Jeep Cherokee Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 208 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Jeep Cherokee across 11 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (85). The words owners use most often: “fuel tank” (18% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Fuel tank: mentioned in 38 of 208 complaints (18%)
  • Sending unit: mentioned in 23 of 208 complaints (11%)
  • Gas gauge: mentioned in 12 of 208 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 57 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 7%
10k–25k miles3 · 5%
25k–50k miles9 · 16%
50k–75k miles10 · 18%
75k–100k miles8 · 14%
100k–150k miles14 · 25%
150k+ miles9 · 16%

How serious are the reports?

Of 208 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 2 an injury.

Jeep Cherokee fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 1997, with 85 complaints
1995: 131995131996: 211996211997: 851997851998: 321998321999: 111999112000: 172000172001: 8200182014: 122014122015: 5201552016: 1201612019: 320193

n = 208 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2019 Cherokee30%60,935
2016 Cherokee10%—
2015 Cherokee50%14,000
2014 Cherokee120%80,000
2001 Cherokee83%131,000
2000 Cherokee175%54,163
1999 Cherokee113%60,000
1998 Cherokee328%115,500
1997 Cherokee8522%80,000
1996 Cherokee215%181,000
1995 Cherokee132%131,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2001, with 28 complaints
1995: 119951996: 61997: 819971998: 201999: 2019992000: 172001: 282001282002: 28282003: 2620032004: 72005: 320052006: 12007: 520072008: 12009: 220092011: 22012: 220122013: 32014: 420142015: 42016: 120162018: 22020: 420202021: 32023: 220232024: 52025: 32025

n = 208 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (4)

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 1, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V282000 · 48,990 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.

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 fittingsFeb 6, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V056000 · 107 vehicles

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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectorsApr 8, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V104000 · 1,115,322 vehicles

Model years: 2000, 2001

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.

Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began may 13, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblyNov 7, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V194000 · 360,000 vehicles

Model years: 1997

Problem: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The fuel tank mounted fuel level sending unit accuracy can degrade over time, indicating significantly more fuel in reserve than is actually present.

Risk: Owners may not be aware that their vehicle is low on fuel increasing the risk of a vehicle crash if the vehicle stops due to no fuel.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the EVAP system had failed, causing the fuel nozzle to constantly shut off while fueling. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel system…

Received Dec 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11704026

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that refueling the vehicle took approximately 20 minutes to accomplish. The contact had to pump the fuel slowly, and it was difficult to fuel the vehicle to capacity. There was only one fuel pump that the contact could use in the town of his…

Received Nov 6, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11697971

Took vehicle to Mechanic Shop as I kept smelling gas . Especially when I fill my tank with gas. At first I thought it was incidental but the smell was confirmed as the mechanic checked my car he discovered a gas leak from the GAS TANK! He said this is very unusual as the hose housed on the tank is…

Received Sep 26, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11689932

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle was hesitating while starting the vehicle and was jerking into gear while shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the failure also occurred while stopped at a traffic signal. The contact stated that while depressing the…

Received Nov 27, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11627736

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the brakes were erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly in the middle of the road. During the failure, the messages "Service Emergency Brake" and "Service Throttle Body" were…

Received Sep 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11615938
Jeep Cherokee
26 Jeep Cherokee Limited - Shot at the Arizona International Auto Show in Phoenix AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Cherokees have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 208 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline 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 fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 4 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Jeep Cherokee?

The most frequent phrase is “fuel tank”, in 38 of 208 complaints, followed by “sending unit” (23).

Other Jeep Cherokee problems

See all Jeep Cherokee problems.