VehicleVerdict

1995 Jeep Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1995 Jeep Cherokee carries two red flags at once: 732 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.2× the Cherokee norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: BRAKE ROTOR DISC/HUB SEPARATION). It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 86 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (154), engine (151), and brakes (95), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

732

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

9

Investigations · 1 open

110

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

86

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Cherokee years?

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Jeep Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure15421%
Engine15121%
Brakes9513%
Speed Control7610%
Electrical System497%
Transmission487%
Airbags436%
Steering223%
Seat Belts193%
Fuel System152%
Suspension91%
Lighting91%
Tires & Wheels91%
Other81%
Latches & Locks81%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)81%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Seats20%

Does the 1995 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

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

11V279000LightingMay 6, 2011 · 1,126 units

Defect

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1994-1996 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES IMPORTED FROM JANUARY 2007, THROUGH APRIL 2011 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REQUIRED THIRD BRAKE LAMP.

Consequence

INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND MAIL KITS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OF THEIR CHOICE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.

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.

08V056000Electrical SystemFebruary 6, 2008 · 107 units

Defect

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING 107 MY 1994-1998 RIGHT HAND DRIVE, 4-WHEEL DRIVE JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, 'CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;' NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;' NO. 111, 'REARVIEW MIRROR;' NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION;' NO. 115, 'VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER;' NO. 118, 'POWER WINDOW SYSTEM;' NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS;' NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION;' AND NO. 301, 'FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.'

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.

Remedy

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL MAKE ALL THE REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS. A REPRESENTATIVE WILL TRAVEL TO THE CUSTOMER'S LOCATION AND MAKE THE MODIFICATIONS ON SITE. THE RECALL WILL BE PERFORMED ON A REGIONAL BASIS BEGINNING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.

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.

06E022000BrakesMarch 13, 2006 · 7,440 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

99V340000BrakesDecember 13, 1999 · 334,047 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.

97V069000SteeringApril 28, 1997 · 2,500 units

Defect

DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME, A FILLET WELD THAT JOINS THE INNER STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRAME RAIL, WAS OMITTED.

Consequence

DUE TO HIGH STEERING LOAD EVENTS, VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT BROKEN STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS OR FRAME RAIL CRACKING AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING POINT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR CRACKS IN THE FRAME RAIL. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CRACKS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH REINFORCEMENT PLATES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO BE FREE OF CRACKS WILL HAVE A SLOT CUT IN THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE FILLET WELD WILL BE ADDED.

95V172000BrakesSeptember 12, 1995 · 135,000 units

Defect

THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE RELEASE BUTTON CAN SEPARATE FROM THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE PARKING BRAKE TO BE INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL INADVERTENTLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY.

95V057000AirbagsMarch 21, 1995 · 70,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULES WERE ASSEMBLED WITHOUT AN ARMING LEVER.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE AIR BAG MODULE ARMING LEVER AND WILL REPLACE THOSE AIR BAG MODULES THAT ARE MISSING A LEVER.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ98023

BRAKE ROTOR DISC/HUB SEPARATION

CHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-005, ON JANUARY 5, 1998, INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 225,000 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE, 1990-91 CHEROKEE, WRANGLER AND COMANCHEE, AND 1989-91 EAGLE PREMIER AND DODGE MONACO.THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE SALT BELT STATES.OWNERS IN CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSET, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WILL RECEIVE REPLACEMENT ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROPOTECTION.CHRYSLER BEGAN OWNER NOTIFICATION ON MARCH 9, 1998.ODI HAS RECEIVED 15 COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF MODEL YEAR 1992-95 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT ONE OR BOTH OF THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR DISC HAD SEPARATED FROM ITS HUB, CAUSING THE VEHICLES TO SEVERELY PULL TO ONE SIDE AND/OR SIGNIFICANTLY EXTENDED ITS STOPPING DISTANCE.TWELVE OF 15 COMPLAINTS ORIGINATED FROM WITHIN THE RECALLED STATES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

POT HOLE OR SPEED BUMP CAUSES JEEP XJ/ CHEROKEE RIGHT MOTOR MOUNT ENGINE BOLTS TO SNAP CAUSING FIRES AND FLOPPING OF ENGINE ON IT'S SIDE. MY XJ HAS FAILED 4 TIMES SINCE NEW MANY ON THE WEB HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I FOUND 30 ON ONE SITE THAT HAD IDENTICAL PROBLEMS SOME WITH FIRE. SOME CAUSING…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 8, 2005 · crash · fire

BOLTS FOR MOTOR MOUNTS SHEARED OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHERE FAN MOVED UP AND STARTED HITTING CASING. ON 05/08/2001, WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SAME DEFECT HAPPENED WHERE ENGINE SHIFTED FORWARD WHEN MOTOR MOUNTS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 1998

WITH ENGINE OFF, IN 1ST GEAR, VEHICLE WA SPARKED WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 9, 1995 · crash

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING PLACE, NOTED CAR BEHIND ME AND ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT HIT GAS PEDAL INSTEAD, RESULTING IN IMPACT TO RIGHT SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT DOOR AND POST OF THAT VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT..

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 1, 1999 · crash

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY & STARTED UP STREET; NOTICED SMOKE FROM DASHBOARD; STOPPED VEHICLE & FLAMES SHOT FROM GLOVE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. CHRYSLER & INSURANCE CO. INVESTIGATORS ARRIVED, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE FIRE LOCATION. HAD 2 HOT SPOTS ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 15, 1997 · fire

1995 Jeep Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1995 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 732 complaints put the 1995 model at #7 of 41 Cherokee years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (154 complaints), engine (151 complaints), brakes (95 complaints).

Does the 1995 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Jeep Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (BRAKE ROTOR DISC/HUB SEPARATION). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.