I need to put more KMs on it to "work
out the kinks". They've also said that the transmission computer "learns
how you drive" and the click could be it trying to decide what gear to put it
into. Everything they've said sounds like complete BS but I also know
nothing about cars and this is the first new car I've ever owned. Any input
would be much appreciated!
72 Answers
I’m having the same issue with my 2015 Cherokee
I have the same single clicking noise when stopping. It's faint when starting again, too. I've noticed that the click is gone; however, when I turn off the ESC. I have an appointment with my dealership in a couple weeks for this.
I have the same one click type sound on my 2019 Cherokee north. Hopefully will get it in to service ASAP. If I find anything I will post results. Has anyone else had this problem?
xo, i have the same issue with my 2019
I have same issue with my 2017 Cherokee. Started noticing this periodically about 4 months ago when breaking and has gotten to be more frequent the last month. Gives a single click or clank type noise when breaking to a stop when under 15 mph. Also started noticing the sound on occasion when turning through an intersection at slow speeds.
Anyone get an answer in this. My dealership keeps saying that can’t duplicate it. I feel like I’m going crazy. It usually happens when I’m slowing down.
I turned my traction control off today and I didn’t hear it once. Hmmm....
So update on my post. I also turned off traction control today and did not hear clicking noise anymore when breaking. I will keep it off for the weekend and see if things stay quiet.
So I took mine to the dealership and they said it was nothing.... The click happens if i’m coasting and I hit the gas. Almost like it clicks when I accelerate. Anyone having that same issue?
Front drive shaft boot is probably ripped open and seized when turning and slowing down. Also called the prop shaft. Happened on my 07 GC.
I recently bought a used 2016 Cherokee. It has this clicking issues. Did anyone ever determine what it is, and the fix? Thanks Chris
Hello Chris, they said to me that that sound is a "normal" operating procedure of the vehicle it has to do with the shift when you depressing or releasing the break, so it's normal since they don't see any failure or issues on the vehicle. Again this is what they tell me. I start to hearing this sound around the 11000 miles, and I bought it with only 60.
Kbuccio, Thanks for your answer. You know as well as I do, this is not a normal sound. Is yours still doing it? Hopefully someone else with the issue will respond if they found the reason and solution.
Well one option is take it to a different dealership, hopefully they can find out and fix it. On my last visit I let them know I wasn't happy at all with their answer and they call an engineer from Chrysler since they're the maker of the part it supposed is doing the crackin sound, to check that out and still saying the same thing, they heard about that before and is not affecting anything on the vehicle, only my nerves cuz it feels like at any moment the breaks are going to fail or something is going to happen.
Well if i push the ESC button, to turn off electronic stability control, the noise does not occur -never hear it. If I leave it on, the clank noise happens about 1/3 of the time I break to a stop. Seems to have started around 20k miles and has gotten more frequent as I am now at 33k miles. Note is not a "clicking" noise as I always hear a single noticeable clink.
Btw, another thing is that if I switch to sport I can't hear it, but i mean, if I decide to buy a 4x4 is for a reason, and if this sound is normal like they said, why is not making it since the beginning? Just appear like nothing and there's no specific miles
So my wife bought a 2019 a few months ago and a week later at 250 miles she was t boned. After getting it back from the shop we noticed the clicking noise and brought it back in. After 2 months and several replaced parts including entire engine cradle and mounts they called and said they pinpointed the noise and said its the engine moving in the mounts and they went to drive 2 brand new jeeps and they are making the same noise. They said the engine has about 5 inches of movement when cominfmg to a quick stop and taking back off. They had taken the jeep to two other shops in the process and have probably around 30 hours in diagnosing this sound. So hiw do we go about getting Chrysler to fix this. We would have never purchased this jeep if we had known about this issue
GuruNXZ1L, If it is the same noise that is talked about in this chain, then it will stop making the clicking noise when you shut off the traction control. Try that and let me know. The clicking we are hearing is NOT engine movement, that makes no sense. Let me know when you shut off traction control.
