FaultScore

Jeep Cherokee body problems

892 of the 20,992 complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee are about the body and structure — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1994.

892

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

24

Crashes

17

Fires

Body & Structure complaints by model year

1985 Cherokee 2 0.2%
1986 Cherokee 1 0.1%
1987 Cherokee 3 0.3%
1988 Cherokee 2 0.2%
1989 Cherokee 9 1.0%
1990 Cherokee 5 0.6%
1991 Cherokee 2 0.2%
1992 Cherokee 16 1.8%

Median failure at 202,223 miles

1993 Cherokee 106 11.9%

Median failure at 108,000 miles

1994 Cherokee 215 24.1%

Median failure at 128,500 miles

1995 Cherokee 154 17.3%

Median failure at 101,000 miles

1996 Cherokee 51 5.7%

Median failure at 133,099 miles

1997 Cherokee 7 0.8%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

1998 Cherokee 29 3.3%

Median failure at 151,843 miles

1999 Cherokee 7 0.8%

Median failure at 150,000 miles

2000 Cherokee 7 0.8%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

2001 Cherokee 9 1.0%

Median failure at 23,000 miles

2006 Cherokee 1 0.1%

Median failure at 30,782 miles

2014 Cherokee 110 12.3%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2015 Cherokee 86 9.6%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

2016 Cherokee 33 3.7%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2017 Cherokee 10 1.1%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

2018 Cherokee 4 0.4%

Median failure at 77,000 miles

2019 Cherokee 20 2.2%

Median failure at 7,000 miles

2020 Cherokee 3 0.3%

Median failure at 27,400 miles

What owners said

2015 Jeep Cherokee North Hollywood, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

Online is saying there is 0 recalls after a year of having the vehicle a recall was sent by mail. I got it fixed by jeep van nuys, the engine and the other equipment attached looks unsafe and it is completely overheating

NHTSA complaint #11757134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Cherokee at 102,000 miles Brandenburg, KY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25–30 MPH on the highway, the brakes locked up, and the vehicle failed to move. The "Service Brakes" message illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module had failed due to water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Mound Bayou, MS

STRUCTURE:BODY

The vehicle was found to have severe, pre-existing structural and frame damage that compromises its overall crashworthiness and structural integrity. This includes improper prior repairs that mask structural deficiencies. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Operating a vehicle with unaddressed structural frame damage and substandard prior repairs poses an immediate safety risk. In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s crumple zones and structural pillars may fail to protect the cabin as originally engineered, severely increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death to myself and my passengers. Yes. The structural damage and improper prior bodywork were formally identified and documented during an automotive inspection. The vehicle's structural integrity and repair defects have been documented via a professional inspection. Despite these documented findings, the dealership (Carvana) and the warranty administrator (SilverRock) are currently refusing to properly address or resolve the structural safety failures. There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or messages, as this is a physical, structural safety defect stemming from undisclosed prior damage and inadequate repairs rather than an electronic system failure.

NHTSA complaint #11741267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Greenville, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

After learning of the recall for the lift gate module because of water intrusions of multiple points. The wiring harness to the lift gate module was serverly corroded and had to be replaced. The original fix, without the corrosion on the harness, was the place a piece of plastic over the module. That recall and fix did nothing to address the issues of multiple points of water intrusions. From body seems, the seal around the hatch, and around the tail light(s). There is more than one harness, and more than one module in the tire well. The multiple water leaks, that can and have affected an electrical component the was deemed as being a potential to start a fire, and none of the others in there are. There needs to be a recall on the water leaks, from their poor design! I have saw first hand how badly the harness they HAD to replace, along with the lift gate module. Because of the very seriousness of the corrosion. Where they not only replaced both of them, but also had to relocate the lift gate module, because of the evidence of the amount on water that has been entering the cargo, and wheel well areas! À 11 year old vehicle, from the information I have read up on, many with this same production years are also having the issues of water intrusions! Hold them responsible, instead of letting them cut corners of just trying to put a umbrella over there recall! I don't have pictures now, or when I took it to the dealership originally for the recall. But I am willing to take pictures, as I'm still in the process of disassembly the interior to try and pin point all the water intrusions! The dealership I took it to for the recall work, said they are "not aware of any water intrusions on this vehicle". That's a big problem!!

