1989 Jeep Cherokee
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Jeep Cherokee is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 22 on record.
1989 Jeep Cherokee at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 Jeep Cherokee recalls 6
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. DRIVERS CAN MISTAKENLY STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THEY INTEND TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR WHICH COULD CAUSE PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ABS AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS C…
THERE MAY BE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATION FROM CONDENSATION FORMATION THAT CAN PLUG THE ABS BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP FILTER; STRESS CORROSION OF THE MASTER CYLINDER SNAP RING HAS BEEN TRACED TO CHLORINE LEAKING FROM THE LOW PRESSURE HYDRAULIC HOSE WHICH MAY CAUSE IT TO BREAK; FRONT BRAKE HOSE TO TIRE INTERFERENCE WHICH MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE HOSE.
Fix: REPLACE ABS LOW PRESSURE HOSE; REBUILD MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER; INSPECT, SERVICE INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS, AND REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Fix: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1989 Jeep Cherokee common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 265 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1989 Jeep Cherokee MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 10 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1989 Jeep Cherokee costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 Jeep Cherokee — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL Closed
NHTSA #PE93057 · Power Train · opened Jun 1993 · closed Oct 1993FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES Closed
NHTSA #EA90024 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Apr 1990 · closed Jan 1991FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES Closed
NHTSA #PE90033 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 1990 · closed Apr 1990An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 20
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 20.
Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no l…
Bulletin 23-014-15 · Equipment · Apr 2015SUBJECT REGARDING FLOOR PAN CORROSION. *SLC
Bulletin 2302602 · Structure · Jun 2002SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
Bulletin 0800600REV · Electrical System · Dec 2000SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 230800 · Seats · Mar 2000THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
Bulletin 080600 · Electrical System · Feb 2000SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
Bulletin 233599REVA · Structure · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
Bulletin 233599 · Seats · Sep 1999INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK
Bulletin 081698 · Equipment · Apr 1998SUBJECT ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION #733--BRAKE PEDAL SHIFT INTERLOCK. *YC
Bulletin 98733 · Power Train · Dec 1997Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CHEROKEE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Jeep Cherokee. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
Vehicles with ABS brakes may experience premature actuator piston seal wear in the ABS hydraulic control unit and/or actuator pump motor deterioration. If this occurs, the abs function may be lost and reduced power assist may be experienced during vehicle braking. Correction: Vehicles with ABS malfunction will be repaired as necessary. Warranty on all abs components will be ext…
Transport Canada #1996179 · Nov 1996Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CATALYSTS AND OXYGEN SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CORRECTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED COMPONENTS.
Transport Canada #1995062 · Apr 1995Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CATALYSTS AND OXYGEN SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CORRECTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED COMPONENTS.
Transport Canada #1994195 · Dec 1994Emissions
NOTE: JEEP VEHICLES WITH 4.0 LITRE ENGINES, RENAULT VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITRE ENGINES AND EAGLE PREMIER VEHICLES WITH 2.5 AND 3 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR COULD LEAD TO POOR FUEL/AIR CONTROL AND REDUCED CATALYST EFFICIENCY WHICH MAY INCREASE TAILPIPE EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLAC…
Transport Canada #1993071 · May 1993Engine
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4 LITRE ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) CAN RESULT IN AN INTERMITTENT HIGH IDLE CONDITION IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGINE START UP. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN GEAR DURING A PERIOD OF HIGH IDLE SPEED, LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: TPS WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1991018 · Jan 1991Brakes
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF THE ABS LOW PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE FLUID IN TWO DIFFERENT WAYS AND IMPAIR THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE ABS SYSTEM. ONE FORM OF CONTAMINATION COULD RESULT IN PLUGGING OF THE ABS BOOSTER PUMP FILTER RESULTING IN LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION. THE OTHER COULD…
Transport Canada #1991007 · Jan 1991Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) manufactured and marketed by Jeep over six generations. Marketed initially as a variant of the Jeep Wagoneer (SJ), the Cherokee has evolved from a full-size station wagon to one of the first compact SUVs and into its latest generation as a crossover SUV.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1989 Jeep Cherokee vehicles on record
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L8KL472400
1989 Jeep Cherokee1JEBL793AKT531389
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L3KL479492
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L0KL546196
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L0KL514980
1989 Jeep Cherokee1JENT785EKT429302
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78LXKL429365
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L3KL636233
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ38L7KL459285
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L1KL466028
1989 Jeep Cherokee1JEBL783AKT447633
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ77L6KL547480
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L0KL492331
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ57L2KL543186
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68L7KL528977
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L7KL504751
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L2KL429358
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68B7KL503827
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L5KL525999
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ38L4KL410187
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78U8KL613308
1989 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L5KL429290