1988 Jeep Cherokee
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Jeep › Cherokee › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Jeep Cherokee. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1988 Jeep Cherokee. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Pedal misapplication by a driver can cause unintended acceleration.
Remedy
Dealers will install a shift interlock on the automatic transmission of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
97 complaints4 involved a crash6 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 jeep cherokee. The engine began to idle excessively. The contact applied both feet on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to slow down. Suddenly, the key was removed from the ignition. The engine shut off and the vehicle accelerated into a ditch. The driver…
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 jeep cherokee. The engine began to idle excessively. The contact applied both feet on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to slow down. Suddenly, the key was removed from the ignition. The engine shut off and the vehicle accelerated into a ditch. The driver sustained no injuries. The vehicle was able to resume operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The failure was contributed to a loose wire in the throttle body sensor. The failure occurred twice and the throttle body sensor was also repaired twice. The failure mileage was 30,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Seat belts › Front
Dt* the contact stated that the shoulder part of the seat belt strap does not lock up. has had vehicle for 5 years and the seat belts in the front do not function properly and have never functioned properly. they should lock up when vehicle breaks but they do not. updated 7/13/2006 - *nm
- Steering › Electric power assist system
Upon pulling out the driveway power steering was lost. The gear box dropped. There was another frame welded to the original frame. Found that the vehicle had been in an accident. Contacted the dealer. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Exterior lighting · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle failed emissions due to a high hydrocarbon output/ problems with lights, brakes, windshield wipers, starter, and seat belts. *mr there was a crack found in the exhaust manifold. *scc *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
The rear passenger tire experienced tread separation. *jb the consumer was driving when loud noise had come from the right rear wheel well. the exact same problem happened to the left front tire. (model peerless force 4) *scc
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Jeep cherokee driver side seat belt buckle does not stay latched... the mechanism has collapsed inside the buckle.. daimler-chrysler refuses to replace this part of the seat belt under warranty.. this IS a chronic problem with these older jeep cherokee seat belt buckles... this IS the…
Jeep cherokee driver side seat belt buckle does not stay latched... the mechanism has collapsed inside the buckle.. daimler-chrysler refuses to replace this part of the seat belt under warranty.. this IS a chronic problem with these older jeep cherokee seat belt buckles... this IS the second older jeep that we have owner that has had this same problem.. the last time the manufacturer replaced it under warranty.. this time they won't and say they don't have to.. this buckle should last the life of the vehicle no matter how old it gets unless it was physically abused which it has not been... federal mandates are in place on buckles for foreign cars; why not domestic cars too... *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stalls occasionally after climbing grades or quick stops. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was parked with engine running, consumer applied brake and put vehicle in reverse. Vehicle went backward at high speed, and hit parked vehicle. Accident report stated vehicle went 86 feet, and hit parked vehicle at 50 mph. No injuries. $ 2030 damage to vehicle. *ak consumer stated the…
Vehicle was parked with engine running, consumer applied brake and put vehicle in reverse. Vehicle went backward at high speed, and hit parked vehicle. Accident report stated vehicle went 86 feet, and hit parked vehicle at 50 mph. No injuries. $ 2030 damage to vehicle. *ak consumer stated the vehicle was having an idle problem prior to the accident, the previous owner had the problem checked a number of times by the manufacturer, but nothing was ever done to correct it, the idling problem was when the vehicle was first started, the engine would rev at a high rpm for a few minutes.*slc
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
No summary listed for above vehicle. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Vehicle had been parked and turned off. emergency brakes were applied. vehicle had started to drift backwards after it slipped out of park and into neutral, problem IS intermittent.*ak *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
When I come to a stop or near stop, and turn either to the left or right, the engine shuts down as I start entering into the intersection. it does this only when I have turned the steering wheel to start my turn. it has actually stalled when I'm nose out into traffic. most of the time it will…
When I come to a stop or near stop, and turn either to the left or right, the engine shuts down as I start entering into the intersection. it does this only when I have turned the steering wheel to start my turn. it has actually stalled when I'm nose out into traffic. most of the time it will catch again if I quickly apply more gas and slightly turn the steering wheel. I'm concerned that it IS something with the ignition assembly within the steering wheel hub. a couple times the jeep has stalled and there IS traffic coming in the lane that I'm stalled in.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer states vehicle was set on cruise control at 60 mph, and all of a sudden the vehicle began to increase speed for no apparent reason, consumer attempted to slow the vehicle with the cruise control but was not successful, the vehicle continued to increase speed consumer tried the on-off…
Consumer states vehicle was set on cruise control at 60 mph, and all of a sudden the vehicle began to increase speed for no apparent reason, consumer attempted to slow the vehicle with the cruise control but was not successful, the vehicle continued to increase speed consumer tried the on-off switch of the cruise control but it had no effect, and also stepping on the braked had no effect, vehicle had reached 75 mph consumer realized vehicle was out of control so he turned off the ignition and with no power steering or brakes he managed to drift the vehicle onto the highway and stop it in neutral, consumer restarted the vehicle and it instantly went to full throttle consumer turned off the ignition again and he began checking the accelerator linkage under the hood and discovered that the cruise control even wth the engine off was holding the accelerator control to its maxium consumer pulled the two vacuum lines off the cruise control controller and this then released the accelerator to where he could restart the vehicle. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
After starting vehicle rpm's go up to 3000, and will not go down. If vehicle IS put in drive at that time, vehicle will take off like a rocket. Consumer has to shut off vehicle and restart. sometimes twice before rpm's stay down. 1989 models had recall on high engine idle. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
One transmission replaced the second IS failing it shifts into neutral causing loss of power while driving down the road also caused one engine failure. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving about 55 mph on highway accelerator pedal always went to the floor, throttle stayed open. Could step on brakes pedal to make throttle close, butit will activate again.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Strong fuel smell, throtle sticks, engine surge, told by aaa fuel injector recall coming? if yes, when?
