1996 Jeep Cherokee

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 447 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 10 times.

Not among the Jeep Cherokee years to avoid. Which Jeep Cherokee years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
136,650 milesMedian miles at failure

69 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems

84 of the 447 complaints (19%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes53
201
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine18
010
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags18
1508
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission17
503
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes16
300
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · transmission13
901
Suspension12
201
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine12
110
Electrical System12
030

1996 Jeep Cherokee brakes problems

19% of all complaints

84 of the 447 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks8% · 7
  • vibrates or shakes7% · 6
  • knocks, grinds or clunks5% · 4

Share of the 84 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
95,000 mi
median of 4 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
42 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
9 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
“I was driving on a slick surface, as it was raining, lightly. The person driving in front of me stopped short at a yellow light and I applied my brakes. My brakes failed and I crashed into the vehicle, my airbag deployed, and my front end was smashed. I was told it was a total. My brakes should have done what they were supposed to do - work. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 16, 2013 at 95,000 miles
“Brakes failed prior to recall notification causing accident, several days after getting vehicle out of shop front brakes where making a terrible noise along with the same stopping problem, vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic and was advised that there was a catastrophic parts separation in one of the front wheels, brakes where inspected and front brake pad lining came apart from binding plate causing …”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 30, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'951996: 29 complaints, 4 about the brakes1997: 65 complaints, 5 about the brakes1998: 40 complaints, 5 about the brakes1999: 36 complaints, 4 about the brakes'992000: 89 complaints, 42 about the brakes2001: 55 complaints, 15 about the brakes2002: 33 complaints, 4 about the brakes2003: 18 complaints, 2 about the brakes'032004: 14 complaints, 1 about the brakes2005: 6 complaints, 0 about the brakes2006: 5 complaints, 0 about the brakes2007: 6 complaints, 0 about the brakes'072008: 9 complaints, 1 about the brakes2009: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 5 complaints, 0 about the brakes2011: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes'112012: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 7 complaints, 1 about the brakes2014: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2015: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes'152016: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakesRecall 95V193000 (electrical system)Recall 97V040000 (seat belts)Recall 97V069000 (steering)Recall 00V136000 (brakes)Recall 06E022000 (brakes)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 08V056000 (electrical system)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 11V279000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA12005
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Cherokee peaked in 2000, with 89 filed that year. Owners had filed 22 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 00V136000 in May 2000; 62 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.

10 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights11V279000
Filed May 6, 20111,126 vehiclesU.S. Drive Right

Defect. U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1994-1996 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES IMPORTED FROM JANUARY 2007, THROUGH APRIL 2011 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REQUIRED THIRD BRAKE LAMP.

Risk. INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND MAIL KITS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OF THEIR CHOICE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel08V056000
Filed Feb 6, 2008107 vehiclesU.S. Drive Right

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor00V136000
Filed May 10, 2000589,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.

Risk. THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)97V069000
Filed Apr 28, 19972,500 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME, A FILLET WELD THAT JOINS THE INNER STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRAME RAIL, WAS OMITTED.

Risk. DUE TO HIGH STEERING LOAD EVENTS, VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT BROKEN STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS OR FRAME RAIL CRACKING AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING POINT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR CRACKS IN THE FRAME RAIL. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CRACKS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH REINFORCEMENT PLATES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO BE FREE OF CRACKS WILL HAVE A SLOT CUT IN THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE FILLET WELD WILL BE ADDED.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other97V040000
Filed Mar 17, 199777,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE WEB MOUNTED REAR SEAT BELT INBOARD ANCHOR POSITIONS MAY NOT ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED LOAD OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ADD A WASHER TO EACH REAR INBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR ATTACHMENT.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers95V193000
Filed Oct 11, 199532,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE ALTERNATOR CIRCUIT FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD.

Risk. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION POTENTIALLY CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR FUSE WITH A FUSE LINK AND ANY DAMAGE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER WILL BE REPAIRED.

All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 1996 Cherokee.