GuruNXZ1L, If it is the same noise that is talked about in this chain, then it will stop making the clicking noise when you shut off the traction control. Try that and let me know. The clicking we are hearing is NOT engine movement, that makes no sense. Let me know when you shut off traction control.
lolaguru44 answered 4 years ago
GuruHBJQ8 i’m having the same exact problem in my 2019 cherokee. it isn’t constant it’s just a one time like clunk when i’m slowing down or accelerating from a stop. it’s so annoying. you said yours stopped after you shut off traction control?
theduely4991 answered 4 years ago
Universial joint bearings. Keep driving for more clicks!
theduely49921, No it’s not. What year is your Jeep Cherokee?
Same thing happens in my 2002 cherokee limited 4.7 I'm about to try messing with the T. Control. Man hopefully that shi*t works its annoying AF
Same issue w/ 2014 JGC Summit. No one has figured this out yet?
lolaguru44 answered 4 years ago
Took mine in and got it fixed a few months ago. they said it was my CV axel that was broke they fixed it and i have not heard that sound since!
If it was the CV axel, then why shutting off the traction control stoped the clicking?
lolaguru44 answered 4 years ago
well shutting off the traction control did absolutely nothing for my sound...so maybe two different issues we are having then.
Yeah, I’m betting yours is more of a clunking sound, or a bang. We are talking about a Light clicking, it’s hard to describe.
Mine is a very light click. It sounds like if you were driving on a gravel road a small rock got flung up into the wheel well. It's one to three clicks every time I break at lower speeds. It never clicks when I'm not breaking or cornering. Always during breaking. I replaced the brake calibers, pads and I was going to replace the sway bar links to see if that may be the issue. I haven't tried turning off the traction control yet but I can't imagine that would make a difference. Any ideas?
I’m curious, turn off your traction control, and see if it stops clicking. Please let me know.
Turned off traction control and it’s still there. Today I crept along at about 5mph and turned the wheel back and forth and I heard the click. This is the first time I’ve heard it without braking. It’s definitely more pronounced when braking though. Ideas or thoughts?
Sounds like the CV axel. See if the boot is split, or you see any grease seeping out.
There is no grease or oil coming from the CV axel, sway bar link or anywhere. It's dry everywhere. I watched a few videos and it also suggested that the issue is the CV axel. I took it to a parking lot and turned the wheel all the way each way and couldn't hear anything. The clicking noise only happens when accelerating or braking. I can't replicate the noise when it's jacked up either...
My 2015 GC is doing the same thing. They said it was the struts and replaced them but the sound was still there. then they said it was my rear brake pads and rotors were warped but replaced them and the sound is still there. Only 34,000 miles on my car. This is so frustrating. Someone on another forum mentioned it could be the brake light switch. Anyone check for that?
Can’t be. When you shut off the traction control, the clicking is gone . That would have nothing to do with the brake light switch.
Cabalas, the noise still happens when I shut off the traction control. It’s a loud pop or click as the brake engages. Only happens at low speeds and sounds like it’s coming from the front. Other forums are saying it’s the solenoid activated shift lock out switch and that Jeep says it’s normal. I’m taking the car back on Monday and i’ll see what they say. This is definitely not a normal sound.
They will definitely say that is normal, it take me like 4 visits to the dealership so they end up saying that Chrysler ( the maker of that part on the Cherokee) said is normal since is not interfering with the vehicle development, is just a bothering noise, there's nothing wrong since everything on the vehicle work fine, the only problem is that is annoying for the driver! I'm tired of that noise it feel like something is breaking and make me feel unsafe specially with my family.
Lolaguru44 they told me that the first time and change it, as soon I turn to go out the dealership I heard the noise, leave it for a week and take it back they told me that now it was the axle from the back and change it, still the same , then that is was another thing, change it, then another but it was a special part so they need to send it to the maker (Chrysler) and it was when they told me that clicking noise was normal.
