RoadVitals

1990 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.
270
Latest Oct 28, 2022
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.
9
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.
6
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.
27
13 injuries, 5 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 270 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and engine categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 18 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

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

9 campaigns cover this model year

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

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.

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.

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.

EA97001ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION

Opened Jan 13, 1997
Closed Jan 9, 1998

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE DISC FROM ITS HUB, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 98V005000
PE96053ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION

Opened Sep 5, 1996
Closed Jan 13, 1997

consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of hte brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE95049ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR AXLE SHAFT SEPARATION

Opened Aug 17, 1995
Closed Jan 26, 1996

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.

SUSPENSION
PE93057ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL

Opened Jun 14, 1993
Closed Oct 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAIN

Recent owner complaints

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

Brakes
Filed Oct 28, 2022

The contact owns a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he increasingly applied pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. There was a 100-feet stopping distance delay. The dealer was notified of the failure and declined to diagnose the vehicle. The contact provided a description of the failure to the dealer who informed him that the brake pump motor assembly needed to be replaced; however, the parts were no longer available nationwide. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V260000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he associated with the failure; however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 195,492.

NHTSA ID
11491351
Incident
Oct 28, 2021
Mileage
195,492 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO STOP VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE VACUUM PUMP MOTOR FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED CROWN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT (6300 KING DR, VENTURA, CA 93003 (805) 323-3363) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 164,000.

NHTSA ID
11315821
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
164,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 6, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V260000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) YEARS BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (6300 KING DR, VENTURA, CA 93003) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER MAKING THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID
11184643
Incident
Mar 2, 2019
Mileage
200,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE BRAKE PUMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH PARTS HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. HAWK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (7911 W ROOSEVELT RD, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, (708) 366-1001) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR BOTH PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN HAVING THE DEALER REPLACE THE PART. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

NHTSA ID
11083945
Incident
Feb 1, 1995
Mileage
52,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2017

MY 4YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WERE ON OUR WAY HOME WHEN MY BRAKES ALMOST COMPLETELY WENT OUT AT ABOUT 45MPH. LUCKILY WE WERE ON A STRAIGHT COUNTRY BACKROAD WITH A GRAVEL SHOULDER TO AID IN SLOWING DOWN. TOWED THE JEEP TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS LATER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC ON 04/24/2017 WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE TO BE THE ACTUATOR PUMP UNDER A #702 RECALL. I WAS GIVEN 2 OPTIONS, SELL MY JEEP TO CHRYSLER FOR ~$600 OR GET IT REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS WITH BOTH PARTS AND LABOR TO BE COVERED BY CHRYSLER. CONSIDERING I HAD PURCHASED THE XJ (SO CLEAN AT THE TIME) FOR $3000 PLUS HAD DROPPED $1,100 ON NEW TIRES TWO MONTHS PRIOR IN FEBRUARY I DID NOT FIND SELLING IT FOR ~$600 A FINANCIALLY WISE DECISION. SO I OPTED WITH GETTING THE PARTS REPLACED. WELL FOR THE PAST 4 MONTHS NOW WHENEVER I CHECK IN ON MY JEEP, THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP INFORMS ME THEY ARE STILL WAITING ON PART NUMBERS FROM CHRYSLER SINCE THE CURRENT EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT COME ACROSS THIS RECALL YET AND WHEN I CONTACT CHRYSLER I AM JUST INFORMED THAT THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE ORIGINAL PARTS AND ARE STILL SEARCHING FOR ONE LEFT OUT THERE. THIS LAST WEEK THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE AN ORIGINAL PART PLUS THE OFFER STILL STANDS FOR ~$600. I HAVE YET TO GET A RESPONSE THIS PAST WEEK ABOUT THE OTHER OPTION I ORIGINALLY AGREED UPON (REPLACING WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS). I DON'T SEE $600 AS A SOLUTION TO THE RECALL AS BOTH NADA AND KBB PRICE MY JEEP FROM $2,200-$4,900 IN MY AREA (BEND, OR). I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO GET MY BELOVED JEEP BACK UP TO SAFETY STANDARDS FOR MY DAUGHTER AND I. I LOVE JEEP, PROBABLY ALWAYS WILL BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE SHORTED MONEY OR SAFETY BECAUSE OF NEGLECT TO REPAIR. THANKS FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO READ THIS.

NHTSA ID
11014769
Incident
Apr 24, 2017
Mileage
196,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AN UNKNOWN HISSING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V260000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE LIFETIME WARRANTY COULD NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,160. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10865786
Incident
Mar 4, 2016
Mileage
188,160 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 2014
Crash reported

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO VACUUM PUMP FAILURE. CHECKED RECALLS AND SAFETY RECALL #318T WAS ISSUED JULY 1991. CHRYSLER STATES THERE ARE NO PARTS AND THEREFORE WILL NOT EFFECT RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10653938
Incident
Oct 10, 2014
Mileage
21,452 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 28, 2013
Crash reported1 injury reported

S10 DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE A COPY OF A LETTER TO THE VICE PRESIDENT REGARDING A CAR ACCIDENT IN ARCADIA, FL IN MARCH 2013. *SMD A 1990 JEEP CHEROKEE WAS IN A DRAINAGE DITCH, ACROSS FROM TWO OTHER VEHICLES, THAT WERE PARKED. THE OWNERS DAUGHTER GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE JEEP,STARTED IT AND PLACED IT IN DRIVE, WITH THE INTENTION OF REMOVING IT FROM THE DITCH, AS SHE FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL, THE JEEP FLEW OUT OF THE DITCH GOING AIRBORNE, AND KNOCKED DOWN THE OWNER TO THE GROUND, CAUSING BRUISES, NEXT, THE JEEP FLEW OVER THE ROAD NEVER TOUCHING THE PAVEMENT, THE DRIVER DID NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, PRESUMABLY OUT OF FEAR, UNTIL IT RESTED ON TOP OF TWO PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER, WHO WAS NOT LICENSED, CLAIMED THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES AND THE ACCELERATOR. HOWEVER, THE WRECKER SERVICE, WHO WAS A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES OR ACCELERATOR PEDALS, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE IN PARK IN ORDER TO START IT.

NHTSA ID
10537657
Incident
Mar 24, 2013

Manufacturer communications

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

23-014-15

EQUIPMENT

Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.

2302602

STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT REGARDING FLOOR PAN CORROSION. *SLC

0800600REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

2300800B

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

230800

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

080600

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

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
1990Viewing2709666.8
19891916366.4
1988974361.9
1987579767.9
1986218367.6
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.