1989 JEEP CHEROKEE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

287

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 19 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

The 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE has received a total of 287 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (67 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (34 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder (11 complaints).

Recalls for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE, potentially affecting up to 1,319,210 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

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Recall 97I002000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

| 1,010,400 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: PEDAL MISAPPLICATION BY A DRIVER CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.

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Recall 96V260000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

| 52,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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...

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Recall 90V177000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

| 165,000 vehicles affected

Defect: MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.

Consequence: HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.

Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.

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Recall 91V003000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 33,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: CONTAMINATION OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN CAUSEMALFUNCTIONING OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM; LOW PRESSURE HOSE LEAKAGE CAUSESLOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND ALSO RESULTS IN CORROSION AND FAILURE OF THE MASTERCYLINDER SNAP RING, RESULTING COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE; FAILURE OF THE FRONT BRAKEHOSE DUE TO HOSE TO TIRE INTERFERENCE WILL CAUSE FAILURE OF ONE HALF OF THEBRAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE THAN EXPECTED.

Remedy: REPLACE ABS LOW PRESSURE HOSE; REBUILD MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER; INSPECT, SERVICE INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS, AND REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSE AS NECESSARY.

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Owner Complaints for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

287 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 67 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 34 4 Crashes 5 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 11
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 3 Fires 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Service Brakes
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airsupplyhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 2
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11205390 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 255,000 miles
I HAD MY JEEP TOWED TO THE DEALER AS I HAD NO BRAKES AND THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I RECEIVED A CALL STATING THAT THE ABS PUMP AND COMPONENTS WERE BAD, AND IT WOULD COST $1600 TO CONVERT IT TO NON ABS WITH MASTER CYLINDER, BOOSTER AND CUSTOM BRAKE LINES. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T COVERED AS THE RECALL STATED THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD PICK UP MY JEEP AND THEY COULD ORDER THE PARTS, BUT THEY WOULD NEVER ARRIVE. I THEN CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLY TO BE GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FOR 10 DAYS. AFTER SPEAKING TO SEVERAL PEOPLE, I DEMANDED A SUPERVISOR WHO ALSO STATED THEY COULDN'T HELP ME DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE(1989 JEEP CHEROKEE). I EXPLAINED THAT ON THEIR WEBSITE UNDER MY VIN THAT THE RECALL STATED IT WAS COVERED FOR LIFE, MEANING AGE DIDN'T MATTER. THEY STATED THAT I WAS ON THE HOOK FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY COULDN'T CONTACT THE DEALER TO REDUCE THE COST, AND OFFERED NO HELP WHATSOEVER. HOW IS THIS LEGAL? THIS ISN'T A LOCK OR HINGE, IT'S MY ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM.
#10872607 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 153,000 miles
DEALERSHIP CAN NOT GET PARTS TO FIX THE ABS BRAKES WHICH WERE RECALLED AND HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY. MY JEEP HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE NOVEMBER 2015 WAITING FOR PARTS. NOW THEY TELL US THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO GET THEM. I HAVE PAID ABOUT $350 TOWARDS ABS PARTS DURING THE TIME THAT IT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THE PARTS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
#10862565 | WHEELS | | 219,051 miles Crash 1 Injury
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2016 AND I DROVE IT FOR 6 WEEKS. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 75 MPH WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DELAMINATED AND CAUSED A WRECK IN WHICH THE VEHICLE ROLLED 3 TIMES I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITH MINOR INJURYS. THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE DOT STAMP IS AS FOLLOWS.BEYK8L1328.
#10743940 | POWER TRAIN | | 97,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 22 MPH OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO SEIZE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
#10743940 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 97,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 22 MPH OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO SEIZE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

RCL/556 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FAILURE OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR, PCV HOSE (YJ ONLY), TRANSFER CASE VACUUM HOSE AND /OR FUEL TANK VENT VALVE BOOT MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BE IN VIOLATION OF CALIFORNIA STANDARDS. IN ADDITION, THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD MAY PRODUCE AN EXHAUST LEAK NOISE. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE...

RCL/616 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR ON CERTAIN 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE, COMANCHE AND WRANGLER MODELS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FAILURE. FAILURE OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR MAY CAUSE YOUR VEHICLE TO BE IN VIOLATION OF FEDERAL EMISSIONS STANDARDS. TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, DEALERS WILL...

NHTSA Investigations for the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE.

Investigation PE90033 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Closed

Opened:

FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES

Other Model Years of the JEEP CHEROKEE

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Other JEEP Models

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