Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee reliability
The Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 39.8% of 2,455 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
33 DVSA recalls for the Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Two speed power transfer unit failure. Loss of power.
Affected vehicles may have been built with an improperly seated input shaft snap ring on the power transfer unit (PTU). An input shaft snap ring that is not fully seated may allow uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward which can cause an unexpected loss of motive power or loss of PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.
Fix: Install modified software in the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) and the PTU to detect and monitor for excessive wear within the PTU. If a PTU failure is confirmed by the software the PTU will be replaced.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 43 vehicles
Jeep Cherokee 2014-2014 Power liftgate module
On affected vehicles the power liftgate control module may experience a short circuit. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Fix: Relocate the power liftgate module to the D Pillar and install water barrier/curtain
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 3,316 vehicles
Reverse lamp height
On certain vehicles built with a specific suspension package the reverse lamps may be above the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
Fix: Install the reverse lamp in accordance with the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 452 vehicles
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) may allow relative movement between the input splines and the transmission output shaft
On affected vehicles relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft in the area of the power transfer unit�wear of the input splines�cannot�be�ruled�out.�
Fix: Reprogram of the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 149 vehicles
A possible loss of motive power or park function due to wear in the power transfer unit
A possible loss of motive power or PARK function due to wear in the Power Transfer Unit.
Fix: Reprogram the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 261 vehicles
Rear lower control arm may experience excessive corrosion
The rear lower control arms may experience excessive corrosion eventually resulting in a fracture A fractured rear control arm could cause reduced vehicle control and can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning
Fix: Replace both rear lower control arms
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 56 vehicles
Vehicle short causing can-c bus to stop communicating
A short in the vehicle causing the CAN-C bus to stop communicating while the cruise control is active and the vehicle speed is below the set speed such that the cruise control system is requesting positive torque at the exact moment of the short it is possible for a positive torque request to be locked on the PCM. This may result in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary reprogram the PCM
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 80 vehicles
Transaxle wiring has been incorrectly fitted
The transaxle wiring harness may have been built with insufficient wire terminal crimp(s). This may cause the transmission to select neutral.
Fix: Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Where necessary the transaxle range sensor wire harness replaced.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 1,418 vehicles
Seat may not perform correctly in a collision
Front and/or rear seats may have been fitted with incorrectly tightened fasteners. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: Replace affected seat assemblies.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 30 vehicles
Headlight directional control may fail
The Body Control Module (BCM) may have incorrect headlamp levelling parameters. This can result in headlamp levelling switch operation being the opposite of the headlamp directional movement desired. This could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and the headlamp levelling parameters will be reprogrammed within the BCM.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 17 vehicles
Centre rear seat belt retractor may not comply with requirements
The centre rear belt retractor may not comply with regulations.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace centre rear belt retractor.
Recalled models: JEEP CHEROKEE · 15 vehicles
Inadvertent deployment of a front airbag
The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may allow a front airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner to inadvertently deploy.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the ORC Module. Due to issues with parts supply the recall of WG/WJ models is suspended however KJ models remain unaffected.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 14,551 vehicles
Fire may occur
Water intrusion into the power liftgate module electrical connectors can lead to corrosion and higher resistance. This condition can cause the module to become inoperative and/or cause a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected. The vehicles will be inspected for evidence of water intrusion and electrical connector corrosion. The vehicle will be repaired to eliminate the possibility of further water intrusion. On vehicles found with corrosion in the power liftgate module electrical connectors the module and electrical connectors will be replaced. All the vehicles will receive a power liftgate module water shield.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 1,115 vehicles
Risk of fire
Due to water ingress the tailgate power module may develop a short circuit. This may cause the module to fail and in extreme cases
Fix: Check affected vehicles for water ingress and modules for corrosion. Where necessary rectify water ingress replace power module and connectors and fit a power module water shield
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 2,201 vehicles
Unintended vehicle movement
The clutch interlock switch may be faulty. This could allow starting of the engine without depressing the clutch pedal and with the transmission engaged.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the clutch interlock switch.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 988 vehicles
Rear suspension may detach
One or more of the rear suspension shock absorbers may break at one of the shock absorber attachment points. A partially detached rear suspension shock absorber(s) could cause damage to other rear chassis/suspension components rear brake pipe damage and/or damage to the rear tyre/s increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Check date code of shock absorber fitted and where applicable replace shock absorber
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 206 vehicles
Risk of fire
If the vehicle is involved in a rear end collision then it is possible that the fuel tank could be damaged. This can then result in a fuel leak which if in the presence of an ignition source then a vehicle fire could ensue.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 33,053 vehicles
Possibility of unintended acceleration
The Cruise Control may cause unintended continued vehicle acceleration after an accelerator pedal override manoeuvre. As a result when the Cruise Control is set and the driver presses the accelerator pedal to accelerate more than the Cruise Control system would on its own; The vehicle may continue to accelerate briefly after the accelerator pedal is released.
