1978 Jeep Cherokee recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE CONTROL SPRING MAY NOT CLOSE RAPIDLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THE THROTTLE DOES NOT CLOSE AS RAPIDLY AS EXPECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DECELERATE PROPERLY. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS".
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL THROTTLE RETURN SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V003000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
Summary: THE THROTTLE LINKAGE CONTROL SPRING MAY NOT CLOSE RAPIDLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THE THROTTLE DOES NOT CLOSE AS RAPIDLY AS EXPECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DECELERATE PROPERLY. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS".
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL THROTTLE RETURN SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: JEEPS AND TRUCKS.SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGE, RETURN SPRING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
What could happen: WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V178000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
Consequence: WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
Notes: SYSTEM: TAILGATE WINDOWVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER TAILGATEWINDOW.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
10/06/1999 · Brakes
BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP ON WET ROAD. WHEN TRYING TO STOP IMMEDIATELY THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES LOCKS UP; UNCONTROLLABLE. CONTACT DEALER WORKED ON IT THREE TIMES. AFTER FORTH REPAIR ATTEMPT, THE LEFT REAR IS NOW LOCKING EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT WITH SPEEDS AS LOW AS 20 MPH.