1990 Jeep Cherokee Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year write almost entirely about the ABS brake system, describing the ABS warning light coming on, a hard or low pedal, longer stopping distances, and repeated replacements of the ABS pump motor or actuator. A second recurring theme is a high or racing idle right after startup, which owners link to the throttle position sensor and to a related campaign. Reports span a wide mileage range, from under 30,000 miles to well past 200,000, and many owners mention that parts for older safety campaigns were no longer available.

1. 1
   Brakes

   ABS pump/actuator failure, warning light, poor braking

   • 134 complaints (50%)
   • median 137,000 mi at 20.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
   • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2022

   Owners describe the ABS warning light staying on and the brake pedal going hard, spongy, or low, with longer stopping distances and, in some accounts, a pull to one side under braking. Several say the ABS pump motor, booster, or actuator assembly was replaced, sometimes more than once, and that the problem returned. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle had already been repaired under a brake recall, that the manufacturer declined further coverage, or that replacement parts were no longer available. Reported across a wide range, from about 20,000 to over 250,000 miles, at normal driving speeds and in everyday braking.

   Recall 96V260000Recall 91V063000Recall 91V003000

   What to check: Ask whether brake recall work was completed and whether the ABS pump motor or actuator has been replaced, and request receipts. During a test drive, watch for an ABS light that stays on and for a pedal that feels hard or sinks.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “1. Reduced brake performance 2. Brake fluid leak in ABS pump motor assembly, permanently, reduced then lost brake performance 3. Nothing, old part is available additional notes: orr chrysler dodge Jeep did not replace ABS pump motor assembly which has lifetime coverage. The dealership tried to convince me that the ABS pump motor assembly was not broken which is not true. Chrysler corp. Refused to provide assistance. I have filed a complaint with the ftc as well.”

   NHTSA complaint #10322405, filed 2010-03, 125,000 miles

   “My 4year old daughter and I were on our way home when my brakes almost completely went out at about 45mph. Luckily we were on a straight country backroad with a gravel shoulder to aid in slowing down. Towed the Jeep to the chrysler dealership 2 weeks later for a diagnostic on 04/24/2017 where they confirmed the issue to be the actuator pump under a #702 recall. I was given 2 options, sell my Jeep to chrysler for ~$600 or get it replaced with aftermarket parts with both parts and labor to be covered by chrysler. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11014769, filed 2017-08, 196,000 miles
2. 2
   Vehicle speed control

   Engine idles high or races after startup

   • 42 complaints (16%)
   • median 10,000 mi at 19.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2013

   Owners report the engine revving to a high idle immediately after starting, sometimes climbing rather than settling, and on some accounts the vehicle moving or surging without accelerator input. Complaints attribute this to the throttle position sensor or idle air control, note that turning the engine off and restarting sometimes restores a normal idle, and describe dealers declining repairs on vehicles past warranty or outside a campaign. Most often described as happening at startup, with some reports noting it also occurs after driving for a while; reported across a range of mileages including low-mileage vehicles.

   Recall 90V177000

   What to check: Start the engine cold and watch the tachometer: idle should settle quickly and stay steady. Ask whether the throttle position sensor campaign work was done, and whether the idle air control valve has been cleaned or replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have owned a Jeep Cherokee sport which was purchased new in 1990 for years now. I have experienced sudden acceleration events more than ten times now, most recently in 2008. It seems each time I will be driving along, possibly braking, and zoom! The engine revs and the vehicle accelerates. It is like driving a car out of control. I am aware that chrysler has blamed such occurrences on operator error but, more than once now, I have checked to be sure my foot was not on the gas pedal when this acceleration was happening. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10315694, filed 2010-03, 10,000 miles

   “My vehicle had a sticker indicating that the tps recall had been completed prior to my ownership. I have been experiencing the same problems with the tps that caused the original recall on the part. The throttle position sensor has been causing intermittent high engine idle speeds immediately after starting the engine. The idle cannot be reduced by tapping the gas pedal. The rpms continue to increase until I turn my vehicle off. I have to restart the engine anywhere from 1 to 6 times before I can get a normal idle speed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #709999, filed 1999-08
3. 3
   Engine cooling

   Engine overheating, especially in hot weather

   • 15 complaints (6%)
   • median 180,000 mi at 11.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2003

   Complaints describe the engine overheating after extended driving in hot weather, and in one account an electrical short was cited as the underlying factor. Owners also report engine-compartment fires occurring after the vehicle had been parked and shut off, and one complaint mentions a persistent exhaust rattle at idle. Typically after longer drives in warm weather or at higher mileages; fire reports occurred shortly after the engine was shut off.

   What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for seepage at hoses and the radiator, and confirm the cooling fan engages when warm. Have the seller show any history of cooling-system or wiring repairs.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The exhaust has a continual rattle at idle and I don't know if this is a safety concern ,it just started one day and I can not get a straight answer on what it is or if something is wrong with the vehicle. It is a major concern as I need to know if it is a fire hazard. Thank you.”

   NHTSA complaint #701106, filed 1999-01

   “Consumer parked vehicle, approximately 15 minutes after the engine shut off and vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was totalled. Fire inspector discovered fire started in engine compartment. Vin.# will be added at later time.”

   NHTSA complaint #829057, filed 1998-10
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Shifter moves out of Park without brake; stalling

   • 16 complaints (6%)
   • median 104,450 mi at 11.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2020

   Owners report the gear selector moving out of Park without the brake applied, which a dealer addressed by installing a shift interlock. Other complaints describe stalling while driving that was temporarily relieved by moving the shifter, and a rear axle failure that left the vehicle fishtailing. Reported at various mileages, generally in vehicles with considerable use; the shifter concern was noted on a vehicle later fitted with an interlock.

   What to check: With the engine running, confirm the shifter will not leave Park unless the brake is pressed. Listen for whine or clunk from the rear axle on a test drive and check for leaks at the differential.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On 8-23-97 recall repair (96v26000) was done. However, after recall repairs were done the anti-lock brake light stayed on and the gear shift would move from park to another gear without applying the brakes. Replacements were done to the actuator / actuator clamp was worn & the accumulator to correct problem. Problems still exist which did not occur until after recall repair.”

   NHTSA complaint #548514, filed 1999-09

   “Gear shift was not suppose to go into drive without either pressing on the brakes or turning the key in ignition, consumer was able to put car in reverse by accidently hitting gear shift. Also, dealer found that the ramp in which the locking mechanism fitted into was worn or designed at an extreme an angle, allowing the ramp to be pushed into the reverse positon. In 1998, dealer installed a shift interlock system.”

   NHTSA complaint #863323, filed 2000-06

Buying note. On this model year, the brake system deserves the most attention: ask for documentation of any ABS or brake campaign work and budget for pump or actuator repairs, since owners report parts can be scarce. Also verify a steady idle at cold start and check for fuel smells and cooling-system condition before committing.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.