1997 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 1997 Jeep Cherokee problems
The Jeep Cherokee, particularly the 1997 model, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include engine stalls, transmission problems, and transmission-related recalls.
Engine stalls are a significant concern for Jeep Cherokee owners, with the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee experiencing sudden engine shutdowns while in motion. This issue is likely due to the vehicle's defective 9-speed transmission, which can cause hard shifting, lurching, and wiring harness defects, leading to engine stalls or sudden shifts to neutral. This problem typically becomes apparent around 7,350 miles.
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee also faces engine issues, with some vehicles suddenly shutting down while driving, with no warning from the dashboard. Some drivers have noticed that their vehicles stall when the oil life indicator falls below 30%. Most drivers were able to resolve the issue by topping up on engine oil, while others had to replace the handler or intelligent power distribution unit.
Transmission problems are another significant issue for the Jeep Cherokee, particularly the 2014 and 2015 models. These models suffer from stuck gears, poor throttle response, and rough coasting. There were also incidents of delayed downshifting and erratic behavior that caused Jeeps to switch between gears unexpectedly. Complete transmission failure has also been reported as early as 70,000 miles. These problems are linked to the model's ZF 9-speed automatic transmission, which was intended as an upgrade but instead became the source of thousands of complaints from drivers of the 2014 Cherokee. The manufacturer of the ZF 9-speed transmission claims that the problems aren't mechanical in nature, but rather caused by a software glitch. However, multiple software updates haven't fully resolved the transmission issues in most Cherokees.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee has the most overall complaints, and it is also rated as the worst model year based on several factors, including repair cost and average mileage when problems occur. The most-reported problem is with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee for shifting roughly.
In summary, the Jeep Cherokee, particularly the 1997 model, has several common problems, including engine stalls and transmission issues. These problems can be expensive to fix, with engine stalls likely linked to the vehicle's defective 9-speed transmission, and transmission problems caused by a software glitch in the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission.
How many miles will a 1997 Jeep Cherokee last?
With an average of 200,000 miles, you can expect the Grand Cherokee to last you around 20 plus years which is more than enough time if you're looking to get the most on your investment.
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 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 year is the most reliable Jeep Cherokee?
Q: What are the most reliable years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee? 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.
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.
How long do 1997 Jeep Cherokees last?
With an average of 200,000 miles, you can expect the Grand Cherokee to last you around 20 plus years which is more than enough time if you're looking to get the most on your investment.
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 Jeep Cherokee high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Cherokee is $520, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
1997 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Gasoline problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Jeep Cherokee vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Jeep Cherokee
The NHTSA has received 1516 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Jeep Cherokee. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1J4FX58S9VC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to stop the vehicle. After which, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop, only coming to a complete stop after going off the road into a drainage ditch and rolling over on its roof. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed from the scene but not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 250,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-01
- VIN: 1J4GZ58Y6VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING EXCESSIVELY SO I CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE . WHEN ENTERING VEHICLES VIN # IT STATES 0 OPENED RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, NOT SURE IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WERE WITH REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CONSTANTLY GOWS DOWN ON ITS ON EVERY TIME I STARTED THE IGNITION. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1J4FJ68S3VL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-08
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S9VC
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE HORN ON MY 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AGO, AFFECTING MY ABILITY TO WARN OTHERS OF SAFETY ISSUES. MECHANICS TELL ME THE HORN "BUTTON" IS EMBEDDED IN THE SAFETY AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAN ONLY BE FIXED BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE, COSTLY AIRBAG. THAT CAN BE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. I BELIEVE THAT HORN SWITCH REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE SWITCH , WHICH REQUIRED REPLACING THE AIR BAG. OR, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADD A SUPPLEMENTAL SWITCH ON THE DASH TO CONTROL THE HORN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-12
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S1VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: ECM HAS A FAULT CIRCUIT BOARD PER DEALER AND NEEDS REPLACING . CAUSES COMPLETER POWER FAILURE AND ENGINE WILL QUIT RUNNING , ALL ELECTRICAL GOES OUT -- NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT OR EMERGENCY FLASHERS -- AND POWER BRAKES FAIL TO WORK . THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME , STOPPED OR ON THE ROAD .
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-10
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S9VC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL STALL AT TIME WHEN JUST DRIVING ALONG ON CITY STREETS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-08
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-29
- VIN: 1J4FJ28S1VL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-07
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S1VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS LOST CONNECTION TO GROUND FOR THE PCM. GROUND WOULD NOT ALLOW FUEL PUMP TO WORK PROPERLY WITHOUT MAJOR WORK TO THE WIRING HARNESS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-25
- VIN: 1J4FX58S7VC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING . CAR CAN BE GOING 70 AND STALL OR JUST FAIL TO MOVE WHILE STILL RUNNING THEN STALL. THIS WILL HAPPEN RANDOMLY AND SOMETIMES WILL RESULT IN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH THEN GOES OUT AGAIN AND THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR DAYS THEN HAPPEN AGAIN.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-19
- VIN: 1J4GZ78Y6VC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE COOLANT SENSOR BAD IS CONSTANTLY ON. CHANGED THAT . WENT OUT ON AND OFF. THEN ABOUT A MONTH LATER MY RADIATOR BLEW APART AT THE SEAM SIDE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. NO WARNING LIGHT .NO CHANGE IN COOLANT TEMP. AND THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS CHECKED RIGHT BEFORE I LEFT THAT DAY! HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR AT THIS POINT
TRAILER HITCHES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-01
- VIN: 1J4FX585905
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OEM TRAILER HITCH WAS NOT INSTALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE DEALER (LUCAS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM, 1624 NJ-3838 LUMBERTON, NJ 08048, 609-288-7663) REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT INSTALLED AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER HITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/01/17*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2017*JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-15
- VIN: 1J4FX58S7VC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-28
- VIN: 1J4FX58S1VC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 02V053000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS FAILING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GALANTA CHRYSLER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO NO PARTS BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,893. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-22
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S2VC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CAR SOMETIMES DOES NOT STARTS. I JUST GET A CRANKING , IS BEING LIKED THIS FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. SPEND MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. BUT THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IT IS. ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN I GET TO WHAT EVER I HAVE TO GO,, I PARKED LEAVE AND THEN I COMEBACK A FEW HOURS LATER. AND IT JUST CRANKS AND DOES NOT START. I LEAVE IT THERE. COMEBACK THE NEXT DAY AND THEN IS STARTS. LEFT IT W MY MECHANIC FOR A WEEK AND HE TOLD , THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IT IS !!!!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE STALLS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-14
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S0VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SHORTS OUT AND CAUSES AN ONSET OF PROBLEMS FROM WRONG AIR/FUEL RATIO TO SHUTTING OFF CAR POWER WHILE IN DRIVE AND/OR STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ME GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED, THEN SUDDENLY I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND WAS NEARLY HIT BY AN 18-WHEELER. THIS SHORT IN THE ECM EVEN CAUSED BACKFIRE IN MY MUFFLER AND FLOODED MUFFLER WITH GAS. I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THIS ON MANY JEEPS FROM 1993-1997. WAS THIS A RECALL AT ONE POINT? ALSO, THE VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER DOES NOT WORK, THIS ALSO IS COMMON. ADDITIONALLY, THE EVAP CANISTER FITTINGS HAVE JUST DETERIORATED, CAUSING THE HOSES TO NOT GET A SECURE CONNECTION AND IMPROPER EMISSIONS.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-26
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-02
- VIN: 1J4GZ58Y3VC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS RECALL N45 WITHOUT CHARGING ME TO FIX SOME CORROSION DAMAGE. N45 IS A SAFETY RECALL. THERE'S LITERALLY NO REASON WHY FCA SHOULDN'T PAY TO FIX THE VEHICLE TO MAKE IT SAFE AGAIN.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-02
- VIN: 1J4FJ68S9VL
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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?
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- VIN: 1J4GZ78Y1VC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT UPPER ARM BUSHINGS AND SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-02
- VIN: 1G2ZH35N874
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE STALL/SHUT OFF ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES/HR IN CENTER LANE OF A FIVE LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH PLENTY OF GAS IN THE TANK. HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON DIFFERENT DAYS. I'M ORIGINAL OWNER. HEAVY FAILURE ANALYSIS DONE. ALLEGE THAT JEEP CUT CORNERS THAT RISK DRIVER SAFETY. THEY USED AND MAY STILL BE USING CHEAP CHINESE MICROPROCESSOR CHIPS IN THEIR PROGRAM CONTROL MODULES (PCM). FRED BAILEY FATAL ACCIDENT IS TELLING. HIS JEEP SHUT DOWN ON A BRIDGE. PLENTY OF GAS IN THE TANK. TRACTOR TRAILER PLOWS INTO THE BACK OF THIS JEEP (LIKE MINE). THE GAS TANK EXPLODES AND HE DIES. WWW.DYINGJEEP.COM SHOWS A JEEP VIDEO ACTUALLY DOING THE STALL/DIE ROUTINE. WWW.JEEP FORUM.COM HAS LITERALLY THOUSANDS ON POSTS/THREADS BY ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED OWNER WHO HAVE EVEN MUCH NEWER JEEPS THAT DO THE SAME THING. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO KEEP MY JEEP IN WORKING CONDITION. IT IS WORTH ABOUT $3,000 IF IT WAS RELIABLE. I DID THE FUEL TANK RECALL. BROUGHT IN THE JEEP. IT ALREADY HAD A TOW PACKAGE INSTALLED. THEY KEEP THE JEEP FOR HOURS. LIKELY DID NOTHING TO IT UNDER THE RECALL. DIDN'T GIVE ME $100 GIFT CARD. EDMONDS VALUE OF MY CAR WITH 247,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER IS LESS THAN $1,000. EVEN IF I GOT THE EXTRA $1,000 RECALL CREDIT, IT MEANS I HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER LOW QUALITY VEHICLE FROM A BRAND I DO NOT TRUST. IN SHORT, JEEP NEEDS TO MAKE NEW PROGRAM CONTROL MODULES AVAILABLE AGAIN AND AT AFFORDABLE COST. THEY OWE SAFETY TO ALL JEEP OWNERS. SHAME ON THEM AND GOOD ON YOU FOR FINING THEM $105 MILLION. THERE IS POTENTIAL CAUSE TO FINE THEM EVEN MORE FOR NOT ADDRESSING THIS STALL/DIE ISSUE. THE STALL LEADS TO THE REAR END COLLISION AS WE CAN EASILY DEDUCE FROM THE FRED BAILEY EVENT. NO TIME TO REACT TO THE STALL... THEN BOOM. I BELIEVE JEEP HAS HIDDEN INFORMATION ABOUT THESE EVENTS FROM YOU. THE PROBLEM IS NO SECRET TO OWNERS FROM 1992 ON.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-17
- VIN: 1J4GZ58S6VC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT JUST SHUT OFF ON ME AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-16
- VIN: 1J4FT28S0VL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-13
- VIN: 1J4GZ58SXVC
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
1997 Jeep Cherokee recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.'
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: BRAKE PARTS, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
- Manufacturer: AIRTEX PRODUCTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. WATER AND/OR ROAD SALT IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD LEAD TO CORROSION.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 1997 Jeep Cherokee car reviews
Positive 1997 Jeep Cherokee car reviews
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I purchased this SUV back in 2008 and have been the second owner since. It has 112k miles on it and has never been used for off-road purposes. It has a 4.0 engine, 4x4, and a 5-speed manual transmission, which allows me to change gears whenever I want. The fuel economy is great, with 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway at 70 mph. It can also tow a U-Haul trailer with ease. I have never had any major repairs done on it, only replacing the shocks, brakes, all fluids, wiper blades, and installing a CD player with new speakers and an amp, all on weekends. It's easy to work on and fun to drive and park, with plenty of space inside. In my opinion, it's the best SUV for the money. If you're looking to save money on gas, you could always ride a bicycle, but if you want a reliable and fun ride, the Jeep is the way to go!
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I bought my jeep when I joined the army. At first, I wasn't too fond of it, but I realized I needed a 4x4 for the Colorado winters. After taking it off-road multiple times and really putting it to the test, I fell in love with it. Now, I can't imagine ever getting rid of it. It has endured 180,000 hard miles with no major repairs, and I feel guilty for not treating it better. It has never let me down and has impressive power and 4x4 capabilities, allowing me to go places where my buddies' lifted trucks can't or end up getting stuck. I still can't understand why they discontinued it. Not a wise decision, in my opinion.
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I'm so glad to hear that you were able to fulfill your dream of owning a Cherokee! It sounds like you made a great choice with the 4.0 engine and the red color really makes it stand out. Opting for the 2wd was a smart decision too, as it helps with fuel economy. It's great to hear that you've had minimal repairs, and with proper care, your Cherokee will continue to serve you well for years to come!
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I bought this Jeep on impulse because I needed something to drive. The 4.0l engine is incredible at 285k miles and I haven't put any work into it. It does great off road and I drive it a lot. It was a real steal and I'm excited to keep driving it for a while!
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My car has been through 330k miles and a major wreck, but it still runs and drives absolutely fine. It is super easy to work on yourself and is very tough.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Jeep Cherokee problems:
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Other years of Jeep Cherokee
Are you having problems with your 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
Dewayne Crona 2024-11-02
I drove this car/truck twice a week and unfortunately had a few issues with it. The water pump, fuel pump (3 times), belt, alternator, radiator, and even the engine (head gasket and bearings) needed fixing. While it did have some cons, such as a rough ride and noise, it did have some pros too. It climbed hills pretty well and was good in the snow with good tires. However, it didn't have a split rear seat and the gas mileage could be better. Overall, my experience with this car/truck wasn't great, but it's important to note that everyone's experience may differ.
Russel Medhurst 2024-10-26
Almost the day the warranty ran out, this car has been nothing but a headache. I bought it new and in the last year have had to have several repairs done. Enough already! I am buying a 4Runner.
Bertha Nolan 2024-06-29
The negatives first: it can be quite noisy and has a poor ride quality, as well as requiring a higher quality of gasoline. However, there are also many positives to consider. The interior design is excellent, with a bare bones approach that is both functional and stylish. The off-road performance is superb, making it a great choice for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well in winter conditions, including snow and ice. It's worth noting that this vehicle has already clocked 112,500 miles and has yet to require any major repairs.
Lemuel Medhurst 2024-06-09
I'm so glad to hear that you found a replacement for your 1992 Jeep! This basic Jeep is a fantastic SUV that's perfect for all kinds of adventures, whether you're driving in the snow, the city, or the desert and high-Sierras back-country. The seats are really comfy, and it's great that you now have cupholders and remote heated mirrors. Plus, the factory tow package and 2
Jovani Ratke 2024-03-19
Despite some minor issues, I am still very fond of my Jeep. It has proven to be a reliable vehicle in inclement weather. However, I have encountered a few problems such as the radiator seam splitting and the gas tank sensor needing replacement. Currently, I am experiencing an issue with my rear hazard signals activating when I use my left turn signal, which has caused me to fail inspection. Despite contacting Jeep Customer Service, I have been unable to find a dealership that can fix the issue. Nevertheless, I am confident that a solution can be found and I will continue to pursue it.