What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1984–2001) Cherokee?

Cherokee owners have made 137 complaints about the 1984–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 3rd out of 18 Jeep generations in overall reliability, with some electrical and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Cherokee Generations

Common 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Cherokee owners have to deal with.

  1. Death Wobble

    The death wobble is a creative term coined by Jeep owners that describes a situation when the front axle begins violently oscillating, causing the car to shake (or wobble) in a manner which makes the vehicle hard to control.

    Continue reading article "Death Wobble" A red Wrangler climbing over rocks

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue A red Wrangler climbing over rocks

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1984–2001) Cherokee Key Numbers

  1. 18 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 137 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 3rd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 18 eligible generations.