1973 Jeep Cherokee problems

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The Jeep Cherokee is a line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Jeep over five generations.

Marketed initially as a variant of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Cherokee has evolved from a full-size SUV to one of the first compact SUVs and into its current generation as a crossover SUV.

Named after the Cherokee tribe of Native Americans in the United States, Jeep has used the nameplate in some capacity since late 1973 when American Motors Corporation introduced the 1974 model year line.

1973 Jeep Cherokee

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Common 1973 Jeep Cherokee problems

The Jeep Cherokee, particularly the 1973 model, has been known to have several common problems that have affected its reliability over the years. Some of these issues include:

  • Faulty Liftgate: Several 2014 Jeep Cherokee owners have complained about a malfunctioning electric liftgate, which can make an unusual noise while operating or fail to latch. This issue can be a safety hazard and can also drain the vehicle's battery. Some owners have failed to fix the issue despite replacing the faulty electric latch, indicating that it may be a more significant problem with the vehicle's design or manufacturing.
  • Fuel System Issues: Many Jeep Cherokee owners have reported fuel system issues, including fuel leaks, surging, and stalling. These problems can be caused by faulty fuel pumps, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, control module issues, ignition coil problems, and spark plug failures. Fuel system issues can be particularly dangerous, as they can cause the vehicle to stall or fail to start, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Brake Problems: Some Jeep Cherokee models, particularly older ones, have been known to have brake problems. For instance, some 1998-2001 Jeep Cherokees suffer from excessive vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors. Any issue involving brakes should be taken seriously, as they are critical to the safety of the vehicle.
  • Electrical Problems: Electrical problems are common in the Jeep Cherokee, affecting vital components such as power windows, door locks, lighting, battery, speaker, radio, and dashboard instruments. These problems can be caused by faulty switches, wiring issues, malfunctioning motors, bulb failures, or problems with the lighting control module. Electrical issues can be particularly frustrating, as they can affect multiple systems in the vehicle and may require significant diagnostic and repair efforts.

In summary, the 1973 Jeep Cherokee has several common problems that have affected its reliability over the years. These issues include engine stalling, faulty liftgate, fuel system problems, brake issues, and electrical problems. While some of these issues can be resolved with simple repairs or part replacements, others may require more significant diagnostic and repair efforts, indicating a more significant problem with the vehicle's design or manufacturing.

1973 Jeep Cherokee engine

What year did the Jeep Cherokee have problems?

While the fifth generation (2014-2020) of the Jeep Cherokee is known for its transmission problems, the 2014 and 2015 models are said to be the most problematic. These models suffer from stuck gears, poor throttle response, and rough coasting.

Which year Jeep Cherokee is most reliable?

FAQs: Most Reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee Years

A: The most reliable years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee are 2013, 2019, 1995, and 2008. These models have demonstrated robust performance and durability, making them excellent choices for reliability.

How long do older Jeep Cherokees last?

Though some Cherokees have driven over 300,000 miles, most drivers should expect to see very serious problems begin to pile up at about 175,000 miles. Early generations of the Cherokee seemed to experience longer lifespans than their modern counterparts.

When did Jeep become bad?

FAQ: Jeep Wrangler Years To Avoid

A: Potential buyers should be cautious with the 2012, 2007, and 2008 Jeep Wrangler models. The 2012 model is particularly notorious for its high number of recalls, while the 2007 and 2008 models also have a significant recall history, indicating potential reliability issues.

What is the main problem on a Jeep Cherokee?

Some of the common issues that plague the Jeep Cherokee include engine stalls, transmission problems, and transmission-related recalls.

What year is bad for Jeep Cherokee?

Cherokees from 2014 and 2015 are the vehicle's worst years. These have many recalls and complaints, most regarding critical powertrain components. The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings.

Is A Jeep Cherokee a reliable Car?

The Jeep Cherokee Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $520 which means it has lower than average ownership costs.

How long do older Jeep Cherokees last?

Though some Cherokees have driven over 300,000 miles, most drivers should expect to see very serious problems begin to pile up at about 175,000 miles. Early generations of the Cherokee seemed to experience longer lifespans than their modern counterparts.

1973 Jeep Cherokee car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Cherokee problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1973 Jeep Cherokee vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1973 Jeep Cherokee complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1973 Jeep Cherokee.

2002-10-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-10-04
  • VIN: 1J4GW48S2YC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE WILL PULSATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. DEALER ALREADY REPAIR VEHICLE TWICE. TS
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1973 Jeep Cherokee problems:

At what mileage do Jeeps start having problems? - Quora
At what mileage do Jeeps start having problems? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/At-what-mileage-do-Jeeps-start-having-problems

May 30, 2020 ... Is Jeep Cherokee troublesome after 50k miles? They are well known to be tough and reliable jeeps ...

89 Jeep Comanche, old and dirt cheap, is it worth it? please help ...
89 Jeep Comanche, old and dirt cheap, is it worth it? please help ...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f88/89-jeep-comanche-old-dirt-cheap-worth-please-help-233531/

Feb 23, 2017 ... Jeep Cherokee Forum. 89 Jeep Comanche, old ... common problem areas, and simply whether or not ... 1987 MJ, 1998 XJ, 1973 J2000, 89 waggy. Model.

Do Jeep Wranglers have a lot of problems? - Quora
Do Jeep Wranglers have a lot of problems? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Do-Jeep-Wranglers-have-a-lot-of-problems

May 1, 2020 ... What are some of the most common problems with Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Cherokees? From my experience owning a 1995 XJ:.

Jeep Cherokee has no reverse but drives great! HELP!! - Jeep ...
Jeep Cherokee has no reverse but drives great! HELP!! - Jeep ...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/jeep-cherokee-has-no-reverse-but-drives-great-help-259849/

Nov 24, 2020 ... The problem is... when I put it in Reverse, it wont budge. When I put it in Neutral... it drives forward. Gears 1, 2 and 3 ...

Why The AMC V8 Engine Found In Some Of The Greatest Cars Of ...
Why The AMC V8 Engine Found In Some Of The Greatest Cars Of ...
https://www.theautopian.com/why-the-amc-v8-engine-found-in-some-of-the-greatest-cars-of-all-time-is-such-a-humongous-pile-of-shit/

Apr 26, 2022 ... Let's take a look at some machines burdened with hauling around this iron menace. Probably the best-known example is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, ...

Other years of Jeep Cherokee

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Cherokee 1978
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Cherokee 1980
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Cherokee 1981
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Cherokee 1984
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Cherokee 1985
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Cherokee 1986
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1973 Jeep Cherokee photo