VehicleVerdict

1990 Jeep Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 368 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Cherokee year — the 1990 model ranks #15 of 41 Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 48% of all reports (178 of 368), far ahead of speed control at 57.

368

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

6

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

15

Injuries

6

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Cherokee years?

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Jeep Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes17848%
Speed Control5715%
Engine3510%
Fuel System205%
Transmission175%
Electrical System103%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Seat Belts72%
Tires & Wheels72%
Lighting62%
Seats62%
Body & Structure51%
Latches & Locks41%
Other41%
Suspension31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Steering10%

Does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

98V005000BrakesJanuary 12, 1998 · 293,369 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.

97I002000Speed ControlMay 2, 1997 · 1,010,400 units

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.

96V260000BrakesDecember 27, 1996 · 52,000 units

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 LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.

91V003000BrakesOctober 2, 1991 · 33,000 units

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.

91V063000BrakesApril 15, 1991 · 17,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DETACHMENT OF THE HOSE FROM THE ABS SYSTEM CAUSES THELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION AND HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST, LEAVING ONLY MANUAL BRAKESAND DECREASING STOPPING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. DISCHARGE OFHYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE AREA OF THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE.

90V177000Speed ControlOctober 2, 1990 · 165,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL DID NOT GO DOWN . PRESSED THE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL . HE HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE BRAKES UNDER A RECALL THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 2, 1997 · crash

OWNER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND WOULD NOT STOP. VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 35 FEET BACKWARDS, STICKING AND KILLING OWNERS WIFE IN THE DRIVE WAY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP ALTHOUGH BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 26, 1997 · crash

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CHEROKEE BURNED COMPLETELY. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK OR A FUEL INJECTOR LEAK. THE FIREWALL PROTECTED THE PASSENGERS UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE. *AK…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1999 · fire

10 TO 15 ESCOND CRANKING TO START, ON START UP IDLES AT 2000 TO 2500 RPM'S FOR 2 TO 4 MINUTES, DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK DOOR OR REAR HATCH, LINKAGE BINDS, NO BACK UP LIGHTS, BOTH FT WIND WING WINDOWS LEAK AIR & WATER, CLUNKING WHEN STARTING & STOPPING FROM TRANSMISSION AREA, FUEL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 25, 1999

10 TO 15 ESCOND CRANKING TO START, ON START UP IDLES AT 2000 TO 2500 RPM'S FOR 2 TO 4 MINUTES, DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK DOOR OR REAR HATCH, LINKAGE BINDS, NO BACK UP LIGHTS, BOTH FT WIND WING WINDOWS LEAK AIR & WATER, CLUNKING WHEN STARTING & STOPPING FROM TRANSMISSION AREA, FUEL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 25, 1999

1990 Jeep Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1990 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 368 complaints put the 1990 model at #15 of 41 Cherokee years. It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (178 complaints), speed control (57 complaints), engine (35 complaints).

Does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Jeep Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Cherokee years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.