1989 Jeep Cherokee
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Jeep › Cherokee › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Jeep Cherokee. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1989 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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
There may be hydraulic fluid contamination from condensation formation that can plug the ABS brake booster pump filter; stress corrosion of the master cylinder snap ring has been traced to chlorine leaking from the low pressure hydraulic hose which may cause it to break; front brake hose to tire interference which may cause failure of the brake hose.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Contamination of the hydraulic fluid can causemalfunctioning of the anti-lock brake system; low pressure hose leakage causesloss of brake fluid and also results in corrosion and failure of the mastercylinder snap ring, resulting complete brake failure; failure of the front brakehose due to hose to tire interference will cause failure of one half of thebrake system resulting in a longer stopping distance than expected.
Remedy
Replace ABS low pressure hose; rebuild master brake cylinder; inspect, service interference problems, and replace front brake hose as necessary.
Malfunction of fuel injection system throttle postition sensor could cause intermittent high engine idle speed immediately after starting engine.
Risk and remedy
Risk
High engine idle when car IS first placed in gear couldresult in unexpected acceleration.
Remedy
Replace throttle position sensors with sensors that would send correct signals to the fuel injection system.
Owner complaints
191 complaints12 involved a crash17 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
I had my jeep towed to the dealer as I had no brakes and the ABS light was on. I received a call stating that the ABS pump and components were bad, and it would cost $1600 to convert it to non ABS with master cylinder, booster and custom brake lines. I asked why it wasn't covered as the recall…
I had my jeep towed to the dealer as I had no brakes and the ABS light was on. I received a call stating that the ABS pump and components were bad, and it would cost $1600 to convert it to non ABS with master cylinder, booster and custom brake lines. I asked why it wasn't covered as the recall stated that it was under warranty for the life of the vehicle. I was told that I could pick up my jeep and they could order the parts, but they would never arrive. I then called chrysler customer service only to be given the run around for 10 days. After speaking to several people, I demanded a supervisor who also stated they couldn't help me due to the age of the vehicle(1989 jeep cherokee). I explained that on their website under my vin that the recall stated it was covered for life, meaning age didn't matter. They stated that I was on the hook for the repair and they couldn't contact the dealer to reduce the cost, and offered no help whatsoever. How IS this legal? This isn't a lock or hinge, it's my entire braking system.
- Service brakes
Dealership can not get parts to fix the ABS brakes which were recalled and have a lifetime warranty. my jeep has been at the dealership since november 2015 waiting for parts. now they tell us they won't be able to get them. I have paid about $350 towards ABS parts during the time that it has been waiting for the parts covered under warranty.
- Wheels
I brought the vehicle in february 2016 and I drove it for 6 weeks. I was driving to work at 75 mph when the rear passenger side tire delaminated and caused a wreck in which the vehicle rolled 3 times I got out of the vehicle with minor injurys. The passenger rear tire dot stamp IS as follows.beyk8l1328.
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. While placing the vehicle in reverse, it immediately accelerated to 22 mph out of the driveway. The contact had to place both feet on the brake pedal in order to seize the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer and dealer were contacted and stated that the part would be ordered for the recall repair. The dealer was unable to obtain…
TL* the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer and dealer were contacted and stated that the part would be ordered for the recall repair. The dealer was unable to obtain the part one month later or provide a date of arrival. The contact stated the brakes were unresponsive when applied. The brake light warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 304,074.
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 1989 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he attempted to stop the vehicle but the brakes failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the brake…
TL* the contact owns a 1989 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he attempted to stop the vehicle but the brakes failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the brake actuator piston assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic ) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
1989 jeep cherokee. attorney representing consumer writes in regards to anti lock brake system recall notice. *Smd the vehicle developed an anti-lock brake problem and was taken to the dealer on january 24, 2013 for repairs. Since that time, the consumer has made numerous calls to the dealer to…
1989 jeep cherokee. attorney representing consumer writes in regards to anti lock brake system recall notice. *Smd the vehicle developed an anti-lock brake problem and was taken to the dealer on january 24, 2013 for repairs. Since that time, the consumer has made numerous calls to the dealer to try and get the problem fixed. the consumer was informed the anti-lock brake problem was a lifetime recall and it would be rectified. However, it has been 9 months, and the replacement still hasn't occurred.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. the contact received a recall notice for the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock and took the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to other brake system failures that were present. the contact does not wish…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. the contact received a recall notice for the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock and took the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to other brake system failures that were present. the contact does not wish to have the other failures corrected at this time. the recall number was unknown. the failure mileage was 127,251 and current mileage was 128,000.
- Steering · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. the contact stated that the shock absorber fails intermittently and causes the vehicle to shake violently. there are three bolts that hold the steering frame together, and once the failure occurs, the steering fails also. he stated that three of the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 jeep cherokee. the contact stated that the shock absorber fails intermittently and causes the vehicle to shake violently. there are three bolts that hold the steering frame together, and once the failure occurs, the steering fails also. he stated that three of the bolts have failed and caused a near crash due to the loss of steering control. he took the vehicle to a repair shop where they re-welded the bolts to the vehicle. the repair shop stated that the failures were due to a design flaw. the vin and speed were unknown and mileages were unknown due to a cracked odometer.
