1997 Jeep Cherokee Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee, 3% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at approximately 50 MPH hood opened up w/o warning. Hood was not tampered with, and opened unexpectedly through both safety latches. Defect affected consumer's visibility on the highway, which almost LED to an accident. Vehicle taken to dealer for repairs, they said that owner did not lube the latches, therefore the dealer/chrysler is not at fault.”
NHTSA complaint #863803, filed 2000-06“While driving 55 MPH hood unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that hood needed to be replaced due to corrosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10067531, filed 2004-04“1997 Jeep Cherokee hood unlatched and flipped up striking the windshield. Consumer hit the median barrier because he could not see. Ohio traffic crash report #10-90-0800.”
NHTSA complaint #10213951, filed 2008-01“Hood became unattached from the vehicle while driving. Cable must have snapped. Vision was blocked by hood. Consumer feels this is very dangerous because driver can't see where to go.”
NHTSA complaint #895076, filed 2001-08“The consumer has been experiencing problems with their trunk latch. While driving down the highway, the trunk flew open and their dog almost flew out. The trunk latch was discovered broken. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #830268, filed 1998-11Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 4 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 10 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 1% |
| 1995 | 8 | 1% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 1% |
| 1985 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
141 complaintsBrakes
75 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEquipment
12 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 30, 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