Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 22 of 233 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports9 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
233 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2000
Power Train
THE JEEP CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH THE AW4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH IS ALL AUTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED SINCE THE BEGINING OF THE 1987 MODEL YEAR HAVE A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT WILL CAUSE UNWANTED AND DANGEROUS AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM SECOND GEAR AT AN UNACCEPTABLE HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I…
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THE JEEP CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH THE AW4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH IS ALL AUTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED SINCE THE BEGINING OF THE 1987 MODEL YEAR HAVE A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT WILL CAUSE UNWANTED AND DANGEROUS AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM SECOND GEAR AT AN UNACCEPTABLE HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IF THE OPERATOR HAS MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE 1-2 GEAR SHIFT POSITION FOR BETTER CONTROL AND ENGINE BRAKING AND THE VEHICLE SPEED DROPS BELOW 28 TO 23 MPH THE TRANSMISSION WILL WITHOUT WARNING ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFT TO FIRST GEAR. IF THE VEHICLE IS ON WET, ICY OR GRAVEL COVERED ROADS IT WILL GO INTO A SKID CONDITION USUALLY WITH LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND CONTACTED CHRYSLER. CHRYSLER REPLYED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATION AS PER ITS DESIGN. OVER THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO I CONTACTED CHRYSLER DIRECTLY INCLUDING THEIR ENGINEERS. THE SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT, HOWEVER NOT ENOUGH CUSTOMERS HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THE CONDITION TO WARRANT THEM TAKING CARE OF THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE IT IS NOT MENTIONED IN THEIR OPERATORS MANUAL, AND IF SOMEONE LOST CONTROL THEY WOULD PROBABLY NOT HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT HAD CAUSED IT. I THEN CAME UP WITH ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY THAT COULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I OFFERED IT TO THE COMPANY IN 1992 SO THEY COULD MAKE IT EITHER AVAILABLE TO THEIR PAST CUSTOMERS AND TO RE-DESIGN THE CIRCUITRY INTO THE NEW CHEROKEES PRODUCED SINCE THAT TIME. THEY DECLINED THE OFFER. THE DESIGN CHANGE WOULD NOT HAVE COST THEM MORE THAN $10.00 PER VEHICLE FOR RETROFITTING PAST VEHICLES AND LESS THAN $5.00 PER VEHICLE TO INCORPORATE THE CIRCUITRY INTO NEWLY MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. YOU CAN FIND MORE INFO AND CHRYSLERS RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM AT HTTP://WWW.CHEROKEE-JEEP.COM THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726289
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING COULD STEP ON THE BRAKES PEDAL AND HEAR NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES, AND IT HAPEND JUST LIKE RECALL 98V005000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #865912
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2000
Seat Belts
THE RELEASE LATCH BROKE CAUSING THE BELT NOT TO LATCH OR LOCK, CONSUMER PURCHASED AND REPAIRED SEATBELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. NLM
NHTSA ODI #552063
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
RECALL 98V005/ FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. PARTS THAT ARE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE RECALL ARE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #859286
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2000
Electrical SystemFire
MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED AND 30 MINUTES LATER AFTER RETURNING TO MY CAR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PUTTING OUT AN ENGINE FIRE. STILL AWAITING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720367
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720038
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MANUFATURER HAS NOT SUPPLIED THE DEALER WITH THE REPAIR PART FOR NHTSA RECALL 96V260000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 702/ABS BRAKES. DEALER IS COOPERATING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #857052
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER, CALIPER, PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED. MJS
NHTSA ODI #549649
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 97-110:ABS SYSYTEM FAILURE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GET INTO THE SYSTEM THEY NEED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH WOULD COST $233.00. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY. BEFORE RECALL REPAIRS CAN BE DONE. CONSUMER SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. CAN…
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CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 97-110:ABS SYSYTEM FAILURE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GET INTO THE SYSTEM THEY NEED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH WOULD COST $233.00. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY. BEFORE RECALL REPAIRS CAN BE DONE. CONSUMER SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. CAN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BE PROVIDED. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR WHICH COULD CAUSE PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION WOULD BE LOSE AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT AND THE BASE MANUAL BRAKES WILL REMAIN FUNCTIONAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ABS AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.
IMPROPER INSERTION/CRIMPING OF THE HOSE-TO-END FITTINGS OF THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CAN CAUSE DETACHMENT OF THE HOSE FROM THE ABS SYSTEM, AND DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DETACHMENT OF THE HOSE FROM THE ABS SYSTEM CAUSES THELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION AND HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST, LEAVING ONLY MANUAL BRAKESAND DECREASING STOPPING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. DISCHARGE OFHYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE AREA OF THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
SUSPENSION JOUNCE BUMPER COULD CONTACT LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBE WHEN SUSPENSION IS AT FULL JOUNCE (BOUNCE).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONTACT AT FULL JOUNCE MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE TUBE TOCOLLAPSE AND RESTRICT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE LEFT REAR BRAKEWHICH AFFECTS THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: REPLACE LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE WITH TUBE DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH BUMPER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
6
DP02005 · Sudden Acceleration
Opened Apr 25, 2002 · Closed Sep 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA97001 · Brake Disc/hub Separation
Opened Jan 13, 1997 · Closed Jan 9, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE DISC FROM ITS HUB, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.
PE96053 · Brake Disc/hub Separation
Opened Sep 5, 1996 · Closed Jan 13, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of hte brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.
DP95007 · Vehicle Sudden Acceleration
Opened Nov 17, 1995 · Closed Dec 5, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE95049 · Rear Axle Shaft Separation
Opened Aug 17, 1995 · Closed Jan 26, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EXAMINE THE FAILURE MODE AND THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY POSED BY ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE SEPARATIONS.THE REAR AXLE SHAFT AND HOUSING DESIGN IS TYPICAL OF THOSE IN WHICH THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IS CARRIED ON THE AXLE HOUSING.THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SHAFTS, SUPPORTED BY ROLLER BEARINGS, ARE SITUATED INSIDE THE AXLE HOUSING.THE INBOARD SPLINED END OF THE AXLE SHAFT RECEIVES POWER TRANSMITTED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY, PROVIDING TORQUE TO THE REAR WHEELS.THE ALLEGATIONS ARE THAT THE AXLE SHAFT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY OR THE ENTIRE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY, DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT FAILURE.AS IDENTIFIED BY CHRYSLER, THE SUBJECT REAR AXLES ARE DANA 35C AND 35CM MODELS, WHICH HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SINCE THE 1990 MODEL YEAR.A SAFETY DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT AXLE SHAFTS HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.SEE HARD COPY RESUME FOR FULL TEXT OF SUMMARY.
PE93057 · Driveshaft/univ.joint Fail
Opened Jun 14, 1993 · Closed Oct 29, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
1991 Jeep Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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