RoadVitals

1986 Jeep Cherokee

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest May 8, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
3
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Jeep Cherokee, most frequently naming the seat belts, driver assistance and brakes categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Seat belts1043.5%
  • Driver assistance313.0%
  • Brakes313.0%
  • Steering28.7%
  • Suspension28.7%
  • Tires & wheels14.3%
  • Engine14.3%
  • Body & structure14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE89151ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR

Opened Aug 11, 1989
Closed Dec 11, 1989

===

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
EA88005ClosedEngineering Analysis

ELEC. REAR WINDOW

Opened Oct 23, 1987
Closed Mar 28, 1989

ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINTS AND ODI EXAMINATION OF VEHICLES SUGGESTS THATIMPINGEMENT OF THE TAILGATE LOCK DUST COVER AGAINST THE KEY MAY EITHERINDUCE OR CONTINUE UNINTENDED UPWARD MOVEMENT OF THE TAILGATE WINDOW.STATUS:CHRYSLER RECALLED BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1987.HOWEVER,WE BELIEVE THAT THE SELF EXAMINATION CALLED FOR IN THE RECALL NOTICE DOESNOT MEET WITH THE INTENT OF THE LAW.CHRYSLER HAS BEEN REQUESTED TOREEXAMINE THE RECALL BY LETTER DATED 11/20/87.

VISIBILITYLed to recall 87V178000
PE88001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FIRES CAUSED BY CLTCH LK

Opened Oct 23, 1987
Closed Jan 28, 1988

NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===

POWER TRAIN

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 21
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed May 8, 2014
1 injury reported

I BOUGHT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 WITH THE INTENTIONS OF MAKING A VEHICLE TO USE IN THE WINTER FOR BAD WEATHER OR VERY BAD SNOW. HERE ARE ISSUES I FACE. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES CRAZY ONCE I REACH SPEEDS OVER 35MPH. IT GOES WELL PASS THE 85MPH MARK AND BACK DOWN TO 15MPH AND BOUNCE ALL BETWEEN. THE VEHICLE IS SO OUT OF ALIGNMENT ITS DANGEROUS. ALL THE FLOOR BOARDS HAVE BEEN RUSTED THROUGH ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE SEATS. THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD IS 1/2 MISSING, AND ALL FLOOR BOARDS ARE EXTREMELY WEEK.THE DRIVER SIDE HAS A POP-RIVETED FLOORBOARD IN AND IS VERY STRONG BUT THE BOTTOM HAS BEEN RUSTED THROUGH SHOWING THE BOTTOM OF IT,AND THE SIDES HAVE RUSTED THROUGH WHOLES. WHEN I SAT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT TO REPLACE THE RADIO,I WAS FORCED TO REMOVE THE CARPET TO INSTALL A NEW GROUND.PART OF THE FLOORBOARD FELL OUT CUTTING VERY DEEP INTO MY LEG.THE FLOORBOARDS WERE BEARING MY WEIGHT WITH NO ADDED FORCE WHATSOEVER. WHEN I REMOVED THE REST OF THE CARPET I WAS DISTRAUGHT TO SEE HOW RUSTED THE FLOOR PANELS WERE AND TO WHAT EXTENT.I INSPECTED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE CLOSER,AND DISCOVERED THE FRAME IS IN VERY POOR SHAPE AND RUSTED THROUGH ALSO. THE WHOLE EXHAUST FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADERS TO THE VERY BACK OF THE EXHAUST, HAS BEEN RUSTED AND THE MUFFLER BROKE OFF JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MUFFLER. ON THE WAY THE FRAME IN THE REAR NEAR THE GAS TANK,IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE FRAME WHERE THE TOWING BRACKETS ARE BOLTED ON HAS BROKE AND PEELED LIKE A BANANA AND HANGS LOOSE SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN FRAME BY AT LEAST 1/4" - 1/2". VERY POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE MAKING OF AN OFFROAD VEHICLE LIKE THIS.I AM A CERTIFIED WELDER AND WELD PROFESSIONALLY BUT THIS WILL TAKE A MONTH TO REPAIR AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.I CAN NOT DO ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL THESE SAFETY ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10587229
Incident
Nov 13, 2013
Mileage
169,774 mi
Brakes
Filed May 9, 2002

CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH POWER BRAKES BOOSTER . HARD TO STOP VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
8009523
Incident
May 4, 2002
Brakes
Filed Jul 3, 2001

WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BACK BRAKES WERE DOWN TO RIVETS, AND WILL START TEARING INTO THE DRUMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS WHY VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID VERY BADLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID
891914
Incident
Jul 1, 2001
Seat belts
Filed Feb 13, 2001

IN COLD WEATHER FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FELL APART. DEALER HAS REPAIRED SEAT BELT TWICE, BUT PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. *AK CONSUMER EXAMINED PIECES IN QUESTION AND FOUND THAT THEY CONTAINED PLASTIC PARTS AND IS QUESTIONING HOW PLASTIC COULD BE STRONG IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *SLC

NHTSA ID
880432
Incident
Jan 12, 2000
Seat belts
Filed Feb 1, 2001

PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT COVER BROKE OFF WHILE IT WAS BEING USED. REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALSO BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO LATCH IT. CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED BUCKLE WAS REPAIRABLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
879635
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 7, 2000

ONGOING STEERING PROBLEM REPORTED BY PREVIOUS OWNER & EXPERIENCED BY PRESENT OWNER; STEERING WANDER, ESP. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, ALL PARTS UNDAMAGED OR REPLACED INC. TIE RODS, STRUTS, SHOCKS, BUSHINGS, ETC...; ALIGNMENT TO SPECS WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. *AK

NHTSA ID
735894
Incident
Oct 30, 2000
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 27, 2000

CONSUMER HAS A 1986 JEEP COMANCHE WITH 19,000 ON REAR TIRES & 24,000 ON FRONT TIRES, CENTER OF THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING, FIRESTONE FR360 P215/75R15, FIRESTONE DEALER DIDN'T PRORATE TIRES BECAUSE OF WEAR.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ID
874031
Incident
Feb 2, 2000
Seat belts
Filed Sep 21, 2000

BOTH MY RIGHT SEAT BELTS HAVE BROKE AND NO LONGER WORK. MY FRONT RIGHT BROKE WHILE I ,THE OWNER ,WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF AN ACCIDENT HAD OCCUR I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND WOULDN'T WANT HER BELT TO BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING. I FEEL THE MANUFACTOR SHOULD REPLACE ALL MY SEAT BELTS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HAVE EVEN NOTICED MY DRIVER SEAT BELT LOCK COMING APART SLOWLY.T

NHTSA ID
732093
Incident
Mar 1, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

2302602

STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT REGARDING FLOOR PAN CORROSION. *SLC

98733

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

SUBJECT ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION #733--BRAKE PEDAL SHIFT INTERLOCK. *YC

231693

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

REDESIGNED LIFTGATE LATCH. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Cherokee by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026320—
2025000—
2024000—
2023310—
2022483059.9
20211504064.9
20202783061.9
20191,61111060.1
20186807159.9
20171,3256158.7
20161,4039260.8
20151,78011461.1
20142,63913359.2
2006170027.2
20012298160.7
20003697161.4
19993668161.0
199839811159.0
199739010263.1
199644710161.9
199560811967.7
19945199966.5
199341871566.7
19921135969.5
19912339667.7
19902709666.8
19891916366.4
1988974361.9
1987579767.9
1986Viewing218367.6
1985177465.4
1984774—
1983013—
1982022—
1981122—
1980132—
1979021—
1978120—
1977010—
1976041—
1975050—
1974031—
1973100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.