1991 Jeep Cherokee: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 233 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (59% 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 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2022
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2017
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2015
“Brakes totally fail, I was unable to stop vehicle safely. No warning, the dashboard check ABS light comes on after brake failure. Dealer gave me the run-around when I asked them to check the brakes previously. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2015
“1991 jeep cherokee limited. Consumer states vehicle has had numerous ABS pump failures. When the pump fails, there is no power brakes and it was almost impossible to stop the car. *ta”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2015
“Tl* the contact owns 1991 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the brake pedal failed to respond and the power assist failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing, who stated that the acctuator and rs speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Updated 8/29/14*cn updated 09/17/2014 *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“Under NHTSA campaign number: 96v260000 my brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly for my ABS brake system do not work . Under the recall there is a lifetime warranty. I took it into the jeep dealership at 6/26/13. It is now october! I've been driving around having little to know brake power basically out of necessity , and they did not offer me a loaner or anything. Please help. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1991 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed with a delayed response. After repeatedly applying force to the brakes the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that there was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 6000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not serviced under the recall because the remedy part was not available for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 174,735.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2013
“Consumer writes in regards to engineering analysis on 1993- 2001 jeep cherokee *tgw the consumer stated, NHTSA is conducting an engineering analysis on 1993-2001 model year jeep cherokee's due to potential, extraordinary fire and explosion hazards. Apparently, these hazards stem from the fact that the cherokee's fuel tank is located near the rear axle, making it vulnerable to rear-end collisions. The consumer would like to know, why is the analysis only limited to 1993-2001 when his 1991 model has the same fuel tank location. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
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.
IMPROPERLY INSTALLED BRAKE FLUID TUBE MAY ALLOW THE TUBE TO CONTACT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT DAMAGING THE TUBE.
Remedy: REPOSITION BRAKE TUBE TO AVOID CONTACT WITH STEERING SHAFT; ALSO, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED BRAKE TUBES.
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.
SUSPENSION JOUNCE BUMPER COULD CONTACT LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBE WHEN SUSPENSION IS AT FULL JOUNCE (BOUNCE).
Remedy: REPLACE LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE WITH TUBE DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH BUMPER.
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 1991 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA has 233 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Jeep Cherokee. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (59% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Jeep Cherokee problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 172,602 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Jeep Cherokee have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.