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1990 Jeep Cherokee problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee is brakes, typically around 137,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cherokee model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
269
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
18
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
16-20mpg

The worst 1990 Jeep Cherokee problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

ABS 67Brake failure 39Sudden acceleration 13Fire or smoke 7Seat belt 5Pulling 5

Recalls 5

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported January 12, 1998 · 293,369 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. 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.
Risk
The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.

Recall number 98V005000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported December 27, 1996 · 52,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with antilock brake system (ABS). The antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear which could cause pump-motor deterioration.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 component repair costs.

Recall number 96V260000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 2, 1991 · 33,000 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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 tire interference will cause failure of one half of thebrake system resulting in a longer stopping distance than expected.
Remedy
Replace ABS low pressure hose; rebuild master brake cylinder; inspect, service interference problems, and replace front brake hose as necessary.

Recall number 91V003000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 15, 1991 · 17,000 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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 enginecompartment fire.
Remedy
Replace the ABS high pressure hose.

Recall number 91V063000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported October 2, 1990 · 165,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Malfunction of fuel injection system throttle postition sensor could cause intermittent high engine idle speed immediately after starting engine.
Risk
High engine idle when car is first placed in gear couldresult in unexpected acceleration.
Remedy
Replace throttle position sensors with sensors that would send correct signals to the fuel injection system.

Recall number 90V177000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

Defect investigations

Brake disc/hub separationOpened January 13, 1997, closed January 9, 1998

Consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of the brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.

EA97001

Brake disc/hub separationOpened September 5, 1996, closed January 13, 1997

consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of hte brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.

PE96053

Rear axle shaft separationOpened August 17, 1995, closed January 26, 1996

This investigation was opened to examine the failure mode and the risk to motor vehicle safety posed by allegations of rear axle separations.the rear axle shaft and housing design is typical of those in which the weight of the vehicle is carried on the axle housing.the left and right axle shafts, supported by roller bearings, are situated inside the axle housing.the inboard splined end of the axle shaft receives power transmitted from the differential assembly, providing torque to the rear wheels.the allegations are that the axle shaft fails, resulting in the separation of a wheel and axle hub assembly or the entire axle shaft and wheel assembly, depending on the location of the axle shaft failure.as identified by chrysler, the subject rear axles are dana 35c and 35cm models, which have been used on the subject vehicles since the 1990 model year.a safety defect trend with respect to the subject axle shafts has not been identified.see hard copy resume for full text of summary.

PE95049

Driveshaft/univ.joint failOpened June 14, 1993, closed October 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

PE93057

Steering gear lockupOpened April 16, 1991, closed June 14, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91067

Failed antilock brakesOpened April 26, 1990, closed January 14, 1991

There is no summary currently available

EA90024

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee 18

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 18 bulletins for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

1990 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylRWD16-182218-20
2.5L 4‑cyl4WD16-1821-2218-20
4.0L 6‑cylRWD1520-2216-18
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD1519-2016-17

What 1990 Jeep Cherokee owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 28, 2022 · Brakes · 195,492 miles · MT

The contact owns a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he increasingly applied pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. There was a 100-feet stopping distance delay. The dealer was notified of the failure and declined to diagnose the vehicle. The contact provided a description of the failure to the dealer who informed him that the brake pump motor assembly needed to be replaced; however, the parts were no longer available nationwide. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 96V260000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he associated with the failure; however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 195,492.

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · Brakes · 164,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop to stop the vehicle. The parking brake was engaged to stop vehicle. The vehicle was towed to contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the vacuum pump motor failed. The contact called crown dodge chrysler jeep ram located at (6300 king dr, ventura, ca 93003 (805) 323-3363) but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2019 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic) years before the failure. The vehicle was taken to crown dodge chrysler jeep ram (6300 king dr, ventura, ca 93003) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator assembly and the pump motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer was no longer making the parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Apr 9, 2018 · Brakes · 52,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that there was a failure with the brake actuator piston assembly and the brake pump. The contact stated that both parts had been previously replaced. Hawk chrysler dodge jeep (7911 w roosevelt rd, forest park, il 60130, (708) 366-1001) and the manufacturer were contacted, but refused to provide a lifetime warranty for both parts. The vehicle was not included in a recall or lifetime warranty for the parts. The manufacturer provided no solution other than having the dealer replace the part. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Brakes · 196,000 miles · OR

