According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Jeep Cherokee has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Failure Causes Intermittent No-Start and Hot Stalling ($30-$300 repair), Death Wobble (Front Solid-Axle Steering Oscillation) ($150-$900 repair) and Rear Unibody Frame Rail, Floor Pan and Rocker Rust (Structural) ($300-$3,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $15 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee, the crankshaft position sensor on the 4.0L I6 and 2.5L I4 XJ is a classic thermal-failure item. Internal components and wiring degrade with age and heat, so the sensor works cold but drops signal once the engine reaches operating temperature. Without a CPS signal the PCM cuts spark and fuel, producing a stall or a crank-but-no-start that mysteriously 'fixes itself' after the engine cools. It is one of the most frequently discussed XJ failures in enthusiast communities and typically strikes around 125,000-175,000 miles.
Engine stalls when hot then restarts after cooling
Intermittent sudden stalling while driving
No tachometer signal while cranking
How to Fix
Replace the crankshaft position sensor (mounted at the bell housing / transmission). The 4.0L PCM is notoriously picky about signal quality, so owners strongly recommend a Mopar (OEM) or NTK sensor rather than a cheap generic unit, which frequently causes repeat failures. It is a roughly one-hour job; a scan tool showing loss of RPM signal while cranking helps confirm before replacing.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Crown 56027866AC crankshaft-position sensor for the 1997-1999 4.0L branch
OEM56027866AC (supersedes 56027866AB)
Test-confirmed crankshaft-position signal failure on a 1997-1999 Cherokee XJ 4.0L Fitment/availability: 56027866AC is explicitly limited to 1997-1999 XJ Cherokee 4.0L. Confirm VIN, connector and transmission calibration; it is not the 2.…
Crown 56027865AB crankshaft-position sensor for the 1997-1999 2.5L branch
OEM56027865AB
Test-confirmed crankshaft-position signal failure on a compatible 1997-1999 Cherokee XJ 2.5L Fitment/availability: 56027865AB is the Mopar-listed 1997-2001 XJ 2.5L crank sensor and the product page is engine-specific. Confirm model year,…
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee, like other coil-sprung, solid-front-axle Jeeps, the XJ is prone to 'death wobble' - a violent, self-sustaining side-to-side shaking of the front axle and steering, usually triggered by a bump or expansion joint at speeds above ~45 mph. It is caused by cumulative slop anywhere in the front steering/suspension system rather than a single part; the most common single culprit is worn track-bar bushings, followed by tie-rod ends and ball joints. Wear accelerates with age, larger tires, or lift kits, and the violent shaking can feel like a loss of control.
Common Symptoms
Violent front-end shaking after hitting a bump above 45 mph
Steering wheel shakes hard side to side
Vibration only stops after slowing down significantly
Feeling of losing control
How to Fix
Inspect the entire front end and replace worn components - most commonly the front track bar (and its bushings/mount), tie-rod ends, ball joints, and control-arm bushings - then confirm proper torque and alignment. A quality track bar, steering-box brace, and fresh steering stabilizer resolve the vast majority of cases. A new steering stabilizer alone only masks the symptom; the worn joint must be replaced.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
MOOG DS1147 front track bar for the 1990 branch
OEMMOOG DS1147
Confirmed play at the complete front track-bar joint/bar on a stock-geometry 1990 Cherokee Fitment/availability: MOOG and Advance list DS1147 for 1984-1990 Cherokee. Confirm left/right-hand-drive market and stock-compatible geometry; do …
MOOG DS1235 front track bar for the 1991-1999 left-hand-drive branch
OEMMOOG DS1235
Confirmed play at the complete front track-bar joint/bar on a stock-geometry 1991-1999 left-hand-drive Cherokee Fitment/availability: DS1235 explicitly lists 1991-2001 Cherokee front, left-hand drive. Confirm lift/axle centering and brac…
Dana Spicer 706944X upper/lower front ball-joint kit for one side
OEMDana Spicer 706944X
Load-test-confirmed upper/lower ball-joint play on a compatible XJ Dana 30/44 front axle Fitment/availability: 706944X is listed for 1984-2001 XJ Cherokee Dana 30/44 and services one side. Confirm axle/knuckle and whether a standard or o…
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee, the XJ uses a thin unibody with no separate frame, and corrosion is one of its defining long-term problems, especially in salt-belt climates. The rear unibody rails rot where the fuel lines pass through the rail 'tunnel' and near the leaf-spring mounts, while floor pans under the seats/cargo area, rocker panels (which rot from the inside out), and rear quarter panels around the wheel wells also corrode. Because the structure is load-bearing, advanced rust here is a safety/structural issue, not just cosmetic, and can affect leaf-spring mounting integrity. Rust and cracks at the front frame rails/bulkhead welds have also been traced as a cause of death wobble.
