Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Specifications & General Maintenance
- Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Common Problems
Important information to help you understand your Jeep Cherokee
Browse all: Specifications & General Maintenance
cherokee common problems
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I can't believe no one mentioned the electronics. I have 2 jeeps, the headlights on the 94 randomly turn off, not that they were ever bright to begin with. on the 00 my speakers only work when the driver door is open. Perfect for tailgating, hahaha
Currently the driver side auto lock/window wiring harness is shot, and of coarse a window is stuck down in the middle of winter. I love em though, they've nickle and dimed me but no major issues as far as cost goes. Except the additions, lifts n stuff. Easy to work on.
Back to your problem though. My 94 would randomly not start for days at a time, then be fine for months. A wireing harness in the steering column had gone bad causing the ignition not to connect. Sometimes it would turn off while driving, also causes the headlights to randomly turn off. All this was fixed with a $15 harness, and a wiring diagram. But not till I had already replaced the starter, battery, alternator, ignition, and a few other things.
Currently the driver side auto lock/window wiring harness is shot, and of coarse a window is stuck down in the middle of winter. I love em though, they've nickle and dimed me but no major issues as far as cost goes. Except the additions, lifts n stuff. Easy to work on. Back to your problem though. My 94 would randomly not start for days at a time, then be fine for months. A wireing harness in the steering column had gone bad causing the ignition not to connect. Sometimes it would turn off while driving, also causes the headlights to randomly turn off. All this was fixed with a $15 harness, and a wiring diagram. But not till I had already replaced the starter, battery, alternator, ignition, and a few other things.
1st and second gear synchros are pretty notorious for wearing out quick on older 5 speeds. The stock radiators just plain suck. There aren't a lot of really major things that go wrong, its a solid engine and drive train for the most part. But just like any vehicle, there are always the nightmare ones that got thrown together on friday in detroit at 5 o'clock when everyone wants to go home and drink beer...
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: springfield ,oregon
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 h.o.
Overheating problems...overheating problems...did i mention overheating problems? lots of threads on this site confirm this.
Engine noises...piston slap...lifter/rocker noises...i could go on.
Even though cherokees have their problems ,i wont give mine up!
Engine noises...piston slap...lifter/rocker noises...i could go on.
Even though cherokees have their problems ,i wont give mine up!
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Could be worse like my 02 sport trac, three transmissions under powertrain warranty, thermostat housing exploded (plastic), front hubs twice on pass. side three on drivers, both lower ball joints, both upper control arms, and timing chain tensioner, 5k out of warranty. All in 80k miles
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley CA
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 EFI "Power Tech"
well if u got a new battery and when u turn the key and it sounds like a dead battery, (for example clicking or just one click) try replacing the cables, one day my jeep stoped starting, bought new started and batery and bunch of other stuff, and than for the hell of it i bought new neg and pos cables and fired right up (than i was glad i got the new starter it turns over x2 faster )
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley CA
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 EFI "Power Tech"
ya electrical sucks on jeeps all my external lights died spend 2 months trying to figure it out and it was a fusible link next to the battery.... and the light switch seams to always fry on mine, revurse lights none existent. back window fell off my hatch one beautiful morning. luckly didnt break so was able to put it back in but it ripped off the defrosters connection so foggy rear window in winter
, fuel pump on my 4th, the vacuum front axle vacuum lines break so rigged it so its always locked. gas gauge kinda doesn't read right, none of the dummy lights work. the list goes on and on. but id never get rid of my jeep
, fuel pump on my 4th, the vacuum front axle vacuum lines break so rigged it so its always locked. gas gauge kinda doesn't read right, none of the dummy lights work. the list goes on and on. but id never get rid of my jeep





. BUt yeah rust, defiantly an issue around door hings my door fell off. This 4.0 liter is a strong engine though