NHTSA complaint #11719382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee at 130,000 miles Ladson, SC

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to open the liftgate, the liftgate failed to open. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle, causing mold to develop inside the vehicle. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11717116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee at 49,000 miles Oxford, WI

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure). The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle, and Jeep Roadside Assistance was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the parking brake failed to disengage. The contact left the vehicle parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the liftgate opened independently. Due to the failure, water entered the vehicle during a rainstorm. The contact stated that the liftgate failure persisted. The contact stated that there was mold on the seats, ceiling, dashboard, compartment area in the rear of the vehicle, and the spare tire location. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to inspect or repair the vehicle due to safety concerns for their employees. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11696824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Weymouth, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicle experienced a sudden no-start condition in July 2025 after being parked for ~2 weeks. Engine cranked briefly, then shut off and displayed a red immobilizer warning. OBD-II scans showed BCM memory faults (B22A9), immobilizer lockout (P0513), CAN-C bus communication errors, and repeated low-voltage codes. Dealer replaced PCM (~$1,550) but vehicle still inoperative. Dealer then determined BCM (Body Control Module, part #68141881AJ) failed, but part has been discontinued by Mopar and is unavailable nationwide. Used BCMs are VIN-locked, leaving no authorized repair path. Vehicle is also subject to NHTSA Recall 23V338000 (power liftgate module electrical short / parasitic drain). My vehicle showed repeated low-voltage events consistent with this defect, which likely corrupted the BCM and immobilizer system. Dealer confirmed recall parts are still backordered. As a result, a 2014 Jeep Cherokee with only ~32,000 miles has been rendered permanently inoperable due to discontinued safety-critical electronics. The defect creates a substantial safety risk because electrical shorts can occur while parked or driving, and owners are left without remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11684770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee at 102,000 miles Englewood, CO

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the power liftgate became inoperable when the contact attempted to engage the power liftgate. The contact had to enter the vehicle and manually opened the power liftgate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power liftgate module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11672835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Baltimore, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

Electronic parking brake engaged and wouldn't release. Possibility of occurrence while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center to have been caused by water leakage into the area where the parking control module is located. Water was found pooling in parking control module which corroded connecters. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11667823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Vidalia,, GA Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

Airbags didn't deploy when I was hit by another driver whose speed was greater than 35mph n the other driver didn't break or slow down when hitting me on the driver n left passenger doors. I requested for my insurance company to preserve the vehicle for inspection but I don't know how long they can hold it because it was determined a TOTAL LOSS. When I was hit NONE of my airbags deployed n because of that, left side of my head n shoulder were slammed into driver's door. The vehicle was inspected by my insurance n a certified mechanic n due to impact n location of damage done to vehicle, both parties determined vehicle was TOTAL LOSS n couldn't b repaired. There were no warnings lamps or ANY messages n other symptoms of the problem prior to deployment failure.

NHTSA complaint #11663289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Jeep Cherokee at 50,000 miles Nesconset, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, after driving for several miles, the temperature gauge remained at HOT(H). The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for 10 minutes before restarting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a malfunction in the active grill system that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11654771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Las Vegas, NV

STRUCTURE:BODY

My panoramic sunroof just shattered without reason.i wasn't close enough to any vehicle for a rock or debris to be the issue I was driving a steady speed on the freeway when it happen. The glass that broke seemed to have broke outward not inward.

