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1990 Jeep Cherokee: ABS light or ABS activating

67 of the 269 complaints about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints
67
of this car's complaints
25%
typical mileage
137,000
recalls
4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

What owners say

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 Mar 26, 2010 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · AR

1. Reduced brake performance 2. Brake fluid leak in ABS pump motor assembly, permanently, reduced then lost brake performance 3. Nothing, old part is available additional notes: orr chrysler dodge jeep did not replace ABS pump motor assembly which has lifetime coverage. The dealership tried to convince me that the ABS pump motor assembly was not broken which is not true. Chrysler corp. Refused to provide assistance. I have filed a complaint with the ftc as well.

Filed May 16, 2008 · Brakes · 137,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 jeep cherokee. While driving various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminates on the instrument control panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that because her vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v260000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock), she would be responsible for the repair costs. The manufacturer stated that she would have to get the vehicle repaired first, and then they would reimburse her for the cost of the repairs. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 137,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Brakes · 142,868 miles · NY

Abs braking fault - extreme pull to left into oncoming traffic. See enclosed informastion sent by mail. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for ABS recall work along with other repairs needed for inspection. The vehicle was in the shop for six weeks. After the

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Brakes · 136,000 miles · NC

Recall campaign 96v260000; concerning ABS brake failure. While driving, the brakes failed just as the recall stated. The vehicle had been in the repair shop for over two weeks. Chrysler had done nothing to assist the consumer. The consumer was told that there were no parts for this recall. However the problem recurred. *ak

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Brakes · VA

Consumer stated the brakes on her son's jeep were not working. The vehicle was taken to the vehicle to dealer, who told them that it was the hydraulic assembly. Also the ABS pump was bad. The consumer called the manufacturer and was told that her son's vehicle was not on recall although there was a recall on that part of that type of vehicle. *ak the vehicle needed a ABS hydraulic pump assembly. The dealer replaced the accumulator assembly. *scc

Filed May 1, 2003 · Brakes · 89,000 miles · KY

Abs brake system failed prior to recall, but brake system continued to work normally. After work performed on ABS system as part of the chrysler corporation recall #702 brakes caused the jeep to pull to the right side at speeds below 25 MPH and substantial increase in brake pedal force became necessary to stop. The ABS system still fails about twice a week (light comes on) and braking becomes normal; I.e. No pull to the right and decreased amount of pressure is required. Dealer replaced the right front axle and left rear sensor ring ($$$) but problem continues.

Filed Apr 27, 2003 · Brakes · NY

My 1990 jeep cherokee's ABS system is faulty. I bought the vehicle used and the seller told me he had taken it in for the recall repairs. When I started having difficulty with the brakes, two mechanics said they could not fix it. The jeep dealer laughed at one of them and said good luck. This is a known defect with the ABS system with no repair. Now, the brakes have completely gone out on me twice while driving. I have maneuvered off the road safely both times, but fear for the time I won't be so lucky.

Filed Aug 8, 2002 · Brakes · MI

The ABS actuator pump motor was replaced 4 times.ts

Filed Mar 14, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Abs light comes on intermittently. When braking brakes grab, and vehicle pulls to the right.

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · NE · 1 injury

Consumer complains of ABS and brake lights continuosly coming on, vehicle has been to dealer on numerous occasions for repairs and replacement parts, also vehicle was involved in an accident because of said failures.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Brakes · VA

Abs brake light would remain on after vehicle has been started. The brake pedal would be hard when applying brakes. This causes stopping to be increased. Had taken vehicle to have brakes checked. Was informed by mechanic that hydraulic unit and booster system were defective, and needed to be replaced.

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

Questions about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee abs

Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee?

67 of 269 owner complaints about the 1990 Jeep Cherokee (25%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1991.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee?

There are 4 recalls and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1990 Jeep Cherokee

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

All model years of the Jeep Cherokee

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