My 4year old daughter and I were on our way home when my brakes almost completely went out at about 45mph. Luckily we were on a straight country backroad with a gravel shoulder to aid in slowing down. Towed the jeep to the chrysler dealership 2 weeks later for a diagnostic on 04/24/2017 where they confirmed the issue to be the actuator pump under a #702 recall. I was given 2 options, sell my jeep to chrysler for ~$600 or get it replaced with aftermarket parts with both parts and labor to be covered by chrysler. Considering I had purchased the xj (so clean at the time) for $3000 plus had dropped $1,100 on new tires two months prior in february I did not find selling it for ~$600 a financially wise decision. So I opted with getting the parts replaced. Well for the past 4 months now whenever I check in on my jeep, the chrysler dealership informs me they are still waiting on part numbers from chrysler since the current employees have not come across this recall yet and when I contact chrysler I am just informed that they no longer make the original parts and are still searching for one left out there. This last week they informed me that they were unable to locate an original part plus the offer still stands for ~$600. I have yet to get a response this past week about the other option I originally agreed upon (replacing with aftermarket parts). I don't see $600 as a solution to the recall as both nada and kbb price my jeep from $2,200-$4,900 in my area (bend, or). I would really love to get my beloved jeep back up to safety standards for my daughter and I. I love jeep, probably always will but I don't want to be shorted money or safety because of neglect to repair. Thanks for taking your time to read this.

Filed May 19, 2016 · Brakes · 188,160 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving 15 MPH, an unknown hissing sound was heard and the vehicle required a longer stopping distance when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the parts for the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the lifetime warranty could not be acknowledged because the parts were no longer made. The failure mileage was 188,160. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Brakes · 21,452 miles · CO · crash

Brakes failed due to vacuum pump failure. Checked recalls and safety recall #318t was issued july 1991. Chrysler states there are no parts and therefore will not effect recall.

Filed Aug 28, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · DC · crash · 1 injury

S10 direct reply- letter to the secretary from constituent re a copy of a letter to the vice president regarding a car accident in arcadia, fl in march 2013. *smd a 1990 jeep cherokee was in a drainage ditch, across from two other vehicles, that were parked. The owners daughter got behind the wheel of the jeep,started it and placed it in drive, with the intention of removing it from the ditch, as she floored the gas pedal, the jeep flew out of the ditch going airborne, and knocked down the owner to the ground, causing bruises, next, the jeep flew over the road never touching the pavement, the driver did not attempt to stop the vehicle, presumably out of fear, until it rested on top of two parked vehicle. The driver, who was not licensed, claimed there was an issue with the brakes and the accelerator. However, the wrecker service, who was a highly experienced certified mechanic stated there was nothing wrong with the brakes or accelerator pedals, and the vehicle had to be in park in order to start it.

Filed Mar 1, 2013 · Brakes · 270,000 miles · CA

The infamous bendix ABS motor/pump assembly failed for the third time resulting in a loss of virtually all stopping ability. On previous occasions (1997 & 2007), chrysler repaired the vehicle pursuant to the "lifetime warranty" imposed in connection with recall #702. It has been more than 5 weeks since the local dealer diagnosed this recurring defect but both they and chrysler claim an inability to fix it due to the unavailability to obtain the referenced ABS booster unit. This assertion is false. More than 5200 jeeps were recalled and a rebuildable core was obtained for each installation. Chrysler is either making no effort to obtain existing units or failing to have new ones manufactured. There is not a single one in dealer inventory in the u.s. And no deliveries are scheduled. Chrysler is hoping that by telling a customer that the item is "backordered", he/she will simply go away as if such a status was an unavoidable act of god. Chrysler's refusal to honor their obligation is putting many drivers at risk as some are certainly driving those jeeps with unassisted braking waiting for the part that will never arrive. I found numerous messages on jeep forum websites wherein 1990 owners were complaining of this part unavailability scam as early as 1999. The federal safety agency needs to compel compliance through every available means forthwith.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Brakes · 47,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and noticed a hesitation in brakes response. The failure recurred intermittently and with time, became worse. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

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Compare the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

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Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200620142015201620172018201920202021202220232026

Questions about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

Is the 1990 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Owners have filed 269 complaints about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, fewer than a typical Cherokee model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Jeep Cherokee?

Brakes, with 152 complaints, typically around 137,000 miles. Next is acceleration (54).

How many recalls does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have?

5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee brakes?

Yes, 4 recalls: 98V005000, 96V260000, 91V003000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Cherokee have bad brakes?

The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most brakes complaints are 2014 (211 complaints), 1991 (163 complaints) and 1990 (152 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee range from 16 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 22 highway.

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