1981 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
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 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.
Seats
1 of 1 total report mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
When installing this aftermarket seat slider, the first bolt tightened twisted off so easily it could have only been the equivalent of a grade#1 bolt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-08
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1981-07-15Vehicle speed control81V015000 The transmission throttle control rod spring may have been improperly installed. This may cause the throttle to close more slowly than normal. Vehicles may return to idle slowly.
Remedy: Each end of the spring will be inspected and relocated, if necessary, to ensure correct positioning.
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I
1987-10-23Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-28 Elec. Rear window
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I
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 81V015000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 87V178000 · Visibility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1981 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 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
- The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 2 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.