I have the same sound in my 2015 Jeep Cherokee. After reading this form last night I went and took it for a drive! Turned off my traction control and the noise is gone!! Now why would that happen?? Thanks in advance
Decemberist answered 4 years ago
I’m having the same issue with my 2020 Cherokee. It’s been at the deal shop four times and still does it only with ESC on. Did anyone here get a definitive answer on what it could be? The sound is driving me crazy.
I think the answer that all of us have is the same till now... they don't know what's that sound, but since everything else apparently work perfectly fine, is nothing to worry about, it's just annoying and dissapeared when you turn off the traction control ♀️
I have not heard of an answer. It baffling knowing turning off the ESC, stops the noise, that Jeep/Chrysler can’t figure it out. Pretty much isolates it to the offending system. And it’s been going on for years. Probably not enough complaints for Jeep to invest money into a solution.
I have the same one click sound when braking however shutting off ESC does not make a difference.
Update about my car. My car keep making that noise but I kinda make used to it, the problem was when on Saturday noon I went out with my family, I stop as normal with the little sound and when I turn I heard it again but this time my car turn off with a strong burning smell, I cant see any place with actually smoke just got the smell, the oil was ok, antifreeze ok, so I tried to start it again and didn't work but still the same smell, is Tuesday and I don't have an answer yet. The bad news is that my bumper to bumper contract is for 3 years or 36 thousand miles and my car is on the 38s, I totally regret choosing a Jeep, so annoying.
Nope! Haven’t heard any answer. And I still have the click. Very disappointed.
Clicking when I brake or turn the wheel. Have been told either lower control arm or tie rods
Deidre, Did the mechanic actually hear the clicking, or are they diagnosing over the phone? Turn off the ESC and see if it is still making the clicking. If it is, then it is not the same issue that is being discussed in this thread. You have a different issue which could well be the control arms.
Just wondering if anyone has received a correct answer from a dealership about what is causing the click. I have a 2019 JC and it is doing the same thing.
Not that I’m aware of. I bought my 2016 Cherokee used a couple of years ago. It’s been making that clicking ever since. It really ticks me off that Jeep can’t find the cause. I will never buy a Cherokee again. Does yours click if you have the traction control turned off?
No mine doesn’t not click with the traction control off. I have had it to 2 separate dealerships and both says it’s nothing to be concerned about. It’s very frustrating because it didn’t start doing it until 20000k
Just got my Jeep back today. They said it’s the PTU in it. However that part is on back order so It didn’t get fixed. Once part is replaced I will follow up.
Andy Tack, So is that the clicking sound when braking? ? I see that there was a recall about a year ago for that part (PTU), but apparently mine was not part of that recall. Is yours? Do you know the cost of replacement? Please follow up after your repair and let me know if it worked.
I have just got my Jeep back from the dealership having the PTU replaced. I drove it home approx 45min away. Pulled up to first stop sign and click. So the PTU is not the issue. Luckily it got replaced under warranty.
Andy Tack, I had my doubts that was the issue. So no one has figured this out or the solution. Maybe one day.
I have 2017 summit 26,900 miles bought new....I have that clicking, clinking sound ...has gotten progressively worse...shutting traction control off made no difference.Dealership replaced upper left control arm...(yesterday) ....the sound is greatly reduced, but there is still a light clicking sound when applying the brake Approaching a stop sign or light...so back to the dealership we go
KLball77, If the clicking does not stop with the traction control off, then you have a different issue then what is being disused here. Not sure what yours can be.
2019 jc same problem spent a lot of money at the dealership trying to fix this problem an the results are the still that one click when coming to a stop but before my click is a wining noise like an old tape player use to make when the tape got jam just for quick second an then the one click it should be a recall but tomorrow am going to turn off esc to do it stop but still we shouldn’t have to do that
Your guys was right I put the traction control off to see, and there was no more click sound put it back on an my frist red light that I stop for I heard the single click noise so to narrow on questions down maybe it’s something going on between the traction control and the brake system that needs to correct I believe it should be a recall
Every time I decelerate to 18 mph (4th gear to 3rd gear) there is a knocking sound, whether the brakes are applied or not . 2022 Grand Cherokee L Limit , knocking sound does stop with the TSC off. knocking sound does stop with the cold weather.
