1981 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 1981 Jeep Cherokee problems
The Jeep Cherokee, a popular off-road SUV, has faced several engine problems over the years, particularly in the 2014 and 2015 model years. The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has been ranked as the worst model year due to its worst-rated problem across all model years: engine stalling.
Both the 2014 and 2015 Cherokee models have other significant issues to worry about, particularly in the transmission category. The 2014 model year has an astounding 402 complaints in the "transmission problems" category, while the 2015 model year has an even higher number at 406.
While the 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokees have been labeled as "Avoid Like the Plague" by Car Complaints, there are plenty of other model years that fare better. Most other model years earn nowhere near the number of complaints.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the Jeep Cherokee XJ faces cooling system challenges that can result in overheating, decreased engine efficiency, and the risk of engine damage.
Electrical problems in the Jeep Cherokee XJ can be detected in various ways, impacting vital components such as power windows, door locks, lighting, battery, speaker, radio, and dashboard instruments.
In summary, the Jeep Cherokee has faced several common problems, particularly in the 2014 and 2015 model years, with engine stalling and transmission issues being the most significant. Cooling system challenges and electrical problems are also common issues that Jeep Cherokee owners may encounter. Despite these challenges, the Jeep Cherokee remains a popular off-road SUV, with many older model years having nearly no complaints at all.
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.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee?
Some of the common issues that plague the Jeep Cherokee include engine stalls, transmission problems, and transmission-related recalls.
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.
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.
1981 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:
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Jeep Cherokee vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Jeep Cherokee complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Jeep Cherokee.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-12
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN INSTALLING THIS AFTERMARKET SEAT SLIDER, THE FIRST BOLT TIGHTENED TWISTED OFF SO EASILY IT COULD HAVE ONLY BEEN THE EQUIVALENT OF A GRADE#1 BOLT. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN ANY TYPE OF COLLISION OR ROLLOVER., THE SEAT WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE SLIDER ALLOWING THE OCCUPANT TO BE THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ITEM WOULD FAIL IN A SIMPLE ROLLOVER FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT ITSELF IRREGARDLESS OF VEHICLE SPEED. *AK
1981 Jeep Cherokee recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 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
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION THROTTLE CONTROL ROD SPRING MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS MAY CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO CLOSE MORE SLOWLY THAN NORMAL. VEHICLES MAY RETURN TO IDLE SLOWLY.
- Remedy: EACH END OF THE SPRING WILL BE INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, IF NECESSARY, TO ENSURE CORRECT POSITIONING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Jeep Cherokee problems:
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Other years of Jeep Cherokee
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