Used Jeep Cherokee Engines
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt engines for the 1980–2001 and 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your Jeep and we’ll match the exact engine.
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Engine Options
Which engine does your Cherokee have?
The Cherokee name has covered three unrelated vehicles. The full-size SJ, in our range for 1980–1983, had the AMC 4.2L (258) six or 5.9L (360) V8. The compact XJ that replaced it for 1984 started out with the AMC 2.5L four, a Chevrolet-built 2.8L V6 and, for 1985–1987, a Renault 2.1L turbodiesel; the AMC 4.0L six took over from the V6 for 1987 and stayed to the end in 2001, and the 2.5L ran through 2000. There was no Cherokee from 2002 to 2013 — the Liberty took its place — and the KL that arrived for 2014 is a different vehicle again, with the 2.4L Tigershark four, the 3.2L Pentastar V6 and, from 2019, the 2.0L turbo. It ended with the 2023 model year.
Within the XJ years the 4.0L itself changed more than once, and on the KL the engine depends on trim as well as year. The table below lists what was offered when, and we confirm the engine from your VIN before we quote.
| Engine | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2L AMC straight-six | Code: 258 | |
| 5.9L AMC V8 | Code: 360 |
| Engine | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L AMC four-cylinder | All years. Carbureted for 1984–1985, throttle-body injection for 1986–1990, multi-point injection from 1991. | |
| 2.8L V6 | Code: LR2 | 1984–1986. Carbureted, built by Chevrolet. |
| 2.1L Renault turbodiesel four-cylinder | Code: J8S | 1985–1987. |
| 4.0L AMC straight-six, Renix | 1987–1990, with Renix engine management. | |
| 4.0L AMC straight-six, High Output | 1991–1996, with Chrysler engine management; OBD-II from 1996. |
| Engine | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0L AMC straight-six | All years. Coil-rail ignition from 2000, when the 0331 cylinder head also arrived. | |
| 2.5L AMC four-cylinder | 1997–2000; dropped for 2001. |
| Engine | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder | The base engine on lower trims. | |
| 3.2L Pentastar V6 | Offered from the 2014 launch. | |
| 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (GME T4) | Added for 2019. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
Which Cherokee
No engine carries over between the full-size SJ (1980–1983), the compact XJ (1984–2001) and the KL (2014–2023), and no Cherokee was sold for 2002–2013. The model year tells us which one you have, so start with that.
Early XJ engines, 1984–1987
An early XJ can have the 2.5L four, the 2.8L V6 (1984–1986) or the 2.1L turbodiesel (1985–1987). The 2.5L went from a carburetor to throttle-body injection for 1986 and to multi-point injection for 1991, so a four-cylinder is matched by year as well as size.
Which 4.0L
The 4.0L had Renix engine management for 1987–1990, became the High Output engine with Chrysler controls for 1991, gained OBD-II for 1996, and swapped its distributor for coil-rail ignition and the 0331 cylinder head for 2000. Sensors, wiring and intake parts differ between them, so we match the model year, not just the size.
Two KL four-cylinders
The 2.4L Tigershark and the 2.0L turbo are unrelated engines. The turbo only arrived for 2019, and from then on the four-cylinder depends on trim, so a KL four-cylinder has to be matched by year and trim.
Have your VIN ready
The model year tells us which 4.0L or 2.5L an XJ has, and on a KL the trim matters as much as the year. Your VIN pins down the year and the engine, so send it when you ask for a quote.
Common Problems
Common Cherokee engine problems
Worn oil pump — 360 V8, 1980–1983
AMC built the 360’s oil pump into the front timing cover, and as the pump gears and their housing in the cover wear, oil pressure falls away once the engine is hot, worst at idle. Run like that, the bearings follow. Have the pressure checked hot before deciding the engine itself is finished.
0331 head cracking — 4.0L, 2000–2001
The 0331 cylinder head can crack between cylinders 3 and 4 and let coolant into the oil, which takes out the bearings and drops oil pressure. Unexplained coolant loss is the tell.
Overheating damage — 4.0L, 1987–2001
XJs are known for running hot in traffic and when towing once the radiator or the fan clutch is past its best, and a 4.0L that has been overheated can blow its head gasket or crack its head. Fix the cooling system along with the engine, or the replacement will go the same way.
Oil consumption — 2.4L Tigershark
The Tigershark is known for burning oil between changes. A Cherokee that is not topped up can run low on oil and damage its bearings, so check the level regularly on any KL with the 2.4L.
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FAQ
Cherokee engine questions, answered
Which engine does my Cherokee have?
A 1980–1983 Cherokee is the full-size SJ, with the 4.2L six or the 5.9L V8. A 1984–2001 XJ has the 2.5L four (through 2000) or, from 1987, the 4.0L six; early XJs could also have the 2.8L V6 (1984–1986) or the 2.1L turbodiesel (1985–1987). A 2014–2023 KL has the 2.4L Tigershark, the 3.2L Pentastar V6 or, from 2019, the 2.0L turbo, and which one depends on trim as much as year. Send us your VIN and we will confirm.
Was there a Cherokee between 2002 and 2013?
Not in the US. The Liberty filled that slot from 2002 to 2012, and the KL Cherokee arrived for 2014. The Liberty has its own page.
My 2000–2001 Cherokee is losing coolant with no leak. Is the head cracked?
That is the classic sign of a cracked 0331 head. Once coolant has been in the oil the bearings are usually damaged too, which is why replacing the engine is often the better repair than replacing the head.
Is the engine covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every engine we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Cherokee engine?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
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