Jeep Cherokee Visibility Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 136 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Jeep Cherokee across 14 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “power window” (7% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Power window: mentioned in 10 of 136 complaints (7%)
  • Windshield wiper: mentioned in 9 of 136 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do visibility problems happen?

Based on 50 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles8 · 16%
10k–25k miles7 · 14%
25k–50k miles7 · 14%
50k–75k miles13 · 26%
75k–100k miles7 · 14%
100k–150k miles5 · 10%
150k+ miles3 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 136 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 5 an injury.

Jeep Cherokee visibility complaints by model year

Peak: 1999, with 36 complaints
1995: 7199571996: 161996161997: 101997101998: 161998161999: 361999362000: 9200092001: 9200192006: 6200662014: 152014152015: 3201532016: 2201622019: 4201942020: 2202022021: 120211

n = 136 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVisibility complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2021 Cherokee11%14,074
2020 Cherokee21%37,100
2019 Cherokee40%62,000
2016 Cherokee20%59,500
2015 Cherokee30%59,202
2014 Cherokee151%12,250
2006 Cherokee635%23,354
2001 Cherokee94%51,661
2000 Cherokee92%80,000
1999 Cherokee3610%65,000
1998 Cherokee164%41,000
1997 Cherokee103%87,000
1996 Cherokee164%175,138
1995 Cherokee71%110,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 14 complaints
1995: 119951996: 41997: 71998: 419981999: 72000: 112001: 1320012002: 14142003: 92004: 1220042005: 52006: 12007: 120072008: 122009: 12010: 220102011: 22012: 12013: 120132014: 32015: 92016: 220162017: 12018: 22019: 220192020: 12022: 22023: 120232025: 42026: 1

n = 136 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerAug 12, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V509000 · 158,684 vehicles

Model years: 2014

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to July 11, 2014. Use of the front windshield wipers on dry glass may cause damage to the body control module (BCM).

Risk: BCM damage may result in the failure of the windshield wipers, impairing the driver's vision and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a ground strap to protect the BCM from damage, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on October 7, 2015. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R39.

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.

What owners report

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

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the rear sunroof panel fractured without impact, and the shattered glass fell all over the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not…

Received Jun 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742771

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that during the second failure, the parking brake independently…

Received Nov 21, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11700803

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle jerked while the accelerator was depressed, and the vehicle…

Received Aug 13, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11680351

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the backup camera failed to operate, and as a result, the driver crashed into another vehicle. The rear glass shattered on impact. The rear bumper was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated…

Received Feb 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11642117

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the sunroof had shattered without impact. The contact stated that a…

Received Jan 29, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11639320
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 visibility problems?

No. NHTSA has 136 owner complaints about visibility 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 visibility?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about visibility problems on the Jeep Cherokee?

The most frequent phrase is “power window”, in 10 of 136 complaints, followed by “windshield wiper” (9).

Other Jeep Cherokee problems

See all Jeep Cherokee problems.