Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, both the driver side and passenger side air bags erroneously deployed. During the incident, the contact sustained a head injury which required medical emergency treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 248,000.
The worst 1997 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.
- Fuel system141
- Brakes75
- Engine52
- Transmission47
- Airbags28
- Electrical23
- Acceleration15
- Locks11
- Steering11
- Visibility10
- Suspension9
- Body7
- Lights7
- Seat belts6
- Tires4
- Driver assistance1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
Fuel gauge 83Stalling 30No deployment 15Brake failure 9ABS 7Fuel leak 7Hesitation 7Loss of power 7Check engine light 6Fire or smoke 6Fuel pump 6Premature wear 6Sudden acceleration 6Won't start 6Grinding brakes 5
Recalls 4
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- U.s. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive jeep cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 101, 'controls and displays;' no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no. 115, 'vehicle identification number;' no. 118, 'power window system;' no. 120, 'tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars;' no. 208, 'occupant crash protection;' and no. 301, 'fuel system integrity.'
- Risk
- These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
- Remedy
- U.s. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site. The recall will be performed on a regional basis beginning march 2008. Owners may contact u.s. Drive right at 1‑888‑632‑5936.
Recall number 08V056000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- 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 00V136000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Water and/or road salt in the proximity of the air bag control module could lead to corrosion.
- Risk
- Such corrosion can lead to illumination of the air bag warning light or could allow inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air bag control module and locate the new module on the top of the transmission tunnel.
Recall number 00V105000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The fuel tank mounted fuel level sending unit accuracy can degrade over time, indicating significantly more fuel in reserve than is actually present.
- Risk
- Owners may not be aware that their vehicle is low on fuel increasing the risk of a vehicle crash if the vehicle stops due to no fuel.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit.
Recall number 97V194000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
Defect investigations
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise the federal safety agency might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V‑252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.the federal safety agency's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
EA12005
Faulty gas gauge indicators
There is no summary currently available
DP97003
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee 87
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Valve Body
- Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation
- Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve
- Reprogram PCM and inspect catalytic converter
- Flash programming failure recovery
- Subject regarding floor pan corrosion
1997 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 23 | 20 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 20-21 | 16-17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-15 | 18 | 15-16 |
What 1997 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Takata recall when I engage high beams or turn on my right blinker my hazards flash quickly in the back only. I have been pulled over multiple times due to this issue. Have had multifunction switch replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jeep cherokee. Upon depressing the brake pedal, it traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated that there was a complete loss of brake power. The dealer (cueter chrysler jeep dodge ram in ypsilanti, michigan) was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,138.
I went to a local dealer ship because I had looked up on this site my recalls one was brakes they did happily and would call me when the parts came in for the fuel it has been over a year and it's a 1997 how can they not get the parts to fix it yet I ran out of gas a total of 4 times on busy highways and on my way to work what else is going to happen to me when I need my car the most
Vehicle has hard starts and frequent hesitation and stalling, at all speeds city street driving as well as highway driving. I have had a new distributor cap, rotor, plugs, wires, coil, installed, yet symptoms persist. Sudden deceleration at highway speeds is a seriously dangerous condition. My research suggests this is a common problem with the jeep cherokee xj. I narrowly escaped a crash on a busy interstate highway this morning at freeway speeds. Jeep ought to be aware of this problem, yet there seems to be no remedy for owners. I would at least like to know what the problem is. Possible remedies (from my research) include multiple parts and many hours of labor: o2 sensor, throttle position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel pressure regulator, engine control module, alternator, neutral safety switch, ballast resistor, transmission control module, torque convertor, power control module, transmission control solenoid, etc. What is causing all of these vehicles to stall dangerously?
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jeep cherokee. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the technician diagnosed that the exhaust manifold cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I have a 1997 jeep with 150,000 miles on it and I am having a lot of issues with it stalling out for no reason. It's been doing this for over a year. It started all of a sudden out of the blue. I have taken it to the repair shop over 20 times to try and get the problem resolved and they are not able to find the problem. They have even kept it over night and had it on machines to figure out why it stalls and am not able to figure it out. I have replace sensors, fuel filter, battery, not to mention so many other parts and nothing is stopping it from stalling out for no reason. I have spent so much money and I love my jeep but I am real nervous to drive it that I might go to turn and the jeep will stall while turning a corner and get t-boned by oncoming traffic. Or driving on the highway and all of a sudden it will sputter and stall out. I have read that "many" jeeps are having the same issue, can someone please from the safety car site look into this as there will be a family in this type of vehicle driving and the problem could occure and cause a diaster in someones life. I have driven in differant ares on the road, highway, residential areas, going the speed limit, and also going 15 miles an hour and it wil stall out. I have again seen so many posting regarding this issue so there has got to be some kind of a manufacturing problem with these jeeps ...please, please look into this.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, both the frontal driver and passenger side air bags deployed. The contact also stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated for approximately one month prior to the failure. The contact had to maneuver to the shoulder to a complete stop. There were no injuries reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
In response to the latest on the recall of jeep grand cherokees and jeep liberties, I respectfully request a full review of the 1993 - 2001 jeep cherokees rear impact safety. In the federal safety agency's initial request to chrysler, this group of cherokees was included as a subject vehicle, noting you had only received 15 voq's and only (1) was for a cherokee, one is too many. The federal safety agency also stated that "assessment of available data for the cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk." was the available data at the time acceptable? Or have you subjected the owners of these vehicles to a life of fear driving vehicle not properly tested. Why was there no rear end impact testing of the cars when they initially came on the market? The location of the gas tank is in exactly the same position as the grand cherokee and the gas tank is also "plastic". My grandchildren ride in the back seat of a 1997 cherokee and if it was to get rear-ended and caught on fire, how long do you think it would take their parents to get them out of their restraints? Did you test that? As a family we do not feel safe and the government has done nothing to reassure us either. Why is it up to the public to file complaints? Have you not thought that individuals driving these cars are just barely getting by, maybe not knowing that fires from rear impacts are not automatically reported? Please, investigate further, I do not want to lose my grandchildren! Kindly, [xxx]- grandma information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
The jeep shut down on the hwy,wouldn't start had get a tow. Spent over 500 dollars on repairs and tow ,four days later it did the exact same thing. Lucky I was home is time .waited two day's went outside and it started with no problem .im not driving it anymore its to much trouble.
Compare the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 1997 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Owners have filed 390 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee, fewer than a typical Cherokee model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 141 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles. Next is brakes (75).
How many recalls does the 1997 Jeep Cherokee have?
4 recalls, covering electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V194000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Cherokee have the most fuel system problems?
The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2014 (200 complaints), 1997 (141 complaints) and 1998 (61 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Jeep Cherokee get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee range from 15 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
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Check its historyJeep Cherokee in the news
- Jeep extends warranty coverage on 2014-2023 Cherokee (power train)
- Jeep recalls 2024-2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Cherokee and 2024-2025 Wagoneer and other models over pressure monitoring and regulating systems problem (201,975 vehicles)
- Jeep recalls 2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Wrangler and 2026 Cherokee and other models over back over prevention camera problem (844,028 vehicles)