Common Symptoms
Rust holes in rear unibody rails near fuel lines
Soft/flaking floor pans under seats and cargo area
Rocker panels rotting from inside out
Rust around rear wheel arches and leaf-spring mounts
How to Fix
Cut out all rusted metal and weld in new steel. A large aftermarket ecosystem sells XJ-specific weld-in repair panels for the rear rails, floor pans, rockers, and rear crossmember (Rustbuster, C2C Fabrication, etc.). After repair, treat cavities with rust-inhibiting coatings. Catching it early before it reaches spring/mount points keeps cost far lower.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Key Parts front floor-pan repair panel, driver side
OEMKey Parts 0482-221-L
Mapped driver-side front floor corrosion where a qualified shop determines this stamped section matches the repair boundary Fitment/availability: 0482-221-L is a driver-side front pan for 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ, including two- and four-do…
Driver-side outer-rocker corrosion after inspection confirms the inner backing and adjacent floor/rail structure can also be restored Fitment/availability: 0482-101-L is the left/driver outer rocker for 1984-2001 XJ two- and four-door bo…
Key Parts outer rocker repair panel, passenger side
OEMKey Parts 0482-102-R
Passenger-side outer-rocker corrosion after inspection confirms the inner backing and adjacent floor/rail structure can also be restored Fitment/availability: 0482-102-R is the right/passenger outer rocker for 1984-2001 XJ two- and four-…
Conditional rear-rail reinforcement only after a structural technician has removed/replaced every unsound section and specified the cap geometry Fitment/availability: RB6062 fits 1984-2001 XJ and caps the rail between the rear crossmembe…
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L I6 (242), the 4.0L is notorious for rear main seal (RMS) leaks, in part due to its two-piece seal design. Compounding the diagnosis, the XJ engine sits nose-up, so oil from almost any upstream leak runs down and collects at the RMS area - the lowest point on the engine - making other leaks look like an RMS failure. A genuine RMS leak leaves oil at the bell housing/flexplate area and can drip onto the driveway over time.
Common Symptoms
Oil drips from bell housing / back of engine
Oil spots on driveway
Oil film covering rear of engine and oil pan
Gradual oil loss between changes
How to Fix
Before pulling the transmission, clean the engine thoroughly and rule out cheaper upstream sources (valve cover gasket, distributor gasket, oil pressure sender, oil filter adapter O-rings, timing cover). If the RMS is truly the source, replace it - the seal is inexpensive but labor-intensive because the transmission/flexplate must come off, which drives the cost.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Crown two-piece crankshaft rear-main seal kit
OEMCrown 4778126
A leak conclusively traced to the crankshaft rear-main seal on a 1990-1999 Cherokee XJ 4.0L Fitment/availability: 4778126 is explicitly cataloged for 1987-1999 Cherokee XJ 4.0L and therefore covers the issue's 1990-1999 4.0L range. It do…
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L I6 (242), the 4.0L oil filter adapter uses three O-rings that harden and shrink with age (owners describe them becoming brittle 'like bakelite'). When they fail, pressurized oil weeps out and gets blown back onto the rear of the engine, so it is very frequently misdiagnosed as a rear main seal or valve cover leak - compounded by the nose-up engine geometry that makes all oil collect at the RMS area. It is an inexpensive but genuinely common XJ oil-leak source and worth checking before any major RMS teardown.
Common Symptoms
Oil collecting on rear/side of engine block
Leak appears near the oil filter area
Mistaken for rear main or valve cover leak
Oil drips after driving
How to Fix
Replace the three adapter O-rings with an oil filter adapter O-ring kit (e.g., Crown 4720363). Note there are two adapter styles - an early hex type and a later Torx type that is harder to access; some owners delete the adapter entirely with a relocation/bypass. It is a low-cost part but requires care to reseal correctly.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Crown three-O-ring oil-filter adapter seal kit for the early adapter
OEMCrown 33002970K
Confirmed oil-filter adapter seal leak on a 1990-1992 Cherokee XJ 4.0L Fitment/availability: 33002970K explicitly fits 1987-1992 XJ Cherokee 4.0L and contains three O-rings.
