1988 Jeep Cherokee Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 12%of 97 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Jeep Cherokee, 12% of the 97 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #741100, filed 2001-02“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.”
NHTSA complaint #737127, filed 2000-12“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.”
NHTSA complaint #729148, filed 2000-08Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 44% |
| 2022 | 4 | 8% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 10 | 3% |
| 2019 | 43 | 3% |
| 2018 | 26 | 4% |
| 2017 | 18 | 1% |
| 2016 | 44 | 3% |
| 2015 | 40 | 2% |
| 2014 | 200 | 8% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 20 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 61 | 15% |
| 1997 | 141 | 36% |
| 1996 | 28 | 6% |
| 1995 | 15 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 16 | 6% |
| 1989 | 15 | 8% |
| 1988 | 12 | 12% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1988 Jeep Cherokee
25 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology