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 1997 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Headlights while driving were occasionally turning off and on. Side lights remained on and instrument panel lights remained on. Upon investigation for cause, discovered connector on headlight/dimmer switch was melted due to excessive heat buildup. Suspect due to several connectors on dimmer switch were loose adding resistance to the flow of current creating excessive heat in switch and connector. Switch was replaced and problem was resolved. Since the switch provides power directly to the headlights, this creates a potential fire hazard. There should be a relay configuration to the headlights to reduce current flow through the headlight switch.
1997 Jeep grand Cherokee laredo 4.0l i6 began stalling in 2010 under seemingly random conditions. Replaced several parts (spark plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor, ignition coil, PCM) over the past four years to no avail. The difference currently is that the stall now only seems to occur at temperatures less than 65-70 degrees f. The colder the environment, the worse stall probability. Colder temps also increase probability vehicle will not start after a stall. Vehicle will always fire up on a cold start. Stall occurs at varying speeds (including at idle), but above approximately 40 MPH stall becomes what seems like a misfire. Believe I have narrowed the problem down to an intermittent connection in the wiring harness, either at the gray PCM connector (closest to body), or in the wire leading to this connector. …
Vic display show "coolant sensor bad." online investigations reveal many owners have experienced the same problem over the years. Their trial solutions have ranged from replacing the "coolant temperature sensor," the coolant level sensor," replacing "connecting wiring" to the vic, and to removing the vic to repair solder joints and cracks at the circuit board that is located in the vic. Most report that the first three attempted remedies did not resolve the defect. Some report success in re-soldering joints on the circuit board. The latter,--removing the vic and repairs at the circuit board-- is an involved process and requires extensive knowledge and repair tools and equipment. All report that this condition left unresolved could lead to the engine overheating and/or faulty data sent to the fuel injection system, and possible engine fire. …
Blower motor failed at 78K miles excessive liquid draining when running ac was told that motor had been "redesigned" and that parts alone would cost over 300.00 because in addition to redesigning the motor, a new wiring harness has to be installed!!! Remember the 300.00 is for the hard part and wiring only, not the labor to install...this is completely ridiculous when a motor for the same model manufactured a year earlier is only 20.00!!!!! As far as the excessive liquids running from under the vehicle while the ac is running, this site was the first indicator as to what is wrong with it...(I simply though it was a design flaw) also this complaint has been edited to let you know that "running boards has nothing to do with this...it seems one has to go through the process flawlessly or begin again completely!!!
The vehicle stalls unexpectedly when slowing down or coming to a stop. The check engine light is on, however; the code that comes up is for the ignition which was already repaired and not the issue causing at hand. This malfunction is freakishly common when I look it up online for this make, model, and year. This problem is very dangerous as it May or can cause death or serious injury if in intersection or busy road/highway. Please notify me of any solutions or information on this matter. We have also changed spark plugs as well as wires & coil.
The gauges on the instrument panel started bouncing back and forth, the check engine light came on. I had the code read and it said the coolant temp sensor was bad, changed that still says that sensor is bad. I cannot pass emissions and inspection to get licensed.
Stalling while driving. No code = onboard computer bad?, no accident yet!! When it stalls I have a hard time to start the Jeep ... It happened 2 times ... Once while driving, the other was at a stoplight ........already have a recall 10583287 for a trailer hitch to make the gas tank safer and still waiting...no accident yet!!
Engine check light illuminated on three occasions, indicating malfunction. When this occurs, the vehicle will not shift gears, the vehicle will also hesitate and lose power when accelerating. Dealers has replaced the computer system which did not remedy the problem. Please give any further details.
While driving entire electrical system went out. Fuses were checked and replaced to repair. The next day the entire instrument panel went out other than the cruise control. The defect does not allow the consumer to have access to see speedometer and other important parts.
Car stalls ,shuts off while driving, hard to start. Instrument panels lights will not work. Dome lights will not work. Had to take fuse out to extinguished dome lights, otherwise stay on all the time . Gas gage shows that more gas in tank than really is.
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 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 390 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 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 1997 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 140,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire 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.