1989 Jeep Cherokee Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 92about this part
- Share
- 48%of 191 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 92 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Jeep Cherokee, 48% of the 191 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10872607, filed 2016-06, 153,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11205390, filed 2019-05, 255,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10051742, filed 2003-12, 120,000 miles“My antilock brake light has been on for several months then my brake lights would come on. Then in late aug 1999 or early sept. I experienced a brake failure for a couple of blocks. When I brought in my Jeep to the dealer they said I would have to replace the modulator which is a very expensive part $2000. I got a second opinion and was told by another mechanic that my brakes should be functioning without the ABS. Then I had problems again and I had rear wheel cylinders & pads replaced 10-5-99. …”
NHTSA complaint #713219, filed 1999-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10558216, filed 2014-01, 304,074 milesRelated recalls
- 96V260000Dec 27, 1996Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with antilock brake system (abs). The antilock brake system (abs) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1989–1991, Wagoneer 1989–1991
- 91V003000Oct 2, 1991There may be hydraulic fluid contamination from condensation formation that can plug the abs brake booster pump filter; stress corrosion of the master…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1989–1990, Wagoneer 1989–1990
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 8% |
| 2021 | 14 | 8% |
| 2020 | 30 | 9% |
| 2019 | 110 | 7% |
| 2018 | 38 | 6% |
| 2017 | 62 | 5% |
| 2016 | 103 | 7% |
| 2015 | 137 | 8% |
| 2014 | 211 | 8% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 56 | 24% |
| 2000 | 105 | 28% |
| 1999 | 102 | 28% |
| 1998 | 88 | 22% |
| 1997 | 75 | 19% |
| 1996 | 93 | 21% |
| 1995 | 90 | 15% |
| 1994 | 65 | 13% |
| 1993 | 130 | 31% |
| 1992 | 40 | 35% |
| 1991 | 163 | 70% |
| 1990 | 153 | 57% |
| 1989 | 92 | 48% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 6 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 14% |
| 1985 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1989 Jeep Cherokee
45 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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