Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1980 Jeep Cherokee — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
Consequence
WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
Defect
THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. A DAMAGED BEARING COULD RESULT IN AXLE AND WHEEL DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALONG WITH SEALS, RETAINER RINGS AND PLATES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
INCORRECT HEADLAMPS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR EXPORT ONLY AND DO NOT MEET U.S. REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy
THE RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLAMPS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE TREAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAS SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE. I WAS NOT DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.( DOT NUMBER: VD60AXC433 TIRE SIZE: 50R15LT )”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2016, 2017, 2018, 1995, 1994, 1996, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997, 1990, 2020, 2001, 1991, 1989, 1992. The cleanest record among Cherokee years belongs to 1983.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.