The 1995 Cherokee is a tank when equipped with the 4.0L I6, but suffers from chronic cooling system failures, rear main seal leaks, and crankshaft position sensor drama. The 2.5L four-cylinder is underpowered and prone to head gasket failures under stress.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (4.0L I6)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Random stalling, especially when hot, No-start condition with cranks but won't fire, Dies at idle after highway driving
Fix: Replace CPS sensor on bell housing (0.5-1.0 hr labor). Often fails intermittently before dying completely. Keep a spare in the glove box.
Estimated cost: $80-180
Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leaks (4.0L I6)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil puddles under rear of engine, Oil coating transmission bell housing, Steady oil consumption between changes
Fix: Rear main requires transmission removal (6-8 hrs labor). Oil pan gasket replacement often done at same time (adds 2 hrs). Many shops recommend doing both together.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Cooling System Failures (Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat Housing)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Overheating in traffic or on hills, Coolant leaks from front of engine, Plastic radiator end tanks cracking, Coolant smell in cab with heat on
Fix: Radiator replacement (2-3 hrs), water pump (3-4 hrs), thermostat housing cracks common on 4.0L (1.5 hrs). Budget for full cooling system refresh at 100k+ miles.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Head Gasket Failure (2.5L I4)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), Overheating with no external leaks, Loss of compression
Fix: Head gasket job on 2.5L requires 8-10 hrs labor. Often find warped head requiring machine work ($150-250 additional). This engine runs hot and doesn't tolerate overheating.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Transmission Cooler Line and Mount Failures (AW4 Auto)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF leaking near radiator, Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Transmission sits low or tilted
Fix: Cooler lines rust through at radiator connection (1-2 hrs). Transmission mount deteriorates causing drivetrain clunk (1.5 hrs). Both are cheap fixes but common on Northeastern vehicles.
Estimated cost: $200-450
Death Wobble (Steering and Suspension)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Violent steering wheel oscillation at 45-55 mph after hitting bump, Loose or vague steering feel, Clunking over bumps in front end
Fix: Usually track bar bushings, tie rod ends, or worn steering box (recall item). Diagnosis critical—throwing parts rarely fixes it first try. Plan 3-5 hrs for proper front end overhaul.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Stalling under load or acceleration, Long crank before starting, Sputtering at highway speeds, No fuel pressure at rail
Fix: In-tank pump replacement requires dropping 20-gallon tank (2-3 hrs labor). Use OEM or quality aftermarket—cheap pumps fail quickly. Replace fuel filter at same time.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Replace coolant every 30k miles with proper mix—the 4.0L runs hot and cooling system neglect kills engines
Keep a spare CPS sensor in the vehicle—$40 part prevents being stranded
Flush transmission fluid every 50k miles on AW4 automatic—keeps it shifting into 200k+ territory
Address oil leaks early before they ruin O2 sensors or start fires on hot exhaust
Use quality fluids and filters—this platform responds well to maintenance but punishes neglect
Buy the 4.0L six-cylinder with service records and budget $1,500 for deferred maintenance—it'll run another 100k if the cooling system is sorted.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Single Board Engine Controller / Powertrain Control Module (SBEC/PCM)0.8 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Engine compartment, passenger side firewall
⚠️ OBD-I compliant 1991+; flash-code and DRB-II diagnostics. Fixed calibration; some units bench-flashable by specialists.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND MAIL KITS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OF THEIR CHOICE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 09E025000
2009-05-11
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
2009-04-07
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 08V056000
2008-02-06
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. 115, 'VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER;' NO. 118, 'POWER WINDOW SYSTEM;' NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS;' NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION;' AND NO. 301, 'FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.'
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.
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. THE RECALL WILL BE PERFORMED ON A REGIONAL BASIS BEGINNING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E026000
2006-03-23
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · 06E022000
2006-03-13
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.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR · 99V340000
1999-12-13 · EA99014
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. DRIVERS CAN MISTAKENLY STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THEY INTEND TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence: PEDAL MISAPPLICATION BY A DRIVER CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · 97V069000
1997-04-28
DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME, A FILLET WELD THAT JOINS THE INNER STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRAME RAIL, WAS OMITTED.
Consequence: DUE TO HIGH STEERING LOAD EVENTS, VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT BROKEN STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS OR FRAME RAIL CRACKING AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING POINT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR CRACKS IN THE FRAME RAIL. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CRACKS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH REINFORCEMENT PLATES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO BE FREE OF CRACKS WILL HAVE A SLOT CUT IN THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE FILLET WELD WILL BE ADDED.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL · 95V172000
1995-09-12
THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE RELEASE BUTTON CAN SEPARATE FROM THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE PARKING BRAKE TO BE INOPERATIVE.
Consequence: THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL INADVERTENTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 95V057000
1995-03-21
CERTAIN OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULES WERE ASSEMBLED WITHOUT AN ARMING LEVER.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE AIR BAG MODULE ARMING LEVER AND WILL REPLACE THOSE AIR BAG MODULES THAT ARE MISSING A LEVER.
Vehicle Info — 1995 Jeep Cherokee
Performance
Horsepower
130hp
Torque
149lb-ft
0–60 mph
13.5sec
Quarter mile
19.2sec
Top speed
95mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
20mpg
Combined
18mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
2,000lb
Payload
1,000lb
Curb weight
3,240lb
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicles
Wiper blades
XJ generation (1984-2001). Standard hook attachment for front wipers. Rear wiper is 14 inches.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 1995 Jeep Cherokee 2.5L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.