1990 Jeep Cherokee
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Jeep Cherokee is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.
1990 Jeep Cherokee at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Jeep Cherokee recalls 9
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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 "SA…
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
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.
IMPROPER INSERTION/CRIMPING OF THE HOSE-TO-END FITTINGS OF THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CAN CAUSE DETACHMENT OF THE HOSE FROM THE ABS SYSTEM, AND DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Fix: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE.
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.
1990 Jeep Cherokee common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1990 Jeep Cherokee safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1990 Jeep Cherokee MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 11 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 1990 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 1990 Jeep Cherokee — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION Closed
NHTSA #EA97001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 1997 · closed Jan 1998BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF NINETEEN (19) COMPLAINTS OF SEPARATED BRAKE ROTORS ON 1989-91 DODGE MONACO/EAGLE PREMIER VEHICLES, 1990-92 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES, AND 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURER WITH TWO-PIECE ROTORS THAT HAVE A STAMPED STEEL HUB PROVIDING ATTACHMENT TO THE SPINDLE, CAPTURED IN A CAST IRON OUTER DISC WHICH IS THE FRICTION SURFACE OF THE BRAKE. THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT…
NHTSA #PE96053 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 1996 · closed Jan 1997REAR AXLE SHAFT SEPARATION Closed
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EXAMINE THE FAILURE MODE AND THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY POSED BY ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE SEPARATIONS. THE REAR AXLE SHAFT AND HOUSING DESIGN IS TYPICAL OF THOSE IN WHICH THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IS CARRIED ON THE AXLE HOUSING. THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SHAFTS, SUPPORTED BY ROLLER BEARINGS, ARE SITUATED INSIDE THE AXLE HOUSING. THE INBOARD SPLINED END OF THE AXLE SHAFT RECEIVES P…
NHTSA #PE95049 · Suspension · opened Aug 1995 · closed Jan 1996DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL Closed
NHTSA #PE93057 · Power Train · opened Jun 1993 · closed Oct 1993STEERING GEAR LOCKUP Closed
NHTSA #PE91067 · Steering · opened Apr 1991 · closed Jun 1991FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES Closed
NHTSA #EA90024 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Apr 1990 · closed Jan 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 18
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 18.
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 8
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
NOTE: VEHICLES ORIGINALLY RETAILED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC AND THE MARITIME PROVINCES. THE COMPOSITE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY FAIL DUE TO CORROSION. THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE HUB REDUCING THE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE. CORRECTION: FRONT COMPOSITE ROTORS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONES HAVING A REVISED CORROSION PROTECTION COATING.
Transport Canada #1998012 · Jan 1998Brakes
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
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 1993Brakes
ON VEHICLES WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS), IMPROPER INSERTION/CRIMPING OF THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND FITTINGS COULD RESULT IN HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS IN TURN COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ASSIST FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM AS WELL AS A POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A PROPERLY MANUFACTURED HOSE.
Transport Canada #1991109 · Jul 1991Engine
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 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.
1990 Jeep Cherokee vehicles on record
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L2LL152034
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L4LL266105
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78S4ML513417
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L9LL172815
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L0LL186117
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78LXLL185136
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68L8LL188787
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L6LL192505
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ57L7LL188677
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78B2LL277204
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ78L0LL150041
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ58L6LL234658
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68BXLL217360
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ87L9LL133598
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68B3LL173508
1990 Jeep Cherokee1J4FJ68B8LL136602