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Clutch master cylinder(cmc) pressure failed at home; discovered clutch pedal pivot bracket cracked and broken when replacing cmc. Discovered only top half of bracket welded to pivot which caused stress in the lower half at the diameter cross section. Fortunately, teenage daughter was not driving at time of failure. Broken parts removed to welding shop for correct repair. *nm
- Unknown or other
Request a complete list of all recall for 1989 jeep cherokee laredo. *ph *nm
- Suspension › Front
Consumer complained about a front suspension problem. when making a turn the wheels made a noise. also, while driving above 30 mph vehicle shook. consumer already purchased 2 sets of ball joints for this vehicle. *ak updated 4/6/2006 - *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer had to use both feet to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. brakes felt like they didn't have any power. Recall 96v26000 was issued for for ABS failure, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
While approaching a stop sign and without warning vehicle suddenly accelerated into traffic, causing a collision with another vehicle. there were no injuries or fatality. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning ABS braking system light will appear on the dashboard. *ak
- Service brakes, air › Supply › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake master cylinder to compressor on opposite side hose leak causing fire from brake fluid stream. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding recall 96 v 260 000. Abs.*jb
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer states that the engine rev's too high and will not come down to normal idle. the consumer has to turn off engine/key to get vehicle to idle down. mr the safety recall; throttle position sensor was performed on this vehicle. *scc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Consumer states that while driving at any speed vehicle will vibrate, vibration worsen imtermittingly when brakes are applyed, had vehcile serviced numerous times dealer cannot locate problem. Finally the problem resulted in lost of vehcle cauing an accident. nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Suspension › Front
While front end fell off vehicle started smoking.contacted dealer. Cooling reservior cracked.dealer said this was a common,even with newer models. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer had a mechanic to check the brake lines and put on new brake shoes. After the repairs, the consumer was informed that there may be a problem with the master cylinder or the power booster. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership and the vehicle was diagnosed as needing $2000 worth of…
Consumer had a mechanic to check the brake lines and put on new brake shoes. After the repairs, the consumer was informed that there may be a problem with the master cylinder or the power booster. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership and the vehicle was diagnosed as needing $2000 worth of work done to correct the problem. the consumer took the vehicle to an independent shop for a second opinion. it was explained to the consumer, that the problem was the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump motor assembly. there IS a recall found on the internet pertaining to the same year, make/model of consumers vehicle. Consumer IS having a problem contacting the chrysler corp. Pertaining to the recall. *Jg updated *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
The fuel injectors are two part machined, one part plastic one part metal. They will separate and cause fire. This will cause death and cost money. This IS a defect that needs to be recalled, im astonished it has not yet been. this costs the consumer 80$ each, and in the end it adds up to almost buying a whole new engine, something IS wrong with this equasion.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
While starting engine will accelerate, causing vehicle to vibrate. mechanic found defect within fuel injection system. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS system in this jeep has been repaired under recall 3 times! Each time the brakes failagain. This time we are being charged for the accumulator which IS an intergral part of the ABS systme which keeps failing. a previous owner had taken this jeep in several times due to the same failing…
The ABS system in this jeep has been repaired under recall 3 times! Each time the brakes failagain. This time we are being charged for the accumulator which IS an intergral part of the ABS systme which keeps failing. a previous owner had taken this jeep in several times due to the same failing system but t was before the recall went into effect... Chrysler will nto pay to replace the accumulator even though this IS not "normal " wear and tear! This jeep IS a death trap and after 3 trips to the jeep dealer has yet to be fixed. Now im having to pay for what should be covered under reccall! The last time the brakes "went out" /failed I had my toddler in the car... I wont allow chryslers neglegence to harm my child. I woudl sell this but then someone else would end up with a deathtrap and I would never be able to sleep. I just want it fixed... For free since the problem IS in the manufacturing!
- Vehicle speed control
At start up rpms go to 3000-3500 without applying accelerator, then rpm's stay up 80 % of time.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Driveshaft/univ.joint fail
There is no summary currently available
- Failed antilock brakes
There is no summary currently available
- Failed antilock brakes
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 633948Subject regarding floor pan corrosion. *Slc
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 600604Subject on customer satisfaction notification #733--brake pedal shift interlock.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 43047Unknown
- 39539Redesigned liftgate latch.
- 39263Failure of the oxygen sensor, pcv hose (yj only), transfer case vacuum hose and /or fuel tank vent valve boot may cause the vehicle to be in violation of california standards. In addition, the exhaust manifold may produce an exhaust leak noise. To correct this condition, dealers are to replace the the faulty components with the new emission service package.
- 39015It has been determined that certain emission related components of the 1989 jeep equipped with the 2.5L engine, may be susceptible to failure. Failure of these components may cause the vehicle to be in violation of california emissions standards. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen could be above the allowable limits, which were established to protect public health from the dangers of air pollution. To correct this problem, dealers will replace the oxygen sensor, crankcase ventilation hose and if equipped, the transfer case vacuum hose and fuel tank vent boot. In addition, the the exhaust manifold will be checked for an exhaust leak noise and replaced as rquired.
- 39013It has been determined that the oxygen sensor on certain 1989 jeep cherokee, comanche and wrangler models equipped with a 2.5L engine may be susceptible to failure. Failure of the oxygen sensor may cause your vehicle to be in violation of federal emissions standards. To correct this problem, dealers will replace the oxygen sensor.
- 39012Supplemental information to manufacturer's recall #556.
- 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.