1997 Jeep Cherokee Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 19%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 182,069miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee, 19% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 182,069 miles. 13 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Went out to go somewhere and it had a hard time starting. As I began to drive down the road my Jeep started to backfire, all of a sudden it cut off and the steering wheel locked up and the lights went out it was dark so I could of been injured. When I got it to crank back my ABS light has been on ever since and we have bought about 5 hundred dollars in parts and tried everything we know to do even the mechanics we have asked about it have no answers for us, we can't afford to buy another vehicle and no one wants to buy it from us because of all of the problems we have had with our Jeep!”
NHTSA complaint #10473864, filed 2012-09, 149,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Cherokee. Upon depressing the brake pedal, it traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated that there was a complete loss of brake power. The dealer (cueter chrysler Jeep dodge ram in ypsilanti, michigan) was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,138.”
NHTSA complaint #11091959, filed 2018-05, 215,138 miles“When pressure applied to brakes, there was no respose causing me to fishtail for several seconds, bounce off of a guard rail and then fishtail again until I could gain control of the vehicle.l( DOT number: )”
NHTSA complaint #713991, filed 1999-10“In less than 36,000 miles the vehicle was returned (4) times for warpage of front brake rotors. Rotors replaced completely (1) time. Dealer claimed that this was normal. I contacted (2) independent brake specialists and each indicated excessive heat was causing premature warpage. They suggested it be returned to the dealer for corrective action. I stopped a car wash to hand wash the vehicle and upon spraying the front wheels notice steam coming off the wheel. This indicates substantial over excessive heat. …”
NHTSA complaint #710438, filed 1999-08“While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle continued to accelerate with speed. The driver noticed that the ABS light appeared on the dash board and remained on. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the ABS unit modular needed replacement due to a faulty solenoid switch. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10092370, filed 2004-09Related recalls
- 00V136000May 10, 2000Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1996–1999, Grand Cherokee 1996–1998
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 1997 Jeep Cherokee
141 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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