Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 10 MPH, the steering box failed and separated from the frame. The steering box was hanging by the steering column and the driver lost control of the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they determined that the frame cracked and caused the bolts to fail. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer informed him to take the vehicle to the dealer because it was included in a recall for the steering box; therefore, the repairs would be covered under the recall. The manufacturer called the dealer to determine the cause of the failure and called the contact back to inform him that no repairs would be covered under the recall. In addition, no compensation would be made. The failure and current mileages were 198,000.
I was driving my daughters to school when all of the sudden the Jeep stops. It was hard to turn the wheel so I can move the Jeep out the main road. This has happened on numerous times. I have taken it in and have had things replaced. From what I have read this is a on going issue, this is dangerous the whole car locks up out of the blue and I am scared to drive it, this is my only mode of getting around and it could cost me my life,
Vehicle was involved in a severe accident of 35-40 MPH in which front left wheel came through the floorboard and crushed driver's left leg, and broke right leg. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
When driving at 20 MPH consumer noticed a loud noise then lost control of the vehicle, vehicle went into a spin, hit a lamp pile. Dealer determined the problem as a broken steering gear box.
Vehicle under recall 97V069000. Had recall on steering gear box repaired. Remedy failed not to long afterwards. Took vehicle to independent mechanic, and was informed that recall was not performed properly. Mechanic proceeded to correct the problem. Steering gear box broke once again. Towed to dealership. Mechanic t indicated incorrect repairs, and proceeded to correct problem.
Noticed smoke coming from steering column while driving 45mph. Parked vehicle at home & checked next day & noticed steering column had melted. Took to dealer & informed did not know what caused problem & will inform driver when they know.
Recall 97V069000 concerning steering gear box. Vehicle has been at dealership waiting for parts to be repaired for over a month. Automobile nations dealer located in lithia springs , ga [phone]. Manufacturer has been notified.
Adjustable steering wheel would create a short in ignition switch due to wires being cinked/cinched/pinched together. This causes vehicle to stall in middle of traffic. Also causes turn signals to come on when not in use.
Driveshaft had to be replaced, and the vehicle has been in the shop 27 times for service. Also, consumer is having problems with the steering column/headlight's and radio and squeaking and noisy transmission.
While backing out of the driveway a noise from the engine was produced. While driving back into the driveway the power steering fluid began to pour out which caused complete steering failure.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
During assembly of the frame, a fillet weld that joins the inner steering gear attachment reinforcement to the frame rail, was omitted.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for cracks in the frame rail. Vehicles that show cracks will be equipped with reinforcement plates.
NHTSA investigations
Steering column assembly
On January 25, 1994 Chrysler conducted a safety recall to correct the steering shaft assembly in model year 1993 grand cherokee and grand wagoneer.the recall population was 115,000 vehicles.the defect was the molded plastic pin which connects the upper steering column shaft and the lower steering column shaft which May have been sheared/damaged prior to the installation of the steering assembly into the vehile.if…
Steering complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1995 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Jeep Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 608 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Jeep Cherokee steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-069 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Apr 28, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Jeep Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 198,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.