1989 Jeep Cherokee Sport from North America - Comments

The paint - Actually, it is the clear coat finish over the paint. Ours is a dark blue. Before it was a year old a white film seemed to appear down the center of the hood and roof. It quickly spread to every flat horizontal surface.

The dealer told us it was 'acid rain' and not their problem. The dealer couldn't explain how our vehicle was acid rain damaged but not any of our neighbours cars.

Our Jeep now looks like crap. Anytime cars are talked about we mention this defect.

We have also noticed other Jeeps of the same color with nearly identical paint/finish defects but did not make an effort to contact them or any others.

We have been very happy with the performance and reliability of our Jeep, which now has just under 90,000 miles. I would consider another Jeep / Jeep product, but I would demand a specific, better warranty on the paint for no extra charge.

At the time we paid a premium price for our Jeep because it was the only 4-door American made vehicle in it's class at the time.( the 1997 model year end prices were within $500.00 +/- of what WE PAID in March 1989 ). For the money we paid, I certainly expected the paint to last longer than a year!

I also have a 1988 Ford truck with nicer, original paint than you will find in a showroom. And it's a work truck.

Thank you.

I have to say, that Jeep do acknowlege the problem on all Jeep Cherokees of 1989 and they will pay for a new paintjob. At least that is how I just got my 1989 Jeep Cherokee last night, new paint job (dealership acknowleged that Jeep corp was doing that). So why don't you try contacting the Jeep corp. Maybe they'll still help you out?

I too am a Jeep Cherokee owner, this 1988 Limited is my third Jeep, and I really do like the look of the vehicle and performance aspects, however, I have the same problem with the paint job! A white film has spread over the hood, the roof, and other parts of my Jeep Cherokee. It's a brown maroon color, and the white film really makes my Cherokee look old and junkie... any idea's of what this could be? Is it possible to remove/fix this problem with the paint myself?

Thank You!

I too am an 89 Cherokee Laredo owner. I recently bought this vehicle and have loved it. The only thing I can say about the paint job is that its cheap to get a new one done and it happens on old vehicles. Jeep may have a problem with their clearcoats, but the paint would have gone bad anyways.

Regarding paint problem's on Jeep Chreokee's...this is my third Cherokee, it's a 1988 Cherokee Limited and is a maroon color... the roof, and hood paint is peeling and I understand it's the clear coat that's deteriorating. Is there any way that Jeep Corporation will pay for this paint repair, or, does anyone know of any class action lawsuits pending, regarding this problem. Secondly, is there anyone I can contact at Jeep Corporation about this?

Thank You!

Vin.

WRT the above comment: your Jeep is 16 years old. How long did you think the original paint job should have lasted?

Thank all the trial lawyers for the "something bad happened, who can I sue?" mindset!

I've recently acquired a Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 1990 from my brother. Other than a bit of repair due to a small accident still is going strong. It too has the paint problem. From a mechanic friend, the basic reason for the paint problem, which this one has is well, is it is when they were first doing clear coats on vehicles, and there are known problems with the process. There are other cars that have the same problem, one off the top of my head, is the old ford taurus, which a friend of mine had and it did the same thing. Hope this helps.

Ohh give me a break people. Your Jeep's are 15-16 years old! Like the other guy said, how long did you expect the original paint to last on a car that old? You should be blessed it held up that long.

As a car painter I can say on behalf of any Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/etc.. They do not use a very strong clear coat and all Daimler Chrysler vehicles for that. Not at 16 years old, but at 2 to 3 years old, even in 2004. Just a thought for anyone who is listening on the subject.

My black 1988 Cherokee, and many other similar year Cherokees noticed, also had the hood and top paint go very bad at about three years old. The local Jeep dealer agreed to repaint the vehicle on a 50-50 basis. Of course, my 50% at $500 plus dollars paid for the job, but, it was nicely done and held up well for the next eight years, and several more for the second owner. Overall, I was very pleased with the vehicle and it's otherwise good maintenance record.

We just bought an ’89 Cherokee Laredo. Definitely a horse. We took it to the beach (through the sand) the last few weeks, performs quite well thank you. We have the 4.0 litre I6, and it really gets the job done, even though its got 196,000 on it. This reply will cover a couple issues:

1) The paint: previous owner got the dealership to repaint the vehicle 2 years ago, and that has held up well. The only thing that did not make sense was the dealer did not repaint the side flairs. I sanded the scratches out and repainted the flares and the rockers over two weekends: now it looks as good as a 17 year old truck can look!

2) A friend of ours is a great mechanic. He told us that the water pump, thermostat and hoses were replaced, but it was not doing the job. He replaced the radiator (yeah, it is a funky rectangular one) and overflow, and things have been fine since.

3) Oil pressure gauge still does not work. Replaced the sender, still no go. Any suggestions?

4) After a heavy rain, there is always a puddle on the front right floor. Anyone know where that comes from?

5) I see the rear engine seals come up a lot. What is involved in the repair? (Is it better to go for a rebuild?

I own a 1989 Jeep Cherokee Sport for about a year now and it has 216,000 miles on it. Since I've owned it (for about a year) I have not had any major issues with it. I've added a new radiator and got an engine flush, but other than that I've really enjoyed my jeep. I highly recommend getting a jeep because they are great vehicles.

MY BEATER 1989 red Jeep Cherokee Laredo is in the shop for the last time. 164,something miles, and about $20,000 in repair. My first and only car, bought in 1998 with 98,000 miles. It's 20 years old this January--holy &*^%$!

I have beat the living crap out of it as a driver, blown at least two engine heads, had 1 full remanned engine replacement, two radiators, multiple hoses, two water pumps, replaced a cracked windshield, you name it, I probably paid for it with a credit card. It had an extended overheating issue that took me a number of months and a lot of money to resolve. I live in a big city with not many options for trustworthy/reliable mechanics and have had to do some shopping/bouncing around in the repair department.

It leaks through the moonroof and the interior is a mess (all my speakers work) but hey.. I surf, and I'm JUST starting to get annoyed with the condition of the vehicle (being an adult now). I would recommend the vehicle, but you have to be patient. And ya have to love it. A LOT.

The car has travelled Quebec to The OBX, a million trips to Montauk, multiple 5-6-7 hour jaunts up and down the Northeast coast (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Boston Mass, Jersey Shore, Washinton DC, Baltimore.

It also is a beast. It is STILL STRONG, although a little under the weather at the moment (air/gasfilters, rear brake shoes/spring, rear gate lock, the u joints are going if not gone, and there is some electrical funkiness due to a poorly placed detachable cd player ground connection I suspect), but mostly has just needed tune-up and maintenance stuff prior to an extended blaze of glory execution style road trip from Brooklyn to Seattle by way of Texas, the southwest, and up the entire coast of California.

I hope it makes it all the way and if it doesn't I'll be fine with losing it -- I am proud of my Jeep and while not the most financially savvy guy -- feel I have gotten my money's worth out of a 20 year old vehicle. Like they say, it IS "a Jeep thing".