Crash Related Fuel Tank FiresEngineering analysis EA12005Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2012Closed Nov 14, 2014Led to recall 13V252000fuel system

ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact …

Technical service bulletins

50 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Cherokee. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 11body and frame 9equipment 8electrical system 8seats 3fuel system 3airbags 2transmission 2
1100605Warranty extensionDec 21, 2005engine

ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXTENDED WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2024223,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was running rough and then stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had a mobile mechanic diagnose the vehicle, and it was determined that there was a failure of the manifold. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not running properly and called another mobile mechanic. The second mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an aftermarket distributor and aftermarket computer had both failed. The contact stated that the distributor and computer were installed previously by another independent mechanic. The contact had purchased the aftermarket parts, Cardone Distributor Part Number 84-4694, and Cardone Computer Part Number: 79-1199 Model Number: 04886961, online. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and declined to stand behind the aftermarket computer and distributor parts. The failure mileage was approximately 223,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 202016,665 milesAZ

THE JEEP WILL START TO SHAKE WHENEVER YOU HIT A BUMP REALLY BAD SHAKING . ALSO WHENEVER YOU COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES THE MOST , THE CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AGAIN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AT SOME POINT I ROCKED THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND AFTER THAT IT WILL START. ALSO TOO THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS LOOSE . MY SHOCKS LIKE IT DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY

Suspension
Filed Nov 20, 2018160,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Nov 19, 2018180,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VIBRATION STOPPED WHEN DECELERATING TO LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Steering
Filed May 19, 2018153,000 milesSD

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 TO 75 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE IN THE FRONT END SO SEVERELY WE HAD TO SLOW COMPLETELY DOWN AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TO A STOP COMPLETELY. THE JEEP IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I HAVE READ OF OTHER INCIDENTS THAT THEY HAVE NAMED IT THE DEATH WOBBLE. IT COULD HAVE MADE US FLIP OVER AND WE COULD HAVE DIED IN A ROLL OVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US BEFORE AND WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE SHOCKS, BUT THAT HAS EVIDENTLY NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT WE READ AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE FRONT END AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Power Train
Filed Apr 26, 2018AR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THEN BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER STEERING GAUGE AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Tires
Filed Feb 26, 2017310,500 milesNC

ON 2/21/17 AT 6:25 AM, TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, MY PASSENGER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL. NO EVIDENCE OF PUNCTURE OR VALVE STEM ISSUE. TOOK TIRE REMAINS TO DISCOUNT TIRE IN DURHAM FOR REPLACEMENT. YOKOHAMA YKHTX. P235/75 R15.

Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2017144,000 milesMD

WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. SUBSEQUENTLY DIAGNOSED AS THE "JEEP DEATH WOBBLE".

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2016FL

WE BOUGHT AN IMPORTED RIGHT-HAND DRIVE JEEP FROM POSTAL PETE, GALENA IL, FOR A MAIL ROUTE. THIS IS NOT SAFETY MAYBE: 1. THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE, INSTEAD OF BEING REPAIRED IN THE DASH, THEY ADDED AN AUXILLARY OIL GAUGE BELOW THE DASH, WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY LOOK AT THE GAUGE. 2. THE ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER UNIT DOESN'T MEASURE CORRECTLY I THINK. 3. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH & CONSOLE DON'T WORK. BECAUSE OF THE TAKATA RECALLS, I LOOKED AT YOUR SITE. WHEN WE COMPLAINED WITH THE DEALER THEIR ATTITUDE WAS TOUGH YOU PAID FOR IT. ALSO THE REAR END WAS BAD. MY HUSBAND WENT BACK BEFORE HE LEFT IL FOR FL. THEY EXCUSED IT SAYING IT WAS TIRES. MY HUSBAND KNEW THEY WERE LYING (HE DOES WORK ON VEHICLES FOR US). WE ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE REAR END. THIS COMPLAINT IS MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTER POSTAL PETE THAN IT IS ABOUT THE VEHICLE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO THIS TO CUSTOMERS. ALSO THEY REQUIRED A CHECK IN ADVANCE, THEREBY MAKING IT SO WE COULD NOT REFUSE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY HAD OUR MONEY. NOT NICE PEOPLE. DIS-HONESTY. I RETIRED DEC. 2011. I DON'T REMEMBER PURCHASE DATE. YOU REQUIRE SOMETHING. PICKED UP 11/02/10 REG. 12/07/2010 THANK YOU. ALICIA

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 2016120,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 10, 2016212,000 milesIA

JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. VIOLENT SHAKING OF A CAR WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT TO STOP IT. MULTIPLE TIME OCCURRENCE. HAS BEEN "FIXED" BUT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 2016256,000 milesOH

DRIVERS DOOR UPPER HINGE RUSTED WHERE WELDED TO BODY AND SEPARATED FROM BODY . DOOR IS ONLY HELD ON BY LOWER HINGE.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 16, 2015182,000 milesMI

SEVERE RUST ALL OVER THE BODY BUT ESPECIALLY ON THE FRAME. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE COMPONENTS FAIL AND CRACK, NOW TAKING IN WATER THROUGH CORNERS OF THE ROOF THROUGH RUST HOLES. PASSENGER SIDE OF FRAME LIKELY TO SEVER UNDER FURTHER DRIVING. RUST ON THE BRACKETS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE CREATED A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. PART WAS REPLACED, NO PICTURE.

