2001 Jeep Cherokee Problems
- Complaints
- 229filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,650miles, 104 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake vibration and shaking, front-end wobble at highway speeds, and coolant loss linked to cylinder head problems on the 4.0L engine. Complaints also repeatedly mention a broken driver's seat frame and airbags that did not deploy in a collision. Reports come in at a wide range of mileages, from under 20,000 to well past 100,000.
- Brakes
Brake shake and pulsation (warped rotors)
- 55 complaints (24%)
- median 21,500 mi at 3.3 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2011
Owners describe the front end or steering wheel shaking or pulsing when the brakes are applied, often most noticeable at highway speeds and sometimes severe enough to make the vehicle hard to control. Complaints say rotors were resurfaced or replaced, in some cases repeatedly and at the owner's expense, and that the shaking came back after a few thousand miles. Several mention a service bulletin existing for the symptom but not a recall. Often first reported between about 10,000 and 30,000 miles, with recurrence after rotor work.
What to check: Test-drive at highway speed and brake firmly from about 60 mph to feel for pulsing or shake. Ask for rotor and pad service records and when the front brakes were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brakes on a Jeep Cherokee. The brakes on my 2001 Jeep Cherokee have started shaking the car rappidly when the brakes are applied at freeway speeds. I have contacted the dealer and have been informed that this is not a warranty issue. I also called a local meineke location and was told that this is a common issue with most Cherokee's. The result is that this will cost me $300 for a problem that should be covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10082535, filed 2004-07, 30,000 miles“Complaint received via e-mail. I have had a consistent problem with my brakes since I brought it. The first failure occurred at 9012 miles. Dealership replaced the front calipers and rotors. Then at 18811 miles dealership resurfaced the front and rear rotors because they were warped. At 24,806 miles the failure recurred. Dealership replaced all 4 brake rotors. Currently, at 32,000 miles the failure recurred, but the vehicle was out of warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10103957, filed 2005-01, 9,012 miles - Seats
Driver's seat frame and track breaking
- 16 complaints (7%)
- median 90,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2013
Owners describe the driver's seat frame or track cracking or tearing loose, leaving the seat back reclined, leaning to one side, or rocking while driving. Complaints say dealers told them there was no recall and that replacement parts were costly or no longer available, and several note the same failure on more than one vehicle. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 145,000 miles.
What to check: Grab the seat back and rock it firmly side to side and front to back, and look under the seat for cracked or torn mounting metal and loose bolts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. The metal that attaches the seat to the mounting bracket has failed in multiple areas. The seat is now loose and leans back and to the right. In my research using the internet I have found may people who are having this same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10264071, filed 2009-04, 80,000 miles“Driver side front seat frame broke on 2001 Jeep Cherokee causing seat back to recline on one side towards the rear. I own two identical Jeep cherokees and it happened to both of them. There are many complaints about this on the internet. I called the dealer and was told there weren't any recalls on this. I think this is dangerous and could very likely cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause a serious accident. Please review and advise. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10357459, filed 2010-09, 77,500 miles - Engine cooling
4.0L coolant loss and cracked cylinder head
- 18 complaints (8%)
- median 78,585 mi at 9.3 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2017
Owners report slowly losing coolant with no visible puddle, sometimes as much as a quart every few hundred miles, along with overheating, low oil pressure at idle, or coolant and oil mixing in the overflow tank. Complaints say shops traced the problem to a cracked cylinder head casting, and that replacing the head sometimes did not stop the loss. Some mention the #3 cylinder area and manifold cracks. Generally reported between about 35,000 and 150,000 miles, with many in the 55,000-120,000 range.
What to check: Check the coolant overflow tank for sludge or oil, look for a milky residue under the oil filler cap, and ask whether the cylinder head has been replaced. One recall covers debris accumulation at the #3 cylinder with the 4.0L engine; confirm by VIN whether it was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Started noticing loss of oil pressure and then coolant. The engine continues to run fine but has gotten to the point that its losing 1 gallon of anti. Every two weeks or so. When I started to look around on line and other places, (junk yards) everyone I talked to says they have had the same problem with their jeeps. Why if d.c. Produced these faulty heads on their jeeps didn't they recall them to fix?”
