1997 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee, 3% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles. 2 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.
“Radiator & various AC parts needed replacement. Steering gave out in 2002. A screw went through an engine part. Recently, a joint connecting the axel to the steering mechanism had to be replaced. Fuel pump failed. Incredibly, it is inside the gas tank. I have since learned that Jeep gas tanks corrode on the inside, thus clogging the fuel pump. This is a very expensive repair because of the labor. There is still the possibility that this new fuel pump may also fail, because the gas tank was not replaced and the problem still exists. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069497, filed 2004-01, 74,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond when the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The tires were replaced and the front end was aligned, but the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the intermediate steering shaft might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10628221, filed 2014-08, 108,000 miles“Whenever I attempted to make a left or right turn there is popping noise. Also, sometines when I make a sharp turn to the right the turn does not seem to be complete (sharp enough).”
NHTSA complaint #717474, filed 2000-01“Nhtsa recall campaign 97v069000. Daimler chrysler issued a steering gear recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN although bolts sheared off, causing the driver to lose steering of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10107243, filed 2005-01“When brakes are applied they would vibrate. Power steering belt not working properly. Took to dealer & mechanic repaired brakes & steering belt. Was going upan incline & applied brakes lightly. Vehicle pulled to left. Emergency brake failed. Hit phone pole. Air bags did not deploy. Taken vehicle back to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #824816, filed 1998-06Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 6% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 22 | 7% |
| 2019 | 120 | 7% |
| 2018 | 30 | 4% |
| 2017 | 45 | 3% |
| 2016 | 54 | 4% |
| 2015 | 59 | 3% |
| 2014 | 119 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 7% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 37 | 8% |
| 1995 | 22 | 4% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 18 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 7 | 12% |
| 1986 | 2 | 10% |
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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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 29, 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