VehicleVerdict

1991 Jeep Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 297 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Cherokee year — the 1991 model ranks #18 of 41 Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 63% of all reports (188 of 297), far ahead of engine at 23.

297

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

6

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Cherokee years?

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Jeep Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes18863%
Engine238%
Seat Belts165%
Transmission145%
Speed Control124%
Electrical System114%
Seats62%
Fuel System52%
Other41%
Steering31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Lighting31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks21%
Body & Structure21%
Suspension21%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 1991 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.

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.

91V023000BrakesFebruary 11, 1991 · 425 units

Defect

IMPROPERLY INSTALLED BRAKE FLUID TUBE MAY ALLOW THE TUBE TO CONTACT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT DAMAGING THE TUBE.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AND RESULT IN PARTIALLOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.

Remedy

REPOSITION BRAKE TUBE TO AVOID CONTACT WITH STEERING SHAFT; ALSO, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED BRAKE TUBES.

90V206000BrakesDecember 18, 1990 · 160 units

Defect

SUSPENSION JOUNCE BUMPER COULD CONTACT LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBE WHEN SUSPENSION IS AT FULL JOUNCE (BOUNCE).

Consequence

CONTACT AT FULL JOUNCE MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE TUBE TOCOLLAPSE AND RESTRICT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE LEFT REAR BRAKEWHICH AFFECTS THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

REPLACE LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE WITH TUBE DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH BUMPER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

SECOND ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE (UNDER RECALL 96V260000). PUMP MOTOR / ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL FAILURE FOR SECOND TIME. CAUSED ACCUMULATOR TO FAIL - MANUFACTURER REFUSES STAND BEHIND ABS SYSTEM - WILL REPAIR ONLY THE PART UNDER LIFETIME RECALL. HAVE HAD TWO FRONT END COLLISIONS DUE TO THIS PRODUCT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 14, 2005 · crash

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THEN PARKED VEHICLE. DRIVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT INTO HER WORK PLACE, AND SOMEONE TOLD HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND ON FIRE. THE FIRE BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE/DASH BOARD AND THE ROOF. THE CONSUMER LOST HER VEHICLE DUE TO THE FIRE, AND THEY DON'T…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 5, 1998 · fire

DT: 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. THE STRAP PART OF THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT CLICK TO GO INTO THE PART IN THE SEAT. THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS. CONSUMER RECEIVED A TICKET FOR NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLICK. THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 25, 2005

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT WARNING IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, ROLLED DOWN THE STREET, AND HIT A TREE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 16, 2004 · crash

STARTED THE VEHICLE UP AND PUT THE GEAR SHIFT IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET. WHEN THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE ALMOST HIT A CHILD, AND TO AVOID HITTING THE CHILD VEHICLE RAN INTO A BASEBALL FIELD AND THEN FLAP IN THE AIR. VEHICLE IS UNDER A NON-SAFETY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 11, 1997 · crash

1991 Jeep Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1991 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 297 complaints put the 1991 model at #18 of 41 Cherokee years. It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (188 complaints), engine (23 complaints), seat belts (16 complaints).

Does the 1991 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.