1990 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 270 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, 6% of the 270 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,900 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My problem matches NHTSA campaign number 90v177000 exactly, including make, model, engine, and transmission specifications, but for some reason, according to my VIN, my vehicle is not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #721712, filed 2000-04“10 to 15 escond cranking to start, on start up idles at 2000 to 2500 RPM's for 2 to 4 minutes, door lock actuators wont lock or unlock door or rear hatch, linkage binds, no back up lights, both ft wind wing windows leak air & water, clunking when starting & stopping from transmission area, fuel pump noisy, fuel injectors leak raw fuel on hot days”
NHTSA complaint #713404, filed 1999-10“Consumer was traveling at approximately 35 MPH when rear end of vehicle began to fishtail, causing consumer to lose control. A private mechanic stated that rear axle of vehicle had snapped, which caused this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #886837, filed 2001-04“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“Vehicle was parked and running. Driver was outside of vehicle when transmission jumped out of gear. This was second occurrence.dealer was informed. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #8013829, filed 2002-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2022 | 29 | 56% |
| 2021 | 104 | 59% |
| 2020 | 199 | 60% |
| 2019 | 833 | 50% |
| 2018 | 296 | 43% |
| 2017 | 650 | 49% |
| 2016 | 636 | 45% |
| 2015 | 1,007 | 56% |
| 2014 | 1,471 | 56% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 | 29 | 8% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 65 | 16% |
| 1997 | 47 | 12% |
| 1996 | 60 | 13% |
| 1995 | 43 | 7% |
| 1994 | 38 | 7% |
| 1993 | 44 | 11% |
| 1992 | 15 | 13% |
| 1991 | 13 | 6% |
| 1990 | 17 | 6% |
| 1989 | 9 | 5% |
| 1988 | 8 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1985 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1990 Jeep Cherokee
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
54 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 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