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Parked jeep and wiring caught fire for no reason there were no indictions of a short. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Design of fuel injection system seems poor. Myself and others I have spoken with have experienced the same problem with this vehicle. The fuel injectors start leaking without any type of warning, this type of leak can be very serious when fuel spills down on the hot exhaust system, it can cause a…
Design of fuel injection system seems poor. Myself and others I have spoken with have experienced the same problem with this vehicle. The fuel injectors start leaking without any type of warning, this type of leak can be very serious when fuel spills down on the hot exhaust system, it can cause a fire and possible injuries.can you please look into this problem and contact me about what to do about it . I hope that nobody has been injured by this problem. Thank you very much for your help in this matter. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Fuel injectors leak spraying fuel in engine compartment. dealer says common problem but very dangerous.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Fuel injectors cracked or separated near pressed seals. Dealer estimate of 1000.00 to replace 6 injectors at 110.00 each. With one hours labor. I found injectors at retail shops(i.e. Trak, pepboys, etc.) for 55.00 each. I have researched this potential fatal problem and found that this has occurred…
Fuel injectors cracked or separated near pressed seals. Dealer estimate of 1000.00 to replace 6 injectors at 110.00 each. With one hours labor. I found injectors at retail shops(i.e. Trak, pepboys, etc.) for 55.00 each. I have researched this potential fatal problem and found that this has occurred dozens upon dozens of times including many reports with nhtsa. This should be a recall issue not blatant robbery for parts by the manufacturer. Now this occurs during cold weather, so it IS a seasonal occurrence. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
When I come to a stop sign, and am stopped,and I have to turn either left or right, when the steering wheel IS slightly turned and I release the foot brake and apply the gas, the engine will completley stall, unless I move the steering wheel more and then it may catch and start running again. this…
When I come to a stop sign, and am stopped,and I have to turn either left or right, when the steering wheel IS slightly turned and I release the foot brake and apply the gas, the engine will completley stall, unless I move the steering wheel more and then it may catch and start running again. this happens no matter which direction I attempt to turn and the stalling may put me a few feet out into the line of traffic. I have to quickly put the shift gear in neutral and turn the ignition switch again and the engine will eimmediately start. this IS the only time the engine will ever stall, but it puts me in a very dangerous position. it seems as though there IS a connection with the stalling and the certain position that the steering wheel IS turned. I think I remember a few weeks ago that ford also had somewhat similar problem with their engine stalling out while driving and accidents happening. has jeep ever had any complaints or problems such as what I have? as IS, I can not depend on entering a traffic pattern either to the left or right if I will need to readily get into the desired lane, for fear that the engine will stall and I'll get hit by someone who fails to notice that I have stalled out.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle purchased in 1996 wiring harnesess in engine have crimp connectors covered with standard off the shief duct tape . This IS factory and dealer said this was done at manufacture. the tape has dry rotted and provides no protection. 4 times wires have grounded out twice causing small fires.…
Vehicle purchased in 1996 wiring harnesess in engine have crimp connectors covered with standard off the shief duct tape . This IS factory and dealer said this was done at manufacture. the tape has dry rotted and provides no protection. 4 times wires have grounded out twice causing small fires. all vehicles of this era have this problem and most of the vehicles in salvage yards have evidence of fire damage from these connections. I repaired every connection and saved the failed connectors for evidence and research purposes.
- Tires
I purchased four new firestone wilderness at tires from a firestone service center in scottsdale, az in october of 1999. I recently discovered, after all the news coverage, that although my tires do not show the code for the decatur plant, three of the four tires are cracking at the point where…
I purchased four new firestone wilderness at tires from a firestone service center in scottsdale, az in october of 1999. I recently discovered, after all the news coverage, that although my tires do not show the code for the decatur plant, three of the four tires are cracking at the point where the tread meets the sidewall. the cracking appears to be consistent with the tread failure of firstones recalled tires. this defect in such relatively new tires IS worrisome to me especially because I am in no financial position to replace the tires on my own. I hope something can be done soon.( dot number: tire size: 235 75 R15 )
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Smell fuel when starting car. car was running rough. repair shop found leaking fuel injectors and replaced at extemely high cost. leaking fuel could have caught on fire.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving car, smoke began coming from interior. stopped and shut off car. had it towed in. repair shop found burned wire in handbrake area. repaired but inside of car still smells like smoke. can't get rid of smell.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt retractor
===
- Throttle control
Summary:the pe was opened to investigate whether jeep's recall of certain1987 model vehicles equipped with the 4.0 liter fuel injected 6 cylinderengine (87v-035) had involved all the potentially affected vehicles.areview of the odi files had indicated that 1987-1988 jeep vehiclesequipped with the 4.O liter engine also…
Summary:the pe was opened to investigate whether jeep's recall of certain1987 model vehicles equipped with the 4.0 liter fuel injected 6 cylinderengine (87v-035) had involved all the potentially affected vehicles.areview of the odi files had indicated that 1987-1988 jeep vehiclesequipped with the 4.O liter engine also were experiencing some throttlecontrol problem.a review of the warranty claims and the availableincident reports does not indicate that a potential defect trend existsor IS developing.the warranty claims attenuate, and the alledgedincidents appear to be caused by a variety of factors. #===
- Fires caused by cltch lk
No safety defect trend has been detected.===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 633948Subject regarding floor pan corrosion. *Slc
- 600604Subject on customer satisfaction notification #733--brake pedal shift interlock.
- 39539Redesigned liftgate latch.
- 37855New front output seal and oil slinger for transfer case.
Every Jeep Cherokee model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.