Model year record

1991 Jeep Cherokee recalls & problems

The 1991 Jeep Cherokee has 8 safety recalls and 233 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (164 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints233filed by owners

Crashes · fires13 · 9reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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 lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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 lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 12, 1998

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 98V005000293,369 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 27, 1996

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 96V26000052,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 15, 1991

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 91V06300017,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE.

Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 11, 1991

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 91V023000425 vehicles

Problem: IMPROPERLY INSTALLED BRAKE FLUID TUBE MAY ALLOW THE TUBE TO CONTACT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT DAMAGING THE TUBE.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AND RESULT IN PARTIALLOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Fix: REPOSITION BRAKE TUBE TO AVOID CONTACT WITH STEERING SHAFT; ALSO, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED BRAKE TUBES.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 18, 1990

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 90V206000160 vehicles

Problem: SUSPENSION JOUNCE BUMPER COULD CONTACT LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBE WHEN SUSPENSION IS AT FULL JOUNCE (BOUNCE).
Risk: 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.
Fix: REPLACE LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE WITH TUBE DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH BUMPER.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1991 Jeep Cherokee 4-DR. 4x4

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cherokee 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Cherokee 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Cherokee 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	164	4	0	2	174,735 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	23	0	3	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Webbing	16	2	0	4	—
Service brakes	15	0	0	0	174,735 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Universal joint	14	2	0	1	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	12	3	0	3	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring › Interior/under dash	11	0	7	0	—
Service brakes, airDisc › Rotor; Antilock	7	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Power adjust	6	2	0	6	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery › Fuel pump	5	0	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar	3	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingBack up lights › Switch; Fog lights	3	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 1991 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to slow as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The depressed the brake pedal with extreme force and the vehicle came to a stop. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed because the vehicle was an older vehicle. The contact was informed that had already been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V260000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was imported from Canada, and once it was imported, the vehicle warranty was voided. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Sep 8, 2022 · 175,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT BECAME STIFF AND HAD TO BE DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL FROM A GREATER DISTANCE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUNTINGTON BEACH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (16701 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647, (714) 841-3999) AND A PRESSURE TEST WAS PERFORMED, WHICH FOUND AN INTERNAL LEAK AT THE ABS PUMP AND MASTER CYLINDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SYSTEM DID NOT BUILD UP OVER 800 PSI AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT…
Feb 6, 2019 · 208,970 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT LOST BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY WHILE BEING OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RYAN AUTO MALL (LOCATED AT 1000 HIGHWAY 55 E, BUFFALO, MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V260000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), WHICH STATED THAT THE COMPONENT HAD A LIFETIME WARRANTY. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO DO…
Jun 23, 2017
Service brakes
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN HUNTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING ABS BRAKE ISSUES ON HIS 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PUMP TO REPAIR THE ABS BRAKES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL #96V260000 *JS
Feb 1, 2017
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND AND FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V260000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Feb 2, 2015
Service brakes
MY ABS PUMP HAS FAILED, AND CHRYSLER IS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH NHTSA RECALL #96V260000 HAVING TO DO WITH THE ABS PUMP. THE RECALL CLEARLY STATES THAT "THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE". I CALLED THE CHRYSLER RECALL CENTER TODAY, AND AT 5:01PM PST, SASHA TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THAT PART, AND I WAS DENIED HELP. THE NHTSA RECALL CLEARLY STATES OTHERWISE. TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER DENYING AND REFUSING SERVICE, BECAUSE APPARENTLY THIS PART CAN NO LONGER BE HAD. WHY IS THEIR DIRECT CONFLICT WITH THE STATED LIFETIME COVERAGE ON…
Dec 22, 2016 · 195,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED EVEN THOUGH THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 096V26000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. IN MAY OF 2016, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A SEOND TIME BECAUSE THE ABS PUMP MOTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD REPURCHASE THE…
Jun 16, 2015 · 90,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STIFF AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
May 16, 2016 · 127,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SUDDEN ACCELERATIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
DP02005 · opened Apr 25, 2002 · closed Sep 10, 2002
BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 98V005000
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE DISC FROM ITS HUB, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.
EA97001 · opened Jan 13, 1997 · closed Jan 9, 1998
BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATIONClosed
consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of hte brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.
PE96053 · opened Sep 5, 1996 · closed Jan 13, 1997
VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
DP95007 · opened Nov 17, 1995 · closed Dec 5, 1995
REAR AXLE SHAFT SEPARATIONClosed
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…
PE95049 · opened Aug 17, 1995 · closed Jan 26, 1996
DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAILClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93057 · opened Jun 14, 1993 · closed Oct 29, 1993