1990 Jeep Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee: 5 recalls, 270 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #90V177000 · 1990 · 165,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Malfunction of fuel injection system throttle postition sensor could cause intermittent high engine idle speed immediately after starting engine.
Why it matters: High engine idle when car is first placed in gear couldresult in unexpected acceleration.
The fix: Replace throttle position sensors with sensors that would send correct signals to the fuel injection system.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #91V063000 · 1991 · 17,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Improper insertion/crimping of the hose-to-end fittings of the high pressure hose on the anti-lock brake system can cause detachment of the hose from the ABS system, and discharge of hydraulic fluid.
Why it matters: Detachment of the hose from the ABS system causes theloss of the ABS function and hydraulic brake assist, leaving only manual brakesand decreasing stopping ability, which could result in an accident. Discharge ofhydraulic fluid in the area of the hot exhaust system could result in an…
The fix: Replace the ABS high pressure hose.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #91V003000 · 1991 · 33,000 vehicles
What's wrong: There May be hydraulic fluid contamination from condensation formation that can plug the ABS brake booster pump filter; stress corrosion of the master cylinder snap ring has been traced to chlorine leaking from the low pressure hydraulic hose which May cause it to break; front brake hose to tire interference which May cause failure of the brake hose.
Why it matters: Contamination of the hydraulic fluid can causemalfunctioning of the anti-lock brake system; low pressure hose leakage causesloss of brake fluid and also results in corrosion and failure of the mastercylinder snap ring, resulting complete brake failure; failure of the front brakehose due to hose to…
The fix: Replace ABS low pressure hose; rebuild master brake cylinder; inspect, service interference problems, and replace front brake hose as necessary.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V260000 · 1996 · 52,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear which could cause pump-motor deterioration.
Why it matters: If this occurs, the ABS function would be lose and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking. The instrument panel warning lights will signal system impairment and the base manual brakes will remain functional.
The fix: Dealers will test the vehicle's ABS and repair as necessary. The warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will be reimbursed for previous ABS…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V005000 · 1998 · 293,369 vehicles
What's wrong: The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
Why it matters: The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Speed control / throttle Recall #97I002000 · 1997 · 1,010,400 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Drivers can mistakenly step on the accelerator pedal when they intend to step on the brake pedal.
Why it matters: Pedal misapplication by a driver can cause unintended acceleration.
The fix: Dealers will install a shift interlock on the automatic transmission of these vehicles.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (143): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (41), warning light on (13).
- Speed control / throttle (54): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (15), stalls / loses power (5).
- Engine & cooling (28): the most common themes are fire / smoke (6), stalls / loses power (3), overheating (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), leaks (3).
The 1990 Jeep Cherokee has 270 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 24 Cherokee model years for complaints (well below the 602 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 142,868 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (233 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (143), speed control / throttle (54), engine & cooling (28).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Jeep Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.