- The problem
- The key operated tailgate window will continue to close if the spring loaded key does not return to off position when released.
- The risk
- Window could close on a child or others resulting inpersonal injury.
- The fix
- Owners should not leave key in tailgate of unattended vehicle. Repair mechanism to assure proper key return operation.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Jeep Cherokee Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 1987 for the glass, side / rear. For comparison, the 1980 has 1 and the 1982 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Cherokee year, for its age
#27 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Jeep Cherokee recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The transmission throttle control rod spring may have been improperly installed. This may cause the throttle to close more slowly than normal. Vehicles may return to idle slowly.
- The fix
- Each end of the spring will be inspected and relocated, if necessary, to ensure correct positioning.
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
When installing this aftermarket seat slider, the first bolt tightened twisted off so easily it could have only been the equivalent of a grade#1 bolt. I am concerned that in any type of collision or rollover., The seat would separate from the slider allowing the occupant to be thrown out of the vehicle. This item would fail in a simple rollover from the weight of the occupant itself irregardless of vehicle speed. *Ak
Jeep Cherokee: every year compared
All Cherokee yearsQuestions about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee
Does the 1981 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1981 Jeep Cherokee: glass, side / rear (November 1987); vehicle speed control (January 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Jeep Cherokee had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 6, 2002 and the latest on May 6, 2002. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Jeep Cherokee a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 99 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Jeep Cherokee year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Jeep Cherokee years have the most complaints?
2014 (2,652), 1999 (2,004), 2000 (1,829). See every Jeep Cherokee year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Jeep Cherokee has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data