1985 Jeep Cherokee
Only 17 complaints 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 17 complaints
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 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
6 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Tires
2 of 17 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving tire blew out without warning. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-09
Structure
2 of 17 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle rollover during accident resulting in death.(Attorney for consumer).
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20
While driving the vehicle at normal speed rear tire blew out and tread separated, damaging the structural underbody floor panel of the vehicle. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-02
Service brakes
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seats
2 of 17 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1985-01-02Vehicle speed control84V138000 No summary on file.
Remedy: The dealer will have the module properly secured if necessary, without charge.
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R
1985-01-02Steering84V122000 Improperly tightened bolt on steering shaft allows the connector on the shaft to slip. Steering movements will not be transmitted to the gear box.
Remedy: The vehicle will be inspected and the upper pinch bolt will be tightened if necessary at no charge to owner.
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I
1987-10-23Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-28 Elec. Rear window
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I
1987-10-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-28 Fires caused by cltch lk
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I
1987-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 1990-01-09 Engine compartment fires
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R
1989-05-05Service brakes, hydraulic88V106000 Brake booster vacuum reservoir canisters may develop leaks due to bumper impact.
Remedy: Replace brake booster vacuum cannisters with new type cannisters; also, install a restriction orifice to ensure sufficient vacuum in event cannister leakage occurs.
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I
1989-08-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-12-11 Safety belt retractor
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1997-09-15Vehicle speed control97I002000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a shift interlock on the automatic transmission of these vehicles.
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V138000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 84V122000 · Steering
- Recall 88V106000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 97I002000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 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 1985 Jeep Cherokee?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 7 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.