1999 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 14%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Jeep Cherokee, 14% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since there is no catagory for this issue I had to put visibility/wiper in order to even submit this form. There is no catagory for the heating system which there are a lot of problems!!! The accuator doors regulating the heat to the inside of the vehicle are broken. I thought by replacing the motor which controls them it would fix it. No such luck the doors are broken and not only are they almost impossible to reach without pulling the entire dashboard and console, the cost for it will be around $1500 and that is absurd for a part which is less than $100. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492391, filed 2013-01, 119,000 miles“I drove my Jeep to a home, parked in the driveway, left the car running about 5-10 minutes. As I was locking the door leaving the home I turned and saw the Jeep going in reverse toward the road, I ran to the Jeep to try and get in and control the Jeep, I slipped under the vehicle and it ran over both my legs. It came to a complete stop about 30-50 feet after it ran me over. I was taken to the hospital, treated and released. I have not yet had the car looked at by a mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10184341, filed 2007-03, 105,115 miles“While backing out of the driveway, the driver placed the vehicle in park and got out. After getting out, the vehicle had gone into reverse, struck the driver and crashed into a neighbor's garage. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the problem without tearing apart the automatic transmission. There were recalls for the 1993-1998 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10044860, filed 2003-12, 40,000 miles“Warranty replacement of transfer case due to hairline fracture during manufacturing within first 7,000 miles on car. At 37,000 miles fuel sensor failed. At 69,000 window regulator failed. At 72,000 rear shock broke off car leaving bolts still in chassis. Very frustrated, chryster corp. Does not care!”
NHTSA complaint #10086670, filed 2004-08, 12,000 miles“The vehicle stalled and shut down without prior warning. Dealer was aware of the problem. Ts gear shift selector light was inoperative. Transmission shifted hard and slipped on acceleration. Found wrong fluid in transmission. Ignition cylinder loose. Dealer advised this was normal. Transmission banged when put in reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #8023609, filed 2002-12, 80,360 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission 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 1999 Jeep Cherokee
102 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTires
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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