1994 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 7%of 519 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of the 519 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transfer case on the 4 wheel drive unit makes a creaking noise after it has been driven for more than 20 miles. The noise is most evident on coming to a complete stop and then turning (either left or right) after about 20 miles. I have replaced the drive shaft universals and inspected the cv joint in an effort to solve this problem. I have also had the rear transfer case seal replaced, although it has been leaking fluid at a very slow rate since it was replaced by my mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014515, filed 2003-04, 58,000 miles“Vehicle shuts down when slowing to a stop or deccelerating. Rear collision and side impact collisions have been narrowly avoided. Have tried 4 times to have it repaired but no one has made a solution. Chrysler customer service had neither offered advice nor interest in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10041558, filed 2003-10, 52,000 miles“I work for the university of illinois parking department. We had an incident where a Jeep Cherokee was rolling out of a parking space. The vehicle transmission was in park. The vehicle was originally parked on a upsloped ramp, and then began to slowly roll back out of the parking space. The rollout was very gradual. I was able to stop the vehicle by placing bricks behind the tires. When the owner came to get his vehicle, I was unable to communicate with him since he spoke spanish.”
NHTSA complaint #754310, filed 2001-11“Consumer complained about having problems with recall repairs that were performed on the floor shifter. It had actually made it worse on the shifter because the consumer had a hard time shifting gears. The manufacturer was contacted, and stated there was nothing that they could do. It was difficult to place the shifter from reverse into park and would end up in neutral.”
NHTSA complaint #10024273, filed 2003-07“Whiling idling vehicle jumped into reverse/ went out of control, and hit another vehicle.vehicle sounded as though gas pedal was to the floor, and wheels locked.contacted dealer. Police report states that consumer put vehicle in reverse and the throttle went wide open, consumer attempted to hit the brakes, however they did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #893672, filed 2001-08Transmission 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 1994 Jeep Cherokee
205 complaintsEngine cooling
79 complaintsBrakes
65 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsSeat belts
35 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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