1980 Jeep Cherokee
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1980
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1980: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 98 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 275 |
| 1991 | 234 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 522 |
| 1995 | 610 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2,650 |
| 2015 | 1,791 |
| 2016 | 1,411 |
| 2017 | 1,335 |
| 2018 | 685 |
| 2019 | 1,659 |
| 2020 | 314 |
| 2021 | 171 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
The tread on the passenger side rear tire has seperated from the tire. I was not driving the car at the time of the incident. The vehicle was parked in my driveway.( DOT number: VD60AXC433 tire size: 50R15LT )
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-11
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1980-02-06Exterior lighting79V239000 Incorrect headlamps may have been installed on the involved vehicles. These headlamps have been approved for export only and do not meet U.S. Requirements.
Remedy: The right and left headlamps will be inspected and replaced, if necessary.
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1987-10-23Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-28 Elec. Rear window
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1987-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 1990-01-09 Engine compartment fires
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1988-05-27Visibility87V178000 The key operated tailgate window will continue to close if the spring loaded key does not return to off position when released.
Remedy: Owners should not leave key in tailgate of unattended vehicle. Repair mechanism to assure proper key return operation.
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Date not on filePower train80V023000 The right and left rear wheel bearings may have been damaged during assembly. A damaged bearing could result in axle and wheel disengagement from the vehicle while in motion.
Remedy: The dealer will replace both rear wheel bearings along with seals, retainer rings and plates at no charge to owner.
Buy-smart checklist
1980 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 80V023000 · Power train
- Recall 79V239000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 87V178000 · Visibility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1980 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1980 Jeep Cherokee?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1980 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.