1981 Jeep Cherokee
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Jeep › Cherokee › 1981
These records cover every 1981 Jeep Cherokee. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1981 Jeep Cherokee. Newest first.
The key operated tailgate window will continue to close if the spring loaded key does not return to off position when released.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The transmission throttle control rod spring may have been improperly installed. This may cause the throttle to close more slowly than normal. Vehicles may return to idle slowly.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Each end of the spring will be inspected and relocated, if necessary, to ensure correct positioning.
Owner complaints
1 complaints
Latest complaints
- Seats
When installing this aftermarket seat slider, the first bolt tightened twisted off so easily it could have only been the equivalent of a grade#1 bolt. I am concerned that in any type of collision or rollover., the seat would separate from the slider allowing the occupant to be thrown out of the…
When installing this aftermarket seat slider, the first bolt tightened twisted off so easily it could have only been the equivalent of a grade#1 bolt. I am concerned that in any type of collision or rollover., the seat would separate from the slider allowing the occupant to be thrown out of the vehicle. this item would fail in a simple rollover from the weight of the occupant itself irregardless of vehicle speed. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Analysis:many of the reports indicate that the plastic valve cover or the\tv gasketing material loses its structural and/or sealing integrity due tothe high engine temperatures associated with the AMC 258 engine.testingperformed by a local fleet clearly demonstrated that under normal drivingconditions, motor oil leaks…
Analysis:many of the reports indicate that the plastic valve cover or the\tv gasketing material loses its structural and/or sealing integrity due tothe high engine temperatures associated with the AMC 258 engine.testingperformed by a local fleet clearly demonstrated that under normal drivingconditions, motor oil leaks in the vicinity of the #3 or #4 cylinders (overthe exhaust manifold) can result in a fire serious enough to destroy avehicle.amc has issued numerous tsb's regarding the proper/improper method of seal-ing the valve cover-head interface.1981-84 AMC 6-cylinder engines areequipped with a plastic valve cover which has 5 guide pins and 2 fasteners.the cover used in later models was re-designed to have 5 attaching points,and this new valve cover can be used on older engines by means of amodification kit.as expected, complaints of engine fires in 1985 modelsdropped significantly, indicating that the addition of the new valve covermay have solved the problem.status: ir to the manufacturer sent 12/1/87.proposed action: open an engineering analysis.===
- Elec. Rear window
Analysis of the complaints and odi examination of vehicles suggests thatimpingement of the tailgate lock dust cover against the key may eitherinduce or continue unintended upward movement of the tailgate window.status:chrysler recalled by letter dated november 19, 1987.however,we believe that the self examination…
Analysis of the complaints and odi examination of vehicles suggests thatimpingement of the tailgate lock dust cover against the key may eitherinduce or continue unintended upward movement of the tailgate window.status:chrysler recalled by letter dated november 19, 1987.however,we believe that the self examination called for in the recall notice doesnot meet with the intent of the law.chrysler has been requested toreexamine the recall by letter dated 11/20/87.
Every Jeep Cherokee model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.