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2015PR

WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 40-45 MPH, THE JEEP WOULD START TO SHUDDER. EVENTUALLY IT WOULD SHUT OFF. THE JEEP WOULD THEN CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN FOR ABOUT FOUR TIMES. THREE OF THE TIMES THE JEEP WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. TWICE THE PCM UNIT WAS REPLACED AND TWICE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE LAST REPAIR WAS 1 MONTH AND A HALF AGO. TWO DAYS AGO, THE JEEP STALLED AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES. A 16 WHEELER ALMOST COLLIDED WITH US DUE THAT I COULD BARELY MANIPULATE THE JEEP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF ON ME. I TRIED TO DO SOME VISUAL INSPECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD ONE OF MY SONS TO WIGGLE THE PCM (COMPUTER) WHILE I CRANKED THE STARTING SWITCH. AT ONE POINT THE JEEP MANAGED TO START AGAIN. THEN IT STALLED THE MOMENT MY SON STOPPED WIGGLING THE PCM. I HAD ANOTHER TOW TRUCK PICK UP THE JEEP AND SEND IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC. CHRYSLER HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE ON THE PCM AND PERHAPS MIGHT NOT DO IT UNTIL ONE DAY SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE SHOW OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM 1996-2001.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 2015224,000 milesGA

VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP OR BEING JARRED BY A BUMP OR POT HOLE. GRADUALLY PROGRESSED TO RANDOMLY STALLING WHEN APPLYING ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKES OR ANY SLIGHT JARRING. ALL POWER IS LOST AT THIS TIME ALONG WITH ANY CONTROL OF STEERING AND ACCELERATING UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AGAIN. RECENTLY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WITHOUT ANY PATTERN DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY BRAKING OR JARRING. IT THEN CATCHES ON ITS OWN AND REGAINS POWER. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 24, 2014MN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER TO SERVICE IT UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER STARTED THE REMEDY PROCEDURE BUT WAS UNABLE TO FINISH THE SERVICE DUE TO OTHER PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE THE REST OF THE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE THEY WOULD FINALIZE THE REPAIRS AND RECOMMENDED TO NOT USE THE HITCH DUE TO THE CONDITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE ONLY SIX BOLTS TO HOLD THE HITCH UNTO THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DEALER HAD BUSTED THREE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO PRODUCE THE PARTS AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/09/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER 4 WEEKS OF WAITING FOR THE PARTS. UPDATED 5/11/15 *JS

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2014125,000 milesSC

AFTER VIEWING WEB SITE FOUND INFORMATION ON THIS 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE THIS RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALL INCOMPLETE STATUS PURCHASE THIS JEEP IN AUGUST 2011 NOTICE VEHICLE STEERING BOX WAS LOOSE.I FEEL THAT JEEP WAS NOT UNEXPECTED GOOD HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS AS LOOKING INTO THE DATA PURCHASE THIS FROM THIS COMPANY HAVE TO CALLIN FOR VEHICLE THEY FINALLY SHIP THIS IS NOT SAFE.NEEDSOME ASSISTANCES OF GETTING A REFUND THEY HAD TO KNOW THIS SOME INFO WAS SEND A BOUT THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACE THEY NEVER TRY TO COMPLETE THIS BEFORE SELLIN THE VEHICLE THIS IS UNSAFE THANKS GOD FOR THIS WEB SITE OF COURSE RIDING LIKE THIS NOT COOL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 20, 2014181,000 milesVA

RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL IN AUGUST, 2013 RECALL NO. N45/NHTSA 13V-252. NO FOLLOW UP. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 2, 2014WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , STRUCTURE) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT SINCE THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED IN JUNE OF 2013, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REMEDY AVAILABLE BEFORE APRIL OF 2014. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Steering
Filed Nov 13, 2013146,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A POT HOLE, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND CONTINUED DRIVING. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V069000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, HE NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE STEERING GEAR BOX. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 2013151,950 milesPR

