Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 9/30/03 wiring terminations at ignition switch in steering column failed. Evidence of previous arcing and deformation of wiring, connector, and plastic cover over steering column were present. Dealership was aware of this problem happening as they have seen it before and have prescribed a fix for the situation that deviates from replacing the entire wiring harness. If this is the case they there must be quite a few cherokees that are out there that are having this problem. I my self have noticed quite a few burnt up interiors at local salvage yards where I do business my self. Immediate attention to this issue before some one dies in a fire caused by electiral wiring inside of the steering column should be given. I have contaced dcx and they gave me claim numnber 11700403 for my complaint within there organization
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Dear sirs, I have discovered a very dangerous electrical hazard that is occurring on all the 1990's Jeep Cherokee se models. On the 4.0 liter 242 cubic inch models, the dashboard switch that controls the airflow after only a few years of use shorts out melting and causing a severe danger problem. When this brown plug melts it also shorts out the 30 amp fuse that is connected to this area. After investigating several of these same models it is a dangerous design fault that needs to be addressed. Can you please take some corrective action before someone gets injured or killed from this? The next email will show an example of two different 1990's Jeep Cherokee's with several pics and both vehicle's v.I.n.# information. My 1995 Jeep was purchased brand new by my late father and after 23 years of use it only has 113K original miles on it. This Jeep remains a strong garage kept o.e.m. …
Backed out of driveway & started up street; noticed smoke from dashboard; stopped vehicle & flames shot from glove compartment. Vehicle engulfed in flames. Fire dept. Arrived & put flames out. Chrysler & insurance co. Investigators arrived, but could not determine fire location. Had 2 hot spots on hood.
While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection three times. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. The ignition switch and the wiring harness was fixed.
Recently, while on I-75 n in atlanta, ga a vehicle swerved in front of me. I veered to avoid impact and the drivers seatbeat buckle on my vehicle became dislodged and has not worked properly since this date.
On the evening of 11-15-99, my Jeep Cherokee sport would not stay started, we check all the fuses which were o.k., tilted the steering column up and down, the Jeep started when the steering column is in the down tilt, I do remember a light smell of electrical the morning of the 15 of November, since then I had a friend of a friend contact someone over in the Chrysler corporation to have them contact me. Today is Friday, 11-19-99 I have not heard from any one over at the Chrysler corporation. I contacted the friend of the friend over at Chrysler this morning. He forwarded my concerns onto someone else. …
I purchased a replacement battery for my wife's car from napa, manufactured by exide. I placed the battery on my front seat, and left it there overnight to return the next day. Sulfuric acid leaked from the battery and ruined the seat upholstery. The manufacturer claims it is not defective after performing a pressure test on it. Do I have any other recourse, or are their findings final?? As the unit was never put into use, I feel the manufacturer has to have some responsibility in this matter. Are batteries intended to leak sulfuric acid at any time after manufacture, either in service or delivery?? Please advise me regarding my situation and whether I have any basis for my claim. Thank you.
I have a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. When replacing the environmental control light, I noticed that the connector the blower switch was burnt to a crisp. I proceeded to replace the connector by obtaining a connecters from a salvage yard. I was able to obtain several connectors, however these connectors were also burnt and melted. I am curious if whether a defect complaint has ever been logged concerning the A/C, heater blower switch or the connector.
While starting the vehicle battery blew up, cauising the acids to spill onto the engine. Replaced battery and problem occurred again. Dealer cannot determine problem. While replacing battery it was noted that the negative cable jump was somewhat loose causing possible arcing, the weather was very hot and engine area and hood were very hot, explosion caused battery to separate and May have loosened clamp.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
U.S. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive Jeep cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 101, 'controls and displays;' no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no.
Remedy: U.S. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site.
Electrical complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of the model year's 608 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-056 (instrument cluster/panel, Feb 6, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.