The 2001 Jeep Cherokee has 8 safety recalls and 229 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (61 complaints).
Recalls8safety recalls
Complaints229filed by owners
Crashes · fires25 · 13reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths19 · 0reported in complaints
2001 Jeep Cherokee in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened 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 lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened 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 lighting
NHTSA recall 06E065000 · Jul 17, 2006 · 3,593 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened 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, hydraulic
NHTSA recall 06E022000 · Mar 13, 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 06E011000 · Feb 1, 2006 · 7,291 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Child seat
NHTSA recall 00V366000 · Nov 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
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
2001 Jeep Cherokee 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
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
16 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/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, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc
61
6
0
3
19,800 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Engine
44
1
12
1
60,800 mi
Suspension Front; Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Mechanical › Carrier/rack
11
0
1
0
—
Exterior lighting Headlights
10
1
1
1
70,673 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Delivery; Fuel injection system
10
0
6
0
131,000 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system
9
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 6, 2021 · 145,333 miles · fireFuel system, gasoline The contact owns a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle lost motive power without warning and there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the top cylinder was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, but the dealer informed the contact that they did not repair vehicles older than 2006 and would only order a part to cover the manifold. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The Vin was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V104000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact to take the vehicle…
Feb 19, 2020Seat belts THE STOCK SEAT BELTS LOCATED IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE DO NOT LOCK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY AND SAFELY INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS. THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING AS THEY WILL NOT SECURE AFTER BEING FULLY EXTENDED. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED A DEALER AFTER FINDING AN OLD RECALL BUT WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT FIX AS THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS SPEAKING OF.
Jun 12, 2018Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate CPSC: PURCHASED A SET OF THE ABOVE PISTONS TO REPLACE PISTONS ON A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE FIRST SET FAILED ON THE SECOND OPENING CAUSING MINOR VEHICLE DAMAGE TO THE LIFT GATE. THE LOCKING CLIP DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO HOLD ONTO THE PROVIDED BRACKET. *DT *JS
Feb 27, 2018 · 150,000 milesUnknown or other GAS TANK IS DANGEROUS, JUST LIKE RECALL IVE SEEN. COVER HAS RUSTED AWAY SKID PLATE GONE EXPOSING GAS TANK
Jan 5, 2017 · 117,000 milesEngine AS WITH MANY OTHER JEEP OWNERS WITH THE 4.0 ENGINE (HUNDREDS THAT I HAVE SEEN) MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE'S CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. MINE WAS AT 117K MILES, AND THE AVERAGE MILEAGE FOR FAILURE SEEMS TO BE 100K - 120K MILES. THIS IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW. MY JEEP WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. I ASK NHTSA TO CONTACT CURRENT OWNERS OF JEEP 4.0 ENGINES TO REALLY SEE HOW OFTEN THIS FAULT OCCURS. CHRYSLER SEEMS TO TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS, WHICH IS WHY I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE.
Dec 16, 2016 · 146,000 milesEngine IN THE 2000 AND 2001 CHEROKEES WITH THE 4.0 ENGINE HEAD CASTING 0331 CHRYSLER KNEW ABOUT THE CYLINDER HEADS CRACKING. IN 2002 THEY CONTRACTED WITH TUPY MANUFACTURING IN BRAZIL TO REMAKE THE HEAD CASTING THAT RAN UNTIL THE 4.0 WAS STOPPED BEING USED BY THEM. MINE HAS SINCE CRACKED AND CHRYSLER SAYS THAT NO FACTORY RECALL WAS DONE AND SUCH I'M STUCK WITH A CRACKED HEAD THAT THEY KNEW WAS FAULTY.
Jan 7, 2016 · 137 miles · crash · 2 injuriesAir bags TAKATA RECALL-- I HAD AN ACCIDENT JANUARY 7, 2016, I HIT A POLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID A SEARCH AND I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS JEEP. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE COMPANY THEY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND SUPPOSEDLY HAD IT CHECKED OUT BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT. I MYSELF AND MY GIRLFRIEND WAS INJURED AND UNDER DOCTORS CARE. MY CAR IS TORE UP IN THE FRONT. WHY? THOSE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THEY COULD NOT TELL ME. I WAS TRAVELING ON RTE 49 EAST.
Mar 1, 2016 · crash · 2 injuriesAir bags 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE RECALLS AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD
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
EA12005 · opened Jun 12, 2012 · closed Nov 14, 2014 · led to recall 13V252000Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI…
