1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 555 |
| 1994 | 588 |
| 1995 | 719 |
| 1996 | 893 |
| 1997 | 991 |
| 1998 | 1028 |
| 1999 | 1638 |
| 2000 | 1447 |
| 2001 | 883 |
| 2002 | 1476 |
| 2003 | 761 |
| 2004 | 1294 |
| 2005 | 2051 |
| 2006 | 1280 |
| 2007 | 1108 |
| 2008 | 733 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 1639 |
| 2012 | 1637 |
| 2013 | 799 |
| 2014 | 2367 |
| 2015 | 1340 |
| 2016 | 306 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 837 |
| 2019 | 356 |
| 2020 | 224 |
| 2021 | 396 |
| 2022 | 247 |
| 2023 | 371 |
| 2024 | 231 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING UNIT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 19990820
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS RECALL DONE, ABS ACTUATOR MAKES LOUD SOUND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950206
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
CATALIC CONVERTER RECALL ELECTRIC RECALL COOLANT TEMP CIRCUIT RECALL OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD I WILL NOT TEST IT ON FREEWAY WITH ALL THE SEVERE SYSTOMS HAPPENING WITH MY JEEP BEEN SMOKING FROM ENGINE SOMETHING WITH MY COOLANT AND...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190528
1 of 5 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
CATALIC CONVERTER RECALL ELECTRIC RECALL COOLANT TEMP CIRCUIT RECALL OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD I WILL NOT TEST IT ON FREEWAY WITH ALL THE SEVERE SYSTOMS HAPPENING WITH MY JEEP BEEN SMOKING FROM ENGINE SOMETHING WITH MY COOLANT AND...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190528
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Jeep Grand 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 1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most-reported component is steering:hydraulic power assist system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.