1990 Jeep Cherokee: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 270 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (50% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2019
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2016
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“1. Reduced brake performance 2. Brake fluid leak in ABS pump motor assembly, permanently, reduced then lost brake performance 3. Nothing, old part is available additional notes: orr chrysler dodge jeep did not replace ABS pump motor assembly which has lifetime coverage. The dealership tried to convince me that the ABS pump motor assembly was not broken which is not true. Chrysler corp. Refused to provide assistance. I have filed a complaint with the ftc as well.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and noticed a hesitation in brakes response. The failure recurred intermittently and with time, became worse. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2009
“The wire under the dash on 1990 jeep cherokee laredo the wire is melting to the heater and the tail lights and brake lights don't work change the fuses in fuse box. I take it to a shop a there told me to replace the fuses box for $300. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminates on the instrument control panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that because her vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock), she would be responsible for the repair costs. The manufacturer stated that she would have to get the vehicle repaired first, and then they would reimburse her for the cost of the repairs. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 137,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“State of washington police traffic. 1990 jeep cherokee. Driver 1 was unable to stop and hit vehicle 2 vehicle 2 was pushed forward and struck vehicle 3. *mc *tr updated*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2007
“Driving over a normal pot-hole on a city street, the three bolts which hold the passenger side motor mount onto the engine block sheared off. Upon researching this on www.naxja.org on the internet, I have determined that this is in fact a very common problem with 4.0l equipped, manual transmission jeep xj cherokees. Vehicle is not in a driveable state presently due to this failure. Will have to drill out old broken bolt studs, replace studs, and inspect for additional damage.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2005
“ABS braking fault - extreme pull to left into oncoming traffic. See enclosed informastion sent by mail. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for ABS recall work along with other repairs needed for inspection. The vehicle was in the shop for six weeks. After the”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
THERE MAY BE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATION FROM CONDENSATION FORMATION THAT CAN PLUG THE ABS BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP FILTER; STRESS CORROSION OF THE MASTER CYLINDER SNAP RING HAS BEEN TRACED TO CHLORINE LEAKING FROM THE LOW PRESSURE HYDRAULIC HOSE WHICH MAY CAUSE IT TO BREAK; FRONT BRAKE HOSE TO TIRE INTERFERENCE WHICH MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE HOSE.
Remedy: REPLACE ABS LOW PRESSURE HOSE; REBUILD MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER; INSPECT, SERVICE INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS, AND REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. DRIVERS CAN MISTAKENLY STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THEY INTEND TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cherokee by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA has 270 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (50% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Jeep Cherokee problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 142,868 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.