1978 Jeep Cherokee problems
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.
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Common 1978 Jeep Cherokee problems
The 1978 Jeep Cherokee, like many older vehicles, has a number of common issues that owners have reported.
Another common issue with the 1978 Jeep Cherokee is related to the throttle response and coasting. Some owners have reported that their vehicles have poor throttle response and rough coasting, which can make them difficult to drive. This issue may be caused by a number of factors, such as a faulty carburetor or dirty fuel injectors.
In addition to these issues, the 1978 Jeep Cherokee has also been known to have problems with the transmission. Some owners have reported that their vehicles have delayed downshifting and erratic shifting, which can make them difficult to drive and cause them to burn through fuel more quickly. This issue may be caused by a number of factors, such as a worn-out clutch or a faulty transmission control module.
Finally, the 1978 Jeep Cherokee has also been known to have problems with the liftgate. Some owners have reported that their liftgates make unusual noises when they operate or fail to latch properly. This issue can be a safety hazard, as it can cause the liftgate to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. It can also drain the vehicle's battery, as the liftgate motor will continue to run in an attempt to latch the gate.
Overall, the 1978 Jeep Cherokee is a reliable vehicle, but it does have a number of common issues that owners should be aware of. By staying on top of routine maintenance and addressing any issues as soon as they arise, owners can help ensure that their vehicles continue to run smoothly and safely for many years to come.
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.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee?
Some of the most common problems with Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs include the following:
- Power Steering Failure: A vehicle's power steering system helps you maneuver your SUV, especially when turning or driving at low speeds. ...
- Engine Issues. ...
- Other Electrical System Problems. ...
- Safety Concerns.
Which year Jeep Cherokee is most reliable?
A: The most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee model years are generally considered to be 1998, 1999, 2005, 2017, and 2018. These years are favored for their strong on- and off-road capabilities, engine performance, fuel economy balance, and modern amenities.
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.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee?
Some of the most common problems with Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs include the following:
- Power Steering Failure: A vehicle's power steering system helps you maneuver your SUV, especially when turning or driving at low speeds. ...
- Engine Issues. ...
- Other Electrical System Problems. ...
- Safety Concerns.
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.
Which year Jeep Cherokee is most reliable?
A: The most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee model years are generally considered to be 1998, 1999, 2005, 2017, and 2018. These years are favored for their strong on- and off-road capabilities, engine performance, fuel economy balance, and modern amenities.
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.
1978 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 1978 Jeep Cherokee vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Jeep Cherokee complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Jeep Cherokee.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-13
- VIN: 1J4F127S6WL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP ON WET ROAD. WHEN TRYING TO STOP IMMEDIATELY THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES LOCKS UP; UNCONTROLLABLE. CONTACT DEALER WORKED ON IT THREE TIMES. AFTER FORTH REPAIR ATTEMPT, THE LEFT REAR IS NOW LOCKING EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT WITH SPEEDS AS LOW AS 20 MPH.
1978 Jeep Cherokee recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Jeep Cherokee.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
- Consequence: WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
- Summary: THE THROTTLE LINKAGE CONTROL SPRING MAY NOT CLOSE RAPIDLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THE THROTTLE DOES NOT CLOSE AS RAPIDLY AS EXPECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DECELERATE PROPERLY. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS".
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL THROTTLE RETURN SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Jeep Cherokee problems:
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Other years of Jeep Cherokee
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