1988 Jeep Cherokee Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 26%of 97 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1988 Jeep Cherokee, 26% of the 97 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10316792, filed 2010-03, 30,000 miles“When first starting vehicle, engine would be idling high. Shifted vehicle into drive & it would jump forward. Feet would remain on brakes when this happened. Also happens when engine is warm, high idle continues while driving. Mechanic cleaned the out the unit. Also informed owner it would need replacing after the problem returned.”
NHTSA complaint #850317, filed 1999-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #885937, filed 2001-04“When vehicle first started it would be revving, & then took off with foot not on brakes or accelerator. Had to press very hard on brakes to stop vehicle. Problem intermittent. Took to dealer twice & electrical parts replaced. Problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #824061, filed 1998-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #885605, filed 2001-04Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 83 | 5% |
| 2018 | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 76 | 5% |
| 2015 | 120 | 7% |
| 2014 | 185 | 7% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 10 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 4% |
| 1996 | 13 | 3% |
| 1995 | 72 | 12% |
| 1994 | 38 | 7% |
| 1993 | 36 | 9% |
| 1992 | 19 | 17% |
| 1991 | 12 | 5% |
| 1990 | 54 | 20% |
| 1989 | 45 | 24% |
| 1988 | 25 | 26% |
| 1987 | 19 | 33% |
| 1986 | 3 | 14% |
| 1984 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1988 Jeep Cherokee
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsFuel system
12 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