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1990 Jeep Cherokee brakes problems

152 complaints (57% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 137,000. 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
152
of this car's complaints
57%
typical mileage
137,000
crashes
10
recalls
4

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    98
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    14
  • Foundation components
    11
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    8
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    6
  • Disc: rotor
    3
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    3
  • Power assist: hydraulic
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Cherokee brakes problems in other years

199019952000201520202023

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 67Brake failure 39

Related recalls

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

Related 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

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

There is no summary currently available

EA90024

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.

Questions about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee brakes

Does the 1990 Jeep Cherokee have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 152 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, 57% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1990 Jeep Cherokee brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 137,000 miles.

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).

Other 1990 Jeep Cherokee problems

Acceleration 54Engine 28Transmission 17Fuel system 16Electrical 8Seat belts 7Lights 6Seats 6Tires 6Visibility 6Body 5Locks 4Suspension 3Steering 1Wheels 1

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