VehicleVerdict

1999 Jeep Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 516 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Cherokee year — the 1999 model ranks #12 of 41 Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (117), transmission (58), and engine (44), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

516

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

1

Investigations

49

Crash-involved

34

Fires reported

36

Injuries

4

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Cherokee years?

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Jeep Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes11723%
Transmission5811%
Engine449%
Visibility & Wipers408%
Airbags387%
Electrical System347%
Steering265%
Suspension234%
Tires & Wheels224%
Fuel System183%
Seat Belts173%
Other163%
Lighting163%
Seats153%
Latches & Locks112%
Speed Control102%
Body & Structure71%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%

Does the 1999 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

8 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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

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.

06E011000Fuel SystemFebruary 1, 2006 · 7,291 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

00V136000BrakesMay 10, 2000 · 589,000 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.

00V105000AirbagsApril 11, 2000 · 395,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. WATER AND/OR ROAD SALT IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD LEAD TO CORROSION.

Consequence

SUCH CORROSION CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR COULD ALLOW INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND LOCATE THE NEW MODULE ON THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

JEEP LEMON!!! TERRIBLE VEHICLE, TERRIBLE COMPANY!! THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY FOR THESE TWO ISSUES, AMONG OTHERS! I HAVE ALMOST REARENDED SOMEONE, BY LOOKINGBACK TO SEE IF I WAS REAR ENDED DUE TO THE HARD SHIFT. THE BRAKES SHAKE SO MUCH UNDER BRAKING THAT I DID REAR END SOMEONE,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 2000 · crash

JEEP LEMON!!! TERRIBLE VEHICLE, TERRIBLE COMPANY!! THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY FOR THESE TWO ISSUES, AMONG OTHERS! I HAVE ALMOST REARENDED SOMEONE, BY LOOKINGBACK TO SEE IF I WAS REAR ENDED DUE TO THE HARD SHIFT. THE BRAKES SHAKE SO MUCH UNDER BRAKING THAT I DID REAR END SOMEONE,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2000 · crash

1999 JEEP CHEROKEE, UNIT 1 WAS EAST BOUND. THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND PULLED TO THE BERM WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE *BF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0792-91) UPDATED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2010 · fire

THE MAIN BELT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BROKE TWICE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 27, 1999 · crash

CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS DISABLED ON THE RIGHT HAND LANE, CONSUMER DIDN'T SEE THE VEHICLE AND HIT IT. CONSUMER'S KNEES BUCKLED AND FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, CONSUMER'S TEETH MARKS WERE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. UPON IMPACT, FRONTAL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 1, 2000 · crash

1999 Jeep Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1999 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 516 complaints put the 1999 model at #12 of 41 Cherokee years. It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (117 complaints), transmission (58 complaints), engine (44 complaints).

Does the 1999 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Jeep Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.