NHTSA complaint #10489434, filed 2012-12, 57,000 miles“My engine light on my dash board is on all the time the mechanic stated it is cylinder 3 misfiring & need to go to the dealership. My dealerships states it has not been recalled and must charge me to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10269287, filed 2009-05, 20,000 miles - Suspension
Front-end shimmy or wobble at speed
- 43 complaints (19%)
- median 32,487 mi at 3.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2000–2013
Complaints describe a violent shaking of the front end, often triggered by a bump or by braking at highway speed, that forces the driver to slow almost to a stop to regain control. Owners report replacing track bars, control arms, tie rods and tires, and several say the shaking returned anyway. Some complaints note dealers found nothing wrong on inspection. Reported from roughly 18,000 to over 100,000 miles, typically at 35-70 mph after hitting a bump.
What to check: Drive it over rough pavement and expansion joints at 50-65 mph. Ask whether the track bar and front suspension bushings have been replaced, and check tire age and condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Death wobble. I've rotated the tires, I've had the wheels balanced, I've had the tie-rods replaced and unpreditable death wobble continues. I was literally inches away from being rear ended and causing a multicar wreck today on the 22 freeway in santa ana, ca when I had to brake on the freeway to stop the violent wobble. This is a mfg defect that needs to be addressed (and liability assumed) by the mfg.”
NHTSA complaint #10471468, filed 2012-08, 125,000 miles“This is a serious problem that Jeep knows about, but I don't think they know how to fix it. It's commonly referred to as the death wobble -- and I gather that it might be more common amongst jeeps that are lifted, though mine has not been lifted. Saturday, may 15, 2004. Driving at freeway speed. Veered into left lane to avoid cars that were slowing in my lane. I stepped on the brake as I moved into the left lane. Steering wheel and whole front of car shook violently to the point it felt that it was going to fall apart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080823, filed 2004-07, 18,200 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a collision
- 20 complaints (9%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2016
Complaints describe front-end impacts, including hitting a tree, a pole or a deer, in which the airbags did not deploy. Owners say the vehicle was inspected after the collision but they were not given a clear explanation for the non-deployment. Mileages in these complaints range from very low to about 90,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for the VIN's recall history and have a shop confirm the airbag warning light self-test works at startup and that no stored airbag fault codes are present.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall-- I had an accident january 7, 2016, I hit a pole. The airbags did not deploy. I did a search and I found out there was a recall on this Jeep. I only had liability insurance. I got in touch with the company they had the car towed to a dealership and supposedly had it checked out but I don't believe it. I myself and my girlfriend was injured and under doctors care. My car is tore up in the front. Why? Those airbags did not deploy. They could not tell me. I was traveling on rte 49 east.”
NHTSA complaint #10862349, filed 2016-04, 137 miles“While driving, the cruise control didn't set the speed when engaged. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, who indicated that a clock spring failure caused the cruise control to malfunction. The horn is also not operational. The clock spring will be replaced. The right front door contained rust”
NHTSA complaint #10089563, filed 2004-09, 23,000 miles
Buying note. Have a 4.0L example checked for coolant loss and oil/coolant mixing, and test-drive at highway speed over bumps to look for brake shake or front-end wobble. Rock the driver's seat and check recall status by VIN before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 229 consumer complaints for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee. 104 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,650 miles. Of all complaints, 25 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 19 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 17 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes56 24%
- Engine cooling37 16%
- Suspension22 9.6%
- Air bags21 9.2%
- Electrical system19 8.3%
- Seats18 7.9%
- Steering16 7.0%
- Equipment12 5.2%
- Exterior lighting10 4.4%
Also reported: Fuel system (10), Body and structure (9), Tires (9), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (9), Seat belts (8), Engine (7), Other or unknown (7), Vehicle speed control (5), Electronic stability control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “At 20,000 miles my Jeep Cherokee shuttered when braking at highway speeds. It was so violent it almost threw my Jeep into the dividing wall. I took this to my dealer and was told it was a $700 repair to replace my rotors and break pads. This is covered under a Jeep service bulletin but was not a recall. Jeep knew before my vehicle rolled off the assembly line that the brake rotors warped under conditions of high heat or the use of salt on the highways. This is due to the composite metal of the rotor. I then took my vehicle to my regular mechanic and had the rotors replace with chrysler parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178085, filed 2007-01, 54,427 milesEngine cooling: “Head liner has fallen and now it is breaking apart and particles are flying all over the inside of my Jeep and I am on oxygen and need to open my windows because the air only works some times and when I use it the car temp get very high and the engine light comes on I have had the radiator flushed twice even replaced the radiator at one point also changed the thermostat I love my Jeep but I hate to say it if I have to replace it I doubt if I will buy Jeep or dodge again.”
