Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2019 | 20 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% | 102,000 miles |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2016 | 33 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% | 33,000 miles |
| 2014 | 110 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% | 31,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% | 23,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 1998 | 27 | 7% | 152,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 2% | 67,000 miles |
| 1996 | 47 | 11% | 156,000 miles |
| 1995 | 149 | 25% | 101,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, after driving for several miles, the temperature gauge remained at HOT(H). The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for 10 minutes before restarting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a malfunction in the active grill system that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was a moldy and mildew odor coming from the vents in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to bob poynter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of seymour located at (873 e tipton st, seymour, in 47274) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that water entered the vehicle at the driver's side weld seams. The vehicle was re-sealed and the carpet replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The approximate failure mileage was 4,800.
Airbags didn't deploy when I was hit by another driver whose speed was greater than 35mph n the other driver didn't break or slow down when hitting me on the driver n left passenger doors. I requested for my insurance company to preserve the vehicle for inspection but I don't know how long they can hold it because it was determined a TOTAL LOSS. When I was hit NONE of my airbags deployed n because of that, left side of my head n shoulder were slammed into driver's door. The vehicle was inspected by my insurance n a certified mechanic n due to impact n location of damage done to vehicle, both parties determined vehicle was TOTAL LOSS n couldn't b repaired. There were no warnings lamps or ANY messages n other symptoms of the problem prior to deployment failure.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving downhill at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that an excessive amount of pressure on the brake pedal was needed before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was excessive rust on the rotors. The contact was informed that the rotors, calipers, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,500.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH on the highway, the brakes locked up, and the vehicle failed to move. The "Service Brakes" message illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module had failed due to water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
In the beginning of July, the parking brake engaged on its own and a warning came up on the dash. It took some jockying to get the brake to disengage but it continued to happen. We took it to the dealer where purchased who told us that the parking brake control module was damaged by water and that bedause of this the extended warranty that we purchased for a few thousand dollars would not cover it (even though we were told it covered everything). The dealer wanted $2000 to fix it. I took the Jeep to a qualified mechanic whom I deal with, and he replaced the the control unit. We picked up the car and a week or so later the brake came on again. We took it back to the mechanic who dug deeper and found out that the body of the car was leaking, and water had run down and into the control unit again. …
There was a leak in my trunk that completely shorted out my electric parking break module. My safety and others safety were put at risk because the emergency break was turning on automatically and I could not control it. I noticed it blinking and quickly pulled into a parking lot where the brake went on. I couldn't move the car at that time it took me a couple attempts to get the emergency brake off. I managed to get the car moving and went right back home where then the emergency brake turned on again. I ended up having to call a tow truck. This easily could've been worse if I made the decision to continue on my route that day because the emergency brake was turning on automatically. I took my car to an auto shop who determined with photo evidence that my electric parking brake module was filled with water. They noted "Shorted module Full of water due to trunk water leak. …
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle after it rained, the odor worsened. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she lifted the rear driver's side carpet, and noticed that the floorboard on the rear driver's side was soaking wet, and there was mold. The contact used a towel to soak up the water. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Related recalls (3)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power…
NHTSA investigations
DOOR HINGE
There is no summary currently available
DOOR HINGE
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Cherokee years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (149), 2014 (110), 2015 (86), 1996 (47) and 2016 (33) model years. Body complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Jeep Cherokee body problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-338 (hatchback/liftgate, May 11, 2023); 15V-826 (hatchback/liftgate, Dec 9, 2015); 15V-393 (hatchback/liftgate, Jun 22, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Cherokee body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (181 mentions), followed by the body › door › hinge and attachments (123).
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.