Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2000 Jeep Cherokee was idling with the engine running in park, no emergency brake on. Exited the vehicle and got a few items from the rear seating, then entered the rear hatch area to get a few more items out. Walking away from the vehicle about 20 yards when I turned around the vehicle was gone. It ended up across the street in an embankment. When I opened the drivers door, the vehicle was not in drive. No one was in the vehicle at the time, minor damage to the front of the Jeep.
I angle parked my Jeep in a bank parking lot. After parking, the transmission remained in drive with the motor running. I sat in my Jeep for a minute or two, assembling the paperwork I'd need in the bank. I then turned the ignition switch to the lock position, which turned off the motor (but, unfortunately, the transmission remained in drive). I then pulled my Jeep key out of the ignition, got out of the Jeep and walked about 75 - 100 feet to the entry stairs leading to the bank. At that moment, a lady yelled to me. My Jeep was slowly rolling backwards and it stopped after it hit a building about 70 feet away, striking the building at an approximate 60 degree angle. Due to the manufacturing defect, my Jeep sustained body damage in the amount of $260.42 for which I have an estimate. …
On my wife's 2000 right hand drive Jeep Cherokee after 120,000 miles the check engine light came on, the OBD ii code read a transmission problem after trying to fix the problem I took it into the dealer where the car was purchased. They informed me that it would need a new transmission, they do not work on the aw4 transmissions, their fix is to replace it. I had a friend install the new tranny only to have the same problem 3,000 miles later, so back to the dealer we went. I was charged $550 to install the next one because they did not install the first. After 300 miles the light came back on and the transmission would not down shift which put her in danger not being able to accelerate after delivering mail. So a new transmission was put in again this time for no cost except gas to get it to the dealer and my wife having to use her leave to have this done. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 55 MPH, there was a loss of transmission power. The vehicle hesitated excessively, but the engine continued to operate. The warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer at that time. On a separate occasion, the check engine and transmission warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicators remained lit until the engine was turned off. Immediately following, the engine shut off; however, the vehicle restarted within twenty minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice for identical failures. The crank sensor and fuel filter were replaced; however, there were no resolutions. Currently, the vehicle is being repaired for the malfunctions. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. …
As with many other xj owners, my cylinder head is cracked due to the defective 0331 head. I bought the Jeep about 3 years ago, and about a year ago coolant started leaking into the oil. I talked with several mechanic friends and the head fleet mechanic at work told me the cracked head is extremely common. I was stranded on the side of the road, had to have the vehicle towed, and it sits as a giant paperweight in my garage as I cannot afford a new engine. I bought the vehicle with 122000 miles and have never taken it off road, modified it, or traveled more than 60 miles in a day. It has never overheated until the head cracked. Now I am looking at an enormous bill that my family cannot afford. I fail to see how so many vehicles can be affected and there is still no recall.
Severe brake problems with 2000 Jeep Cherokee. There was an ongoing braking problem and difficulty diagnosing the problem. The problem was thought to be the rotors which were cut and replaced (the front pads). The problem still continued. Then the front rotors were diagnosed as being warped and the brakes were 50% worn. There was a tapping noise in the shifting area as well as a rubbing noise in the steering column that comes and goes. (unable to diagnose) the vehicle had been diagnose as the rear brake drums being out of round. The water pump leaked and was replaced along with the thermostat. The comsumer requested a refund
Consumer used vehicle for delivering mail. She pulled up and there was a mailbox next to her. She got out of vehicle with vehicle being turned off in park position. She went to retrieve a post card and when she looked up door was open, and vehicle was going backwards and it hit mail box. Consumer jumped into vehicle and turned it on to stop it. $2300.00 worth of damage. Dealership will hear about it. Consumer stated she jumped into the vehicle, slammed on brakes and turned the keys to unlock steering wheel and put vehicle back into parl.
While insured was traveling north on central started to see smoke and pulled over, vehicle caught on fire, insured stated that fire originated within the engine compartment from the ignition of transmission fluid which expelled from the transmission cooler hose onto hot surfaces of the exhaust system. Claim number 13-7494-462.
While driving, consumer could see smoke, after pulling over consumer could see there was a fire in the engine compartment, fire originated within the engine compartment from the ignition of transmission fluid expelled from the transmission cooler hose onto hot surfaces of the exhaust system, claim 13-7494-462.
2000 rhd Jeep Cherokee, for postal delivery. Transmission leak/mechanical noise and needed replaced at 59,000 miles. After 200 miles second transmission leaking and May need replaced due to slippage.
Transmission complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Jeep Cherokee, 8% of the model year's 369 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.