NHTSA complaint #10504247, filed 2013-03, 110,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport. I have had several issues such as brakes/rotors that I have taken care of without complaint. However my Jeep was just diagnosed with a front differential failure and needs a complete overhaul. My car has only 60,000 miles on it and I have had the front and rear differentials serviced twice each according to the specs in my owner's manual. I've been told by private mecanics as well as Jeep technicians that this should not have occured. Chrysler told me after I had it diagnosed by my personal mechanic to have it checked by my dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112414, filed 2005-03, 60,000 milesSuspension: “I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee and began to notice the problem toward the end of 2012 or first of 2013. When I would reach a speed of around 55 MPH, the front wheels/steering wheel would begin to vibrate, shake or whatever you want to call it. It is a violent vibration that is pretty scary and feels like you cannot control the vehicle. It subsides if you immediately slow way down. The problem has gotten progressively worse. It now would start around 45 miles an hour or so, depending on how smooth or bumpy the road is. The bumpier, the more easily in begins the wobble. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508571, filed 2013-04, 156,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
39% of the 104 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,521 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee · sedan | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | 2 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Jeep Cherokee version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Cherokee 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V104000Apr 8, 2002Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › InjectorsCovers: Jeep Cherokee 2000–2001, Grand Cherokee 1999–2002, Wrangler 2000–2002
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
- 00V366000Nov 9, 2000Child seatCovers: Jeep Cherokee 2001, Plymouth Neon 2000–2001, Dodge Neon 2000–2001 +16 more
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that…
Recall details for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 17 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Jeep Cherokee
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | — | 4 | — | 37 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 52 | 60,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 176 | 55,500 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 334 | 50,000 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,671 | 21,275 | 11 | 4 | 25 | 81 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 688 | 33,200 | 7 | 4 | 25 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 1,338 | 40,894 | 6 | 4 | 25 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 1,412 | 43,650 | 9 | 4 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,793 | 27,250 | 11 | 4 | 25 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 2,650 | 37,000 | 13 | 4 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2006 | 17 | 26,235 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 229 | 59,650 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 369 | 71,500 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 76,900 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 399 | 98,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 390 | 104,040 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 447 | 136,650 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 608 | 105,928 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 519 | 115,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 418 | 130,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 113 | 118,490 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 233 | 172,602 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 270 | 142,868 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 191 | 139,634 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 97 | 75,544 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 57 | 90,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 21 | 169,774 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 17 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Jeep Cherokee model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake vibration and shaking, front-end wobble at highway speeds, and coolant loss linked to cylinder head problems on the 4.0L engine. The issues reported most often: Brake shake and pulsation (warped rotors); Driver's seat frame and track breaking; 4.0L coolant loss and cracked cylinder head.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA recorded 229 consumer complaints for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 56 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 37.
Has the 2001 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Jeep Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Jeep Cherokee (Cherokee 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Jeep Cherokee reported?
Among the 104 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,650 miles and the middle half falls between 26,521 and 107,000 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.