On the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L I6 (242), the factory 4.0L exhaust manifold is well known for cracking, most often where the two down pipes converge into the collector. The cracks are frequently hairline and follow the factory welds; a major cause is that the manifold is rigidly mounted to the chassis while it moves with the engine, stressing the metal. Because the leak opens under load and heat expansion, it is easily mistaken for a lifter/valvetrain tick. Left alone it worsens over time and can also throw off idle quality and cause a slight power loss.
Common Symptoms
Loud ticking/tapping under acceleration that fades at idle
Exhaust smell or tick from front of engine
Slightly erratic idle and minor power loss
Sound resembles a lifter tick but appears under load
How to Fix
Replace the exhaust manifold - many owners fit a heavier aftermarket or upgraded one-piece/header manifold with flex sections to prevent recurrence - along with the manifold gasket and hardware. Welding the factory manifold is generally not worthwhile as it tends to re-crack. Diagnosis is confirmed by a loud tick that appears under acceleration and quiets at idle.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
ATP 101111 exhaust-manifold kit for the 1990 Renix 4.0L branch
OEMATP 101111 / Dorman 674-170 / OE 53006244
Confirmed cracked or warped exhaust manifold on a 1990 Cherokee 4.0L I6 Fitment/availability: ATP 101111 is explicitly listed for the 1990 Cherokee 4.0L and includes manifold/flange gasket plus studs and nuts. Confirm engine and emission…
ATP 101212 exhaust-manifold kit for the 1991-1999 4.0L branch
OEMATP 101212 / OE 4883385
Confirmed cracked or warped exhaust manifold on a 1991-1999 Cherokee 4.0L I6 outside prohibited sales jurisdictions Fitment/availability: ATP 101212 explicitly fits 1991-1999 Cherokee 4.0L and includes manifold gasket, dump gasket, two b…
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Campaign #06E06500017/07/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1994-1996 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES IMPORTED FROM JANUARY 2007, THROUGH APRIL 2011 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REQUIRED THIRD BRAKE LAMP.
Campaign #11V27900006/05/2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Jeep Cherokee has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Failure Causes Intermittent No-Start and Hot Stalling, Death Wobble (Front Solid-Axle Steering Oscillation), Rear Unibody Frame Rail, Floor Pan and Rocker Rust (Structural). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable?
The 1997 Jeep Cherokee has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Failure Causes Intermittent No-Start and Hot Stalling and Death Wobble (Front Solid-Axle Steering Oscillation) and Rear Unibody Frame Rail, Floor Pan and Rocker Rust (Structural). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Cherokee problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Cherokee issues range from $15 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Failure Causes Intermittent No-Start and Hot Stalling, typically costs $30-$300 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Failure Causes Intermittent No-Start and Hot Stalling?
The crankshaft position sensor on the 4.0L I6 and 2.5L I4 XJ is a classic thermal-failure item. Internal components and wiring degrade with age and heat, so the sensor works cold but drops signal once the engine reaches operating temperature. Without a CPS signal the PCM cuts spa… Repairs typically run $30-$300. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Death Wobble (Front Solid-Axle Steering Oscillation)?
Like other coil-sprung, solid-front-axle Jeeps, the XJ is prone to 'death wobble' - a violent, self-sustaining side-to-side shaking of the front axle and steering, usually triggered by a bump or expansion joint at speeds above ~45 mph. It is caused by cumulative slop anywhere in… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Rear Unibody Frame Rail, Floor Pan and Rocker Rust (Structural)?
The XJ uses a thin unibody with no separate frame, and corrosion is one of its defining long-term problems, especially in salt-belt climates. The rear unibody rails rot where the fuel lines pass through the rail 'tunnel' and near the leaf-spring mounts, while floor pans under the… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Rear Main Seal Oil Leak (Two-Piece Seal Design)?
The 4.0L is notorious for rear main seal (RMS) leaks, in part due to its two-piece seal design. Compounding the diagnosis, the XJ engine sits nose-up, so oil from almost any upstream leak runs down and collects at the RMS area - the lowest point on the engine - making other leaks… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Cracked Exhaust Manifold on the 4.0L I6?
The factory 4.0L exhaust manifold is well known for cracking, most often where the two down pipes converge into the collector. The cracks are frequently hairline and follow the factory welds; a major cause is that the manifold is rigidly mounted to the chassis while it moves with… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Jeep Cherokee Oil Filter Adapter O-Ring Leak (Commonly Misdiagnosed as Rear Main Seal)?
The 4.0L oil filter adapter uses three O-rings that harden and shrink with age (owners describe them becoming brittle 'like bakelite'). When they fail, pressurized oil weeps out and gets blown back onto the rear of the engine, so it is very frequently misdiagnosed as a rear main… Repairs typically run $15-$350. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
