1986 Jeep Cherokee recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
8 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E025000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-626-272-1798.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-598-7589.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
3. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E026000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS." CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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.
What could happen: PEDAL MISAPPLICATION BY A DRIVER CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97I002000.
- 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:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: PEDAL MISAPPLICATION BY A DRIVER CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
Notes: NOTE: CHRYSLER HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. JEEPS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED FUEL LINE FITTING WHICH COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE GASOLINE TO BE SPILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, SPILLS GASOLINE AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
What could happen:
The fix: RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V139000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: JEEPS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED FUEL LINE FITTING WHICH COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE GASOLINE TO BE SPILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, SPILLS GASOLINE AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
Consequence:
Remedy: RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE FITTING. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: JEEPS EQUIPPED WITH 4 CYLINDER T.B.I. ENGINE.
6. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
What could happen: THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
The fix: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V106000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Consequence: THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER BRAKES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.1 LITER TURBO DIESEL ENGINE.
7. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS REMAINED IN ACID ETCHING BATH TOO LONG. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COUPLERS COULD BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNMENT WITH EVENTUAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V159000.
- 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: STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS REMAINED IN ACID ETCHING BATH TOO LONG. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COUPLERS COULD BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNMENT WITH EVENTUAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES.
8. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. ACCELERATOR CABLE BUSHING COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE ACCELERATOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL WITH ENGINE RETURNING TO IDLE.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
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 1986 CHEROKEE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V146000.
- 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:CABLES
Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE BUSHING COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE ACCELERATOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL WITH ENGINE RETURNING TO IDLE.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: SYSTEM: ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND MULTI PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (11), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Brakes (3), Hydraulic (3), Steering (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/08/2014 · Steering
I BOUGHT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 WITH THE INTENTIONS OF MAKING A VEHICLE TO USE IN THE WINTER FOR BAD WEATHER OR VERY BAD SNOW. HERE ARE ISSUES I FACE. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES CRAZY ONCE I REACH SPEEDS OVER 35MPH. IT GOES WELL PASS THE 85MPH MARK AND BACK DOWN TO 15MPH AND BOUNCE ALL BETWEEN. THE VEHICLE IS SO OUT OF ALIGNMENT ITS DANG…
05/09/2002 · Brakes
CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH POWER BRAKES BOOSTER . HARD TO STOP VEHICLE.
07/03/2001 · Brakes
WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BACK BRAKES WERE DOWN TO RIVETS, AND WILL START TEARING INTO THE DRUMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS WHY VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID VERY BADLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
02/13/2001 · Seat belts
IN COLD WEATHER FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FELL APART. DEALER HAS REPAIRED SEAT BELT TWICE, BUT PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. *AK CONSUMER EXAMINED PIECES IN QUESTION AND FOUND THAT THEY CONTAINED PLASTIC PARTS AND IS QUESTIONING HOW PLASTIC COULD BE STRONG IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *SLC
02/01/2001 · Seat belts
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT COVER BROKE OFF WHILE IT WAS BEING USED. REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALSO BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO LATCH IT. CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED BUCKLE WAS REPAIRABLE. *AK
11/07/2000 · Steering
ONGOING STEERING PROBLEM REPORTED BY PREVIOUS OWNER & EXPERIENCED BY PRESENT OWNER; STEERING WANDER, ESP. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, ALL PARTS UNDAMAGED OR REPLACED INC. TIE RODS, STRUTS, SHOCKS, BUSHINGS, ETC...; ALIGNMENT TO SPECS WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. *AK
10/27/2000 · Wheels / tires
CONSUMER HAS A 1986 JEEP COMANCHE WITH 19,000 ON REAR TIRES & 24,000 ON FRONT TIRES, CENTER OF THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING, FIRESTONE FR360 P215/75R15, FIRESTONE DEALER DIDN'T PRORATE TIRES BECAUSE OF WEAR.*AK *SLC
09/21/2000 · Seat belts
BOTH MY RIGHT SEAT BELTS HAVE BROKE AND NO LONGER WORK. MY FRONT RIGHT BROKE WHILE I ,THE OWNER ,WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF AN ACCIDENT HAD OCCUR I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND WOULDN'T WANT HER BELT TO BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING. I FEEL THE MANUFACTOR SHOULD REPLACE ALL MY SEAT BELTS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I H…