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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 97 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 270 |
| 1991 | 233 |
| 1992 | 113 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 519 |
| 1995 | 608 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2636 |
| 2015 | 1776 |
| 2016 | 1398 |
| 2017 | 1323 |
| 2018 | 678 |
| 2019 | 1582 |
| 2020 | 258 |
| 2021 | 136 |
| 2022 | 44 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires.
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, 20000911
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 79V239000 — check if this car was fixed
ELEC. REAR WINDOW
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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.
Campaign 87V178000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 80V023000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1980 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 80V023000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 79V239000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V178000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:tread/belt, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.