Does the 1981 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: visibility, vehicle speed control. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1981 Jeep Cherokee recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Jeep dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee?

1 complaint filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1981 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1981 Jeep Cherokee. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Jeep been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1981 Jeep Cherokee recalls, newest first

November 23, 1987NHTSA 87V178000180,000 vehicles potentially affected

Visibility › Glass, side/rear

Summary: The key operated tailgate window will continue to close if the spring loaded key does not return to off position when released.
Consequence: Window could close on a child or others resulting inpersonal injury.
Remedy: Owners should not leave key in tailgate of unattended vehicle. Repair mechanism to assure proper key return operation.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

January 4, 1981NHTSA 81V0150001,724 vehicles potentially affected

Vehicle speed control

Summary: 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.
Remedy: Each end of the spring will be inspected and relocated, if necessary, to ensure correct positioning.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Deaths reported: 0

Most complained-about components

Seats1

Other 1981 Jeep models

Questions

Does the 1981 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?: 2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: visibility, vehicle speed control. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1981 Jeep Cherokee recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Jeep dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Jeep Cherokee?: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.