1985 Jeep Cherokee Problems
- Complaints
- 17filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Jeep Cherokee (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1985 Jeep Cherokee. The part named most often is seat belts, with 6 complaints (35% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and latches, locks and linkages (2). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hydraulic filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts6 35%
- Brakes2 12%
- Seats2 12%
- Body and structure2 12%
- Tires2 12%
- Air bags1 5.9%
- Engine cooling1 5.9%
- Equipment1 5.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Would be making a grinding noise when brakes were applied. Was not able to turn wheel. Brakes were sparking without being applied. This caused vehicle to shake. Took to dealership , and mechanic found that brake pin broke loose and got caught.”
NHTSA complaint #884398, filed 2001-03Seats: “Failure of the driver's side seat, the seat has become detached from the frame or the track of the vehicle, consumer has replaced the seat on two occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #807514, filed 1997-03Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Jeep Cherokee version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 20 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD/AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,950 |
9 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V106000Jul 1, 1988Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › HydraulicCovers: Jeep Cherokee 1985–1987, Wagoneer 1985–1987, Comanche 1985–1987
Brake booster vacuum reservoir canisters may develop leaks due to bumper impact.
- 84V138000Nov 2, 1984Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Jeep Cherokee 1985, Wagoneer 1985
- 84V122000Oct 30, 1984Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Jeep Cherokee 1985, Wagoneer 1985
Improperly tightened bolt on steering shaft allows the connector on the shaft to slip. Steering movements will not be transmitted to the gear box.
Recall details for the 1985 Jeep Cherokee → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE89151Safety belt retractorClosed · Aug 11, 1989
- EA88005Elec. Rear windowClosed · Oct 23, 1987
- PE88001Fires caused by cltch lkClosed · Oct 23, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Jeep Cherokee.
Other model years of the Jeep Cherokee
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | — | 4 | — | 37 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 52 | 60,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 176 | 55,500 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 334 | 50,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,671 | 21,275 | 11 | 4 | 25 | 81 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 688 | 33,200 | 7 | 4 | 25 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 1,338 | 40,894 | 6 | 4 | 25 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 1,412 | 43,650 | 9 | 4 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,793 | 27,250 | 11 | 4 | 25 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 2,650 | 37,000 | 13 | 4 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2006 | 17 | 26,235 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 229 | 59,650 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 369 | 71,500 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 76,900 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 399 | 98,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 390 | 104,040 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 447 | 136,650 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 608 | 105,928 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 519 | 115,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 418 | 130,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 113 | 118,490 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 233 | 172,602 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 270 | 142,868 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 191 | 139,634 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 97 | 75,544 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 57 | 90,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 21 | 169,774 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 17 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Jeep Cherokee model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1985 Jeep Cherokee as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Jeep Cherokee is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 6 complaints (35% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 1985 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Jeep Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Jeep Cherokee (Cherokee/Wagoneer, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.