If you’re debating purchasing a Jeep Cherokee, you’ll be excited to know that this rugged, adventure-driven vehicle was designed for people who are on the go and love the great outdoors. While many drivers love this car, others have experienced some issues of which you should be aware before you decide to make a purchase.
What are the issues you should know about before you buy a Jeep Cherokee?
There are several considerations you’ll want to keep in mind, including:
- Spontaneous service warning light illumination (service shifter)
- Failure to start
- Stalling while vehicle is in motion
- Battery issues
- Glass shatters near heat connector on back window
Luckily, we’ll go through each of these issues in this article, and explain what needs to be done to remedy the problem (if there is a solution available). Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you decide to sign on the dotted line for your new Jeep Cherokee.
A Brief History of the Jeep Cherokee
Before the Jeep Cherokee became its own model, it was a branch-off from the brand’s popular Wagoneer model. The Jeep Cherokee was initially released as a mid-size SUV in 1974.
Jeep actually coined the term “sport utility vehicle” in the Jeep Cherokee’s description in the company’s 1974 catalog. This version only had a two-door option; the four-door option was released in 1977.
In 1984, the Jeep Cherokee made the transition to a compact SUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, an off-shoot of the original Cherokee, has become one of the most successful models in Jeep’s history.
Five Common Problems with the Jeep Cherokee
Spontaneous Service Warning Light Illumination
Vehicle History Report
Many drivers have reported that service warning lights come on in their vehicle, but when they take the car to be serviced, there isn’t a problem.
One of the most common issues is the “service shifter” light coming on while driving. The fix for this issue may depend on which service light is illuminated at the time of service. New software may be a fix for the problem.
Failure to Start
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11354837
Failure to start is a common problem with the Jeep Cherokee due to a faulty starter. Luckily, the solution for this problem is simple. A mechanic can replace the faulty starter, and the problem is unlikely to occur again.
Stalling while Vehicle is in Motion
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11343860
Some drivers have had the experience of the car stopping while in motion, even at highway speeds. This can be dangerous for both the driver and others on the road. While the exact fix may differ, many drivers have found that a transmission issue is at fault.
Battery Issues
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11341582
The car may shudder or shut off, and provide the driver with a warning that they need to charge their battery. Many drivers report that the voltage on the car is a non-issue, and the battery is fully charged when this happens.
Some drivers report that the issue happens repeatedly: they pull over, restart the car, and drive, only for it to stall again miles later. The fix for this issue may involve replacing the battery, or replacing faulty wiring in the car.
Glass Shatters Near Heat Connector on Back Window
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11339344
Some drivers have noticed cracks or breakage in the back-window glass, near the area where the heat connectors attach to the window. While this can be an annoyance if found at home, it can become dangerous if cracks occur or expand while the vehicle is being driven. To remedy this issue, the heat connectors may need to be replaced.