NHTSA complaint #11648379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at 85,000 miles Dayton, OH

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the parking brake failed to release. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that water had entered the lift gate and had caused a short circuit of the parking brake module. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11647301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at 200,000 miles Salt Point, NY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to disengage the parking brake, but the parking brake failed to respond as needed. The message "Parking Brake Electrical Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure). The dealer informed the contact that the recall only covered the power liftgate module; however, the contact stated that the electric parking brake module was located next to the power liftgate module and had been exposed to water intrusion. The dealer diagnosed that the electric parking brake module, electrical connectors, and wiring needed to be replaced, and the dealer charged a repair fee. The contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was towed to Pleasant Valley Auto, where the contact was informed that the electric parking brake module had failed and was corroded. The mechanic replaced the electric parking brake switch and module; however, the electric parking brake module needed to be reprogrammed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11640600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Middlevvillage, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

My parking gage engaged several times while parked I saw that it said the parking breaking was engaged but I had not put it on. Next it engaged when stopped for a traffic light. I was able to restart it several times. Noticed that this was most likely to happen after a rainfall. Last time it happened my son was able to trick it into disengaging and get it home. Next day it had to be flatbed towed to my mechanic. He changed the parking break switch and that burned out again. After careful investigation he found over two gallons of water under the spare tire where the parking break module is housed. It had to be replaced as well as both calipers. The module also had to be reprogrammed. It was at there 22 days. The mechanic bill was nearly $1,800. Now I need extensive body work to perhaps stop the water coming in thru the seams underneath the power-lift door which had opened. In checking previous complaints it seems that This should have been a recall long ago as it has happened to other similar jeeps.

NHTSA complaint #11640055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Port Angeles, WA

STRUCTURE:BODY

In early 2021, the doorhandle on the driver's side of my car froze in minimal snow/freezing rain. The electronics in the doorhandle were corrupted, and broke. This cause a short in the system, making my car lock and unlock itself uncontrolled, thereby draining the battery. The car could not be jumpstarted for this reason because the battery was perpetually drained. It required being towed, and the remedy took several months. This is completely unreasonable, for a small freeze to totally "brick" an off-road vehicle because of a doorhandle issue.

NHTSA complaint #11639448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at 47,000 miles Flushing, NY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing, the parking brake was unintendedly engaged, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there were cracks in the chassis, and the parking module had short-circuited. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11638043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at 47,000 miles Flushing, NY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the emergency brake would engage on it's own. The vehicle emitted an unknown smell inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame was cracked. Water was seeping inside the vehicle. Water accumulated underneath the vehicle by the spare tire and burnt out the module that controls the emergency brake. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11637796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Boiling Springs, SC

STRUCTURE:BODY

The outside body of the vehicle is leaking, which is causing the Park break module to short circuit. This is causing my vehicle to suddenly stop and lock up.This has happened three times so far.

NHTSA complaint #11633894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Grand Forks, ND

STRUCTURE:BODY

We purchased the 2019 Jeep Cherokee new from a Jeep dealership. At 15,000 miles (approx.) the hood began to bounce up and down 1/2" to 3/4" while driving at highway speeds, driving into a wind or following a semi-truck. In addition to the obviously concern over the safety of the hood bouncing and potentially unlatching, this causes the auto start/stop function of the engine to malfunction. We had the Jeep dealership inspect the problem several times under the 36,000 mile warranty period and they adjusted the hood each time, but the hood bouncing would return in a matter of days or a week. They failed to resolve the issue under warranty. Now, we have 79,300 miles on the vehicle and the hood was inspected by a Jeep dealership and it has been adjusted to the maximum adjustment and the hood still bounces dangerously. The dealership now tells us that the panel bond in the hood is broken and has compromised the strength of the hood and that the hood should be replaced. The dealer compared our hood and latch to the hoods and latches of similar vehicles on the lot to make the determination of the broken hood bond. Jeep Consumer Care tells us that Jeep will not cover the hood replacement even though this constitutes a safety issue of the hood potentially unlatching at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and implement a safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11626472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Jeep Cherokee problems