Tl*the contact owns a 1997 jeep cherokee sport. While driving approximately 35 MPH the contact noticed the fuel gauge reading fluctuating. The contact stated he was unable to determine the accurate amount of fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was included under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 97v194000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) and had repairs performed prior to the contact assuming ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
1997 Jeep Cherokee: wrong fuel gauge reading
83 of the 390 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee describe wrong fuel gauge reading.
- owner complaints
- 83
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year
What owners say
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly. The gauge light comes on and off when the fuel level is anywhere below 1/2 tank. Not sure how much gas is in the vehicle unless it is topped off. There was a recall 97v194000 for the fuel sending units, however this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Plastic gas tank warped where fuel level sending unit is located on top of tank. Car was parked in garage overnight after a fill up. Next morning gasoline was noted on floor of garage which could have resulted in fire. Dealer stated tank warped in heat of d.c. Weather. Replacement cost was $800. I wonder if other similar eight-year old jeep products will begin to show this failure, which could be the beginning of a dangerous situation for unsuspecting owners of jeep vehicles with plastic gas tanks. Gas tanks aren't supposed to fail after only eight years of use.
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly. The consumer is concerned vehicle will shut off while driving because of inaccuracy. A recall 97v194000 was issued for the fuel sending units, however this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
The federal safety agency recall 97v194000 subject/fuel level sending unit. After having the fuel level sending unit replaced oil was leaking from the fuel tank. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.
When the vehicle was fueled the needle registered at a half a tank of fuel but the vehicle would suddenly stop running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer informed the consumer that the problem was with the fuel sending unit sending false readings to the gas gauge.
Fuel tank indicator is giving false readings. *ak the vehicle appeared to be stalling, it was refueled and was given no diagnosis at the gas station. The vehicle stopped responding to the pressing of the gas pedal for an unknown reason, the vehicle was refueled but was still given no diagnosis. The vehicle stopped again without warning in the middle of the street, obtained emergency fuel, then it was obvious that there was a fuel problem. (the fuel level registered wrong) the 20 gallon gas tank gets 15 to 18 mpg. The fuel level registers 7/8 tank after driving 100 miles currently. Both the manufacturer and the dealer refused to pay for repair and denied the recall #97v194000 . *sc
While driving, the fuel gauge indicated the incorrect amount of fuel. As a result the vehicle ran out of gas without warning. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem.
Consumer received a recall letter 97v194000 concerning the fuel level, but dealer did not recognize the letter. *ak the fuel was not reliable. The dealer admitted that there was a recall, but said that the consumer's vehicle wasn't included. *scc
Consumer states that fuel gauge is not working correctly.
About 6 months after the consumer purchased the vehicle it stalled and failed to restart. Consumer pushed vehicle to the nearest gas station and filled the gas tank and the vehicle started. The gas guage read 1/3. Consumer stated there was a recall on the fuel sending unit but, the vehicle identification number was not included. *ak *ts
Engine stalls when fuel level is 1/2 to 1/4 full, especially so when making turns. There are dozens and dozens of other jeep cherokee owners whom I have spoke to that also have this problem. Just visit any of the jeep owners internet message boards such as jeepforum.com, jeepsunlimited.com, or jeepin.com and do a search. You will find a suprizing number of results.
Related recalls
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
Questions about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee fuel gauge
Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
83 of 390 owner complaints about the 1997 Jeep Cherokee (21%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 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
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