The 1990 Jeep Cherokee has 3 recalls, all brake-related, with the most serious involving front brake rotors where the cast iron wear surface can separate from the hub, sharply reducing stopping power.
The brake system concerns run deep on this vehicle. The hydraulic system faces three overlapping problems: moisture contamination can clog the anti-lock brake pump filter and cause the ABS to malfunction, a low-pressure brake hose can corrode from the inside and crack, leaking fluid and causing the master cylinder snap ring to fail, and the front brake hose can contact the tire and wear through until it bursts. Any of these can result in reduced or lost braking ability. There is also a throttle position sensor defect that can cause the engine to idle unusually high right after startup, leading to unexpected acceleration when the transmission is first put into gear. The front rotor recall applies only to vehicles originally sold in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces.