Most common 2001 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of the 229 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Cherokee years: 2022, 2021, 2020. Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017, 2016. Compare all years →
2001 Jeep Cherokee recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Remedy: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began May 13, 2002.
Child seat
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Jeep Cherokee:
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013…
What 2001 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Brakes all 56 →
Purchased a new 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport. When brakes applied car weaved or pulled to the left. (2) emergencey stop on major hwy. 2 am front end shook violently and pulled my car onto the center grass divider.(3) returned Jeep to dealer. Service manager could not replicate problem. Brought car to independent brake repair shop. Replaced pads, and installed new rotors. Two days later car shook violently upon braking at 45mph. Returned to lithia colorado Jeep dealer. Stated warped rotors. Replaced rotors and pads. Problem is on going and will now need to have repairs done a third time in 24.000 miles. General manager of lithia states he can repair brakes but not solve the problem because both he and Chrysler know the rotors are defective they simply replace the old rotors with new defective rotors. 35 exact problems reported on www.mycarstats.com in the last 90 days.
I usually drive back roads under 50 miles per hour. My husband had taken my 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport on the interstate and a car switched lanes infront of us causing him to have to brake quickly. The front of my car shook so hard we almost went into a jersey wall. Until that vehicle was under 40 miles per hour the front end was shaking so violently it was barely controlable. If I would have been driving it May very well have caused a serious accident. The problem with my vehicle was covered under service bulletin 0500401. What we experienced was not minor pulsation. The front rotor was visibly warped! When I called Jeep customer service about the problem they admitted that they were aware that the front rotors would warp under conditions of high heat or high road salt use. This was not a recall nor did they offer to meet part of the cost of repair ($700). …
Engine & cooling all 44 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. When the vehicle was powered off and restarted within five minutes or longer, the vehicle would hesitate to start or have a rough start and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the third cylinder failed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V104000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
As with many other Jeep owners with the 4.0 engine (hundreds that I have seen) my 2001 Jeep Cherokee's cylinder head cracked. Mine was at 117K miles, and the average mileage for failure seems to be 100K - 120K miles. This is a definite design flaw. My Jeep was well maintained and should not have had a cracked cylinder head. I ask NHTSA to contact current owners of Jeep 4.0 engines to really see how often this fault occurs. Chrysler seems to take no responsibility for this, which is why I am asking the NHTSA to investigate.
Transmission & drivetrain all 24 →
2001 Jeep Cherokee sport, wife parks vehicle at top of steep driveway on fairly level ground. Puts transmission in "park", sets emergency brake and exits car, leaving car running for niece and 2yr old son to have ac. After approximately 15 min, niece decides to exit vehicle, opens passenger door, reaches over to turn off ignition. As soon as ignition is turned off, car lurches backward, runs down hill, crosses the street, runs through neighbors back yard, through trees, over retaining wall and high centers on large log. All passengers were okay buy did over $3000.00 in damage to vehicle.
I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport. I have had several issues such as brakes/rotors that I have taken care of without complaint. However my Jeep was just diagnosed with a front differential failure and needs a complete overhaul. My car has only 60,000 miles on it and I have had the front and rear differentials serviced twice each according to the specs in my owner's manual. I've been told by private mecanics as well as Jeep technicians that this should not have occured. Chrysler told me after I had it diagnosed by my personal mechanic to have it checked by my dealership. If the dealership came to the same conclusion I was assured that my warranty would be extended to cover the repair. Now Chrysler is refusing the repair and will not return my calls. I have been given at least false information and have most likely been lied to. …
2001 Jeep Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Jeep Cherokee a good car?
Based on 229 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Cherokee rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cherokee at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Jeep Cherokee?
The brakes — 56 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the engine & cooling (44) and transmission & drivetrain (24).
How many recalls does the 2001 Jeep Cherokee have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee, the most recent from April 8, 2002 (injectors). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017 and 2016. See the full Jeep Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Jeep Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 39% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.