WHILE LEAVING HOME FROM WORK, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUTTER AND FAIL. I MANAGED TO GET HOME AT A SPEED OF 40MPH SINCE I NOTICED THAT AT A HIGHER SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD TRY TO STALL. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. I CALLED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS THRU CELL PHONE TO SHAKE A BIT THE CABLES TO COMPUTER COMPONENTS AND CABLES TO DISTRIBUTOR COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE TURNED ON BUT WITH PROBLEMS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE TO MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CHEROKEE WAS LEFT FOR TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED A FAULTY COMPUTER. THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. ABOUT THREE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AT A CROSS ROAD AND TURNED OFF. A TRUCK NEARLY STRUCK ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET OUT ON TIME. THE MECHANIC HAD TO SHOW UP AT THE SITE AND HAD SOME PROBLEMS STARTING THE CHEROKEE. THE DIAGNOSTICS, ANOTHER BLOWN COMPUTER. THE MECHANIC ORDERED ANOTHER COMPUTER WITH UPGRADE (HAD TO WAIT ABOUT A MONTH) ORIGINAL CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS ADDED. ALL SEEMED TO WORK WELL UNTIL YESTERDAY OCT/2/2013 WHEN I WENT OUT FOR A RIDE WITH MY SON AND THE CHEROKEE STALLED AND TURNED OFF. THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE. I HAVE SPENT ABOUT $1,000.00 TRYING TO GET MY JEEP CHEROKEE TO RUN PROPERLY AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT TO THE STREET. I HAVE A FAMILY OF 4 AND I WORRY THAT THE CHEROKEE WOULD FAIL ME BY STALLING AGAIN AT A CROSSROAD CAUSING A FATAL ACCIDENT TO ME OR MY FAMILY BECAUSE OF THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. ALL CABLES WERE CHECKED FOR SHORTS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 11, 2013206,000 milesKY

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK AT 4:30 AM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, THEN CAME BACK ON, SEVERAL TIMES, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, WE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO, AND IT APPEARED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM NOW IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA, AND THEY ARE AWARE OF NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT AFTER CONDUCTING A WEB SEARCH, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, HOPEFULLY NO ONE WILL BE INJURED BEFORE THIS DEFECT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2013265,000 milesCT

CHEROKEE BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS RECENTLY AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS AT 55 MPH. SHAKING WOULD NOT STOP OR EVEN SUBSIDE UNTIL CAR WAS PULLED OVER. SHAKING SO VIOLENT IT CAUSED AN EXHAUST LEAK. NEVER AN ISSUE UNTIL RECENTLY - SEVERAL RECENT INCIDENTS. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 12, 2013100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A COMPLETE STOP, A TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, PUSHING THE VEHICLE INTO A FOREGOING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK LOCATION COULD BE A GREATER DANGER IF THERE WAS ANOTHER REAR END CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

Suspension
Filed May 21, 2013212,000 milesMT

ALL OF A SUDEN THIS VERY BAD SHAKING PROBLEM HAS OCCURED AT ABOUT 50 MPH. VERY UNSAFE. MY CETIFIED ASE MECHANIC HAS BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM FOR OVER A WEEK NOW - NO LUCK SO FAR. *TR

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 16, 201395,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING ON A SLICK SURFACE, AS IT WAS RAINING, LIGHTLY. THE PERSON DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SHORT AT A YELLOW LIGHT AND I APPLIED MY BRAKES. MY BRAKES FAILED AND I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE, MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND MY FRONT END WAS SMASHED. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TOTAL. MY BRAKES SHOULD HAVE DONE WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO - WORK. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Dec 6, 2012131,862 milesKY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY,AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. SO I PULLED OVER TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION AND REALIZED I WAS LEAKING OIL PROFUSELY. THEN I REALIZED THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE ENGINE CAUSING A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. I HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES, AND THEN THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE MOTOR MOUNT TO BREAK, SO WHY WOULD IT BREAK FOR NO REASON? ANYWAYS, THE LEAKING OIL CAUSED A FIRE BENEATH MY VEHICLE, AND INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BUT I QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE BY A CONTAINER OF WATER I HAD IN MY VEHICLE. I HAD MY 13 YEAR OLD BROTHER WITH ME AND THANK GOD HE OR MYSELF WAS NOT INJURED. BUT IT CAUSED US GREAT FEAR AND STRESS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 15, 2012200,000 milesPA

SPORADIC GAS LEAK FROM FUEL PUMP HOOKUP ON GAS TANK AT STARTUP. COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED EXCEPT AT RANDOM OCCURRENCES. *JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 23, 2012176,010 milesNM

WITH TIME THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING HARNESS (WHICH IS TOO SMALL FOR THE AMPERAGE) IN THESE VEHICLES INVARIABLY HEATS UP AND MELTS OR BURNS. THE MELTING OF THE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR BEHIND THE BLOWER SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH IN THE DASH AND THE BURNING OF THE SWