1989 Jeep Grand cherokee problems
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a range of mid-size SUVs produced by the American manufacturer Jeep. At its introduction, while most SUVs were still manufactured with body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee has used a unibody chassis from the start.
Development
The Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) was designing a successor to the Jeep Cherokee. Three outside (non-AMC) designers—Larry Shinoda, Alain Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro—were also under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the Cherokee XJ replacement, then known as the "XJC" project. However, the basic design for the Cherokee's replacement was well under way by AMC's in-house designers and the 1989 Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.
As AMC began the development of the next Jeep in 1985, management created a business process that is now known as product lifecycle management (PLM). According to François Castaing, Vice President for Product Engineering and Development, the smallest U.S. automaker was looking for a way to speed up its product development process to compete better against its larger competitors. The XJC's development was aided by computer-aided design (CAD) software systems making the engineers more productive. Meanwhile, new communication systems allowed potential conflicts to be resolved faster, thus reducing costly engineering changes, because all drawings and documents were in a central database. The system was so effective that after Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its enterprise, thus connecting everyone involved in designing and building products.
The Grand Cherokee thus became the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new Jeep model continued and Chrysler's employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992 as an Explorer competitor. Unlike the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee utilized monocoque (unibody) construction, whereas the Explorer was a derivative of the Ranger pickup with a separate body-on-frame. A Dodge-branded version was designed as a precaution should Jeep dealers struggle to handle so many Grand Cherokee units.
The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle that was driven was a Poppy Red Clear Coat 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo with a quartz cloth interior and high-back bucket seats. Then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young, from the Jefferson North Assembly Plant on North Jefferson Avenue via a police escort to Cobo Hall, up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Sales of the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee began in April 1992.
Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. The Grand Cherokee "played a significant part in reviving Chrysler's fortunes by moving it into the then-nascent market for high-margin sports utility vehicles."
Upon its introduction, it was the first full-scale manufacture of an automobile in the US using HFC-134a refrigerant in place of HCFC-12 for the HVAC system.
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Common 1989 Jeep Grand cherokee problems
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, first introduced in 1992, has been a popular SUV for its off-road ability and comfort. However, it has faced several reliability issues throughout the years, particularly in its earlier models. Here are some of the most common problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokee 1989 based on complaints from owners:
- Erratic Electronic Shifting: This issue has been a significant problem for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, with numerous reports of unexpected shifting and difficulty in shifting gears.
- Engine Stalling: Engine stalling while driving is another common problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly in the 2019 model. This issue is likely linked to the Cherokee's defective 9-speed transmission, which may cause hard shifting, lurching, and wiring harness defects, leading to engine stall or a sudden shift to neutral.
- Alternator Failure: Alternator failure is a common problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. This issue has been reported in various model years, and the replacement of the alternator is often required to resolve the problem.
- Ignition Switch Malfunction: Ignition switch malfunction has been a significant issue for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, with numerous reports of the vehicle failing to start or stalling while driving. The 2015 model, in particular, has faced issues with the ignition switch, with some vehicles displaying 'No connection to the ECM/PCM' on the dashboard.
These problems have contributed to the Jeep Grand Cherokee's reputation for unreliability, particularly in its earlier model years. While the more recent models have shown some improvement in reliability, the earlier models continue to face significant issues, particularly with their electrical systems and transmission.
What are the bad years for Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems such as fail-prone TIPM sensors, delaminating leather and cracked cylinder heads are usually found in early model years. The 2014-2017 V6 Grand Cherokee has a finicky 8-speed transmission and the 2013-2017 V8 is known for having a weak water pump.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Grand 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 years of Jeep Grand Cherokee are the best?
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.
What year did Jeep Cherokee have transmission problems?
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It also has 829 warranty claims and three field reports due to the problem. The Jeep Cherokees being recalled are mostly all-wheel-drive models produced between 2014 and 2017. They all have a two-speed Power Transfer Unit, also known as the Active Drive II or Active Drive Lock.
What is the common problem with Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Unfortunately, power steering failures are among the most common 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.
What are the bad years for Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems such as fail-prone TIPM sensors, delaminating leather and cracked cylinder heads are usually found in early model years. The 2014-2017 V6 Grand Cherokee has a finicky 8-speed transmission and the 2013-2017 V8 is known for having a weak water pump.
What years of Jeep Grand Cherokee are the best?
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.
How long is a 1989 Jeep Cherokee?
| Jeep Cherokee (XJ) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 101.4 in (2,576 mm) 98.4 in (2,499 mm) (Beijing BJ2021/7250) |
| Length | 1987-1990: 165.3 in (4,199 mm) 1991-93: 168.8 in (4,288 mm) 1994-96: 166.9 in (4,239 mm) 1997-2001: 167.5 in (4,254 mm) Jeep BJ2021/7250: 168.9 in (4,290 mm) Jeep 2500/2700/BAW Qishi: 169.2 in (4,298 mm) |
1989 Jeep Grand cherokee car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Grand cherokee problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Jeep Grand cherokee vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Jeep Grand cherokee complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Jeep Grand cherokee.
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-27
- VIN: 1JFT28S1WL2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: CATALIC CONVERTER RECALL ELECTRIC RECALL COOLANT TEMP CIRCUIT RECALL OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD I WILL NOT TEST IT ON FREEWAY WITH ALL THE SEVERE SYSTOMS HAPPENING WITH MY JEEP BEEN SMOKING FROM ENGINE SOMETHING WITH MY COOLANT AND TEMP CIRCUIT INPUT MY HEADLIGHTS ELECTRIC SYSTEM PERIOD BEEN COMPLETELY NOT DOING WHAT THERE MADE TO DO EVEN WHEN I CHANGE THE LIGHT BULBS THEY STILL SEEM TO BE MESSING UP ALSO MY TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID CIRCUIT IT'S BEEN WRONG I MISFIRING ALL OF A SUDDEN FROM CYLINDER 3 + 6 AND THEN ALSO JUST RANDOM MISFIRES CUZ OF MY PERFORMANCE OF MY VEHICLE 2 TO BE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD SOUNDS LIKE MY TRUCK IS GOING TO FALL APART AND JUST WHEN I DRIVE IT IT'S SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG STARING I PUT POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOTHING SEEMS TO GO RIGHT AND ONCE I FIX ONE THING MORE MULTIPLE THINGS GO WRONG AND IT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING THAT EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT IN THEIR COMPLAINT AND NOW MY VAN IS SHOWING THAT IT HAS A ZERO REPAIRED SHOWING I THINK THAT MINE'S DEFINITELY IS IN THE CATEGORY OF A RECALL VEHICLE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE VIBRATES. DEALER HAS RESURFACED BRAKES TWICE, BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
- VIN: 1J4EZ78YATC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING UNIT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JCNJ14V4JT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST FIRE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NOT THE OWNER, BUT INSURANCE CO REPORTED THE FIRE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-10
- VIN: 1J4FJ78L5KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS RECALL DONE, ABS ACTUATOR MAKES LOUD SOUND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Jeep Grand cherokee problems:
What are Some common problems? - Jeep Cherokee Forum
Nov 19, 2009 ... Valve cover leaks. Oil filter adaptor leaks. Rear upper shock bolts break. Shackle bolts can break loose inside the body. Your cooling system is ...
Considering Buying a 1989 Jeep Cherokee XJ But Don't know If It's ...
Oct 22, 2021 ... Although one of my concerns would be I'm going to be working a restaurant job and that will likely take up a bit of my time. So you bring up a ...
Your Guide to "EXTREMELY common problems with an XJ (and ...
May 16, 2012 ... As you've already seen twice in this thread, broken wires in the door jambs are VERY common and usually the #1 source of electrical issues in ...
1989 Jeep Cherokee Idling, Stalling Problems. | NC4x4
Aug 15, 2009 ... Well-Known Member. Joined: Oct 5, 2008. Location: Hickory nc.
What were the most common quality and reliability issues with the ...
Feb 2, 2023 ... ... jeep engine from 1989 ... common problems with Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Cherokees? ... What are the biggest issues seen with the 2008 Jeep Grand ...
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