Jeep Cherokee Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Jeep Cherokee across 16 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (47). The words owners use most often: “turn signal” (6% of reports).
- 201exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Turn signal: mentioned in 12 of 201 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 117 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 201 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 2 an injury.
Jeep Cherokee exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Cherokee | 4 | 8% | 14,763 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2019 Cherokee | 18 | 1% | 8,100 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 2 | 0% | 35,000 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 8 | 1% | 59,936 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 20 | 1% | 1,000 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 37 | 2% | 30,960 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 47 | 2% | 23,452 |
| 2001 Cherokee | 10 | 4% | 70,673 |
| 2000 Cherokee | 7 | 2% | 118,000 |
| 1999 Cherokee | 12 | 3% | 71,000 |
| 1998 Cherokee | 13 | 3% | 175,500 |
| 1997 Cherokee | 7 | 2% | 184,500 |
| 1996 Cherokee | 7 | 2% | 206,000 |
| 1995 Cherokee | 7 | 1% | 81,083 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Exterior lighting:brake lights; exterior lighting:turn signal; electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
Model years: 2026
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
Exterior lighting:turn signal; steering:column
Model years: 2022
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 24B.
Exterior lighting:brake lights
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: 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.
Risk: Inadequate lighting could reduce visibility of vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel; equipment:other:labels; visibility:rearview mirrors/devices; visibility:power window devices and controls; exterior lighting; fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: 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.'
Risk: These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the right turn signal fails to remain engaged intermittently. The failure had become more frequent as time progressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another matter, and the owner was also informed about the failure. The dealer…
When the running lights and headlights are set to Auto, moving the lever to High Beam causes the lights to go out. I have been asking the dealer and trying to find a solution since buying the car new, but no recall had been issued for my VIN and the dealer will not correct the problem with a recall…
My car shut down and lost power while in motion, It said âelectrical instability â âservice shifterâ and cut off. Auto stop start keeps going in and out Seat belt comes undone while in motion
When activating the left turn signal both the left and right turn signal indicators began blinking. I had to cycle the turn signal switch both right and left and then to off to stop both indicators from blinking.
Unknown
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Cherokees have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 201 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Jeep Cherokee. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Cherokee exterior lighting?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Jeep Cherokee?
The most frequent phrase is “turn signal”, in 12 of 201 complaints.
Other Jeep Cherokee problems
- Power Train problems (5,522)
- Electrical System problems (2,257)
- Engine problems (2,188)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (691)
- Service Brakes problems (647)
- Steering problems (598)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (574)
- Structure problems (522)
See all Jeep Cherokee problems.