YUE mine is doing the same thing. I have taken to 2 dealers, and it has been in the shop more than a month all together. I still have no answer, or fix. I’m so frustrated.
"what you are hearing is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Clicking Noise Clicking sound coming from the front or underneath the vehicle. This occurs when the vehicle is traveling above 35 mph and during the first portion of a drive cycle. The ESC system will run a calibration routine and if the driver lifts off of the gas pedal, the ESC system will stop the test because the drive may need to brake. The clicking sound is the valves in the ESC system. Once the calibration routine is successful, the noise will not return until the next ignition cycle. Once the ESC system has learned 50 times, the calibration will not be run during every ignition cycle. The sound may also become less noticeable over time. This sound is normal and no service needs to be done." thats it?
from chatgpt If the knocking sound stops when you turn off the TCS (Traction Control System), it's possible that the TSC system is causing the issue. TCS is designed to help prevent the wheels from slipping during acceleration or braking by reducing engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels. It's possible that the TCS system is malfunctioning and causing the knocking sound. Similarly, the knocking sound stopping in cold weather could be related to the TSC system. Cold weather can cause the TSC system to activate more frequently due to reduced traction, which could exacerbate any issues with the system. It's also possible that the cold weather is causing metal components to contract slightly, reducing the likelihood of the knocking sound occurring. Conversely, when the metal components expand in warmer weather, the knocking sound may become more pronounced. Without a proper diagnosis, it's difficult to say for certain what is causing the knocking sound. I would recommend having a certified mechanic or dealership inspect your vehicle to identify the root cause of the issue.
Sound the same as my 2019 Jeep Cherokee limited that recently started about 2 weeks after having having drive shaft and rear end replaced . As I'm coming to a stop right before I stop there a fairly loud click. Just one single "CLICK!". Brought it back to the Jeep dealership and after keeping my Jeep for a week and a half after my appointment, they told me everything checks "ok" and that they drive a brand new Jeep with 60 miles on it and it made the same noise. Not sure if that's just what they are telling people or what as you would think if it was normal Jeep would know exactly what I was talking about when I made complaint as clearly I'm not the first. And I do not recall this noise before my repairs were made.. if anyone has got their situation sorted please update. Thanks!
Same issue here 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. when braking and the card is going from 5th to 4th gear I hear it and so did the mechanic. First he said its normal but I kept telling him is 25 years of driving this is a first and have never heard this. sport mode,mud and snow I don't hear it. Also when turning traction control off I don't hear it. I brought it back and was told its the transfer case. They replaced it and said the old one had rubbing in it and burnt oil. Drove it off the lot and bam happened right away again. Going on a 5 hour trip tomorrow and will probably drive my 19 Atlas
The mechanic said the brake pads were a little loose but it didn't affect driving
Same issue with my 2018 GC. It started about 3 months ago all of a sudden. I’ve had if since 2018 and never heard it until I reached about 75k miles. It doesn’t happen every time I brake, but it happen very frequently. I’m afraid something will break while I’m driving. I’m taking it in for inspection and will report what I find out.
Parkcpaul1 answered 2 weeks ago
So I had the same issue and no idea on possible solution after reading this forum as well as others. It is a costly endeavor to try and fix by trial and error but I decided to take the risk as I had extended warranty. After over $10k in fixes that the mechanic was so sure of including buying new tires (per mechanics suggestion as the treads can cause different spin speeds causing traction control timing to be off which didn’t make sense and not covered under warranty), it was the last thing that they did and the only thing left to do which was replacing the “Rear Differential”. This was the solution. No more pop/click when decelerating below 12mph. Hope it works for everyone else. Rear differential!!