Fix: Reprogramme the Adaptive Cruise control (ACC) Module with new software
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 20 vehicles
Inadvertent deployment of airbags
The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module may experience a very high voltage spike which may result in the inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or the seatbelt pretensioner. This could result in the loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles for the fitment of a filter harness for the ORC module.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 14,558 vehicles
Windscreen wipers may fail
The windscreen wiper motor may fail without warning. This could result in a reduction of the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and ultimately cause a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the wiper motor.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 23 vehicles
Front suspension arm may seperate
The upper control arm ball joints fitted to the nearside and/or offside front suspension may experience a loss of lubricant which can lead to corrosion accelerated wear and separation whilst driving. If the ball joint separates directional control will be lost.
Fix: The recalled vehicles will have new front suspension upper control arms fitted the front suspension.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 1,707 vehicles
Engine may cut out and or fail to restart
It has been identified that the wireless control module may fail with the result that the engine may fail to start or cut out.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the wireless control module replaced.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 3,300 vehicles
Possible separation of front suspension ball joint
Water may enter the front suspension ball joints this can cause the ball joint to corrode and separate.
Fix: Replace any corroded ball joints and fit dirt/water shields to all vehicles.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 7,129 vehicles
Possible loss of brake servo assistance
Vehicles may experience a vacuum leak in the EGR to Electronic Vacuum Regulator (EVM) tube. This may cause a loss of brake booster vacuum and require increased effort from the driver to operate the foot brake.
Fix: Inspect the vacuum tube from the EVM to the dash panel. Replace if damaged and re route the tube to eliminate interference with the exhaust shield.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 2,552 vehicles
Possible loss of brake servo assistance
Vehicles may experience a loss of power assistance to the brakes due to a collapsed brake booster vacuum hose. This will result in increased effort being required from the driver to apply the foot brake.
Fix: Inspect the brake booster vacuum hose. If damaged the hose will be replaced. In either case the hose will be re routed to eliminate interference with the coolant recovery pipe.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 1,848 vehicles
Possible loss of servo assistance
The steel vacuum tube that supplies vacuum to the brake booster may crack resulting in loss of servo assistance. This will result in increased pedal power to stop the vehicle.
Fix: Recall vehicles and replace the steel vacuum tube with a flexible vacuum hose.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 7,143 vehicles
Front brake rotors (discs) may fail.
There is a possibility that corrosion may cause the front brake rotors (Discs) to separate from the centre hub section. Vehicle may pull to one side when braking. Also braking efficiency will be reduced.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles for inspection and if necessary replacement of both front brake rotors with new version. ( Note. Some vehicles will already have the new version fitted)
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 44,314 vehicles
Instrument panel cover concern
The lower instrument panel cover may have been incorrectly installed. This could lead to the cover becoming detached and distract the driver.
Fix: A revised instrument panel will be fitted that is equipped with wire hooks.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 404 vehicles
Air bag warning light and / or airbags may operate/ deploy without warning.
The Airbag control module may corrode internally due to water intrusion. Internal corrosion could cause illumination of the Airbag warning light or cause the Airbags to deploy without warning.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace Airbag control module with a modified type.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 11,209 vehicles
Inaccurate indication of fuel tank contents
The fuel tank level sending unit may cause the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level. As a result the vehicle may run out of fuel when the gauge still indicates that there is fuel remaining in the tank.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and fit a quality assured fuel tank sender unit.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 9,206 vehicles
Brake booster diaphragm may split
The brake booster diaphragm on affected vehicles may split or rupture causing a loss of brake power assistance. This can result in increased effort being required at the brake pedal.
Fix: Recall the affected range of vehicles examine the power brake booster and replace if necessary.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 157 vehicles
Front seat shoulder belts adjustable anchors may have inadequate strength
The front shoulder belt adjustable anchors on affected vehicles may have been improperly manufactured and could have inadequate strength. An anchor with inadequate strength may allow the front shoulder belt to separate from the anchor under certain accident conditions.
Fix: To correct this condition both front shoulder belt adjustable anchors must be replaced.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 20 vehicles
Power distribution fuse link
The fasteners securing the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution centre may not be correctly clamped. This could result in arcing at the connection with a possibility of an under bonnet fire.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for replacement of the power distribution centre fuse with a fuse link.
Recalled models: CHEROKEE · 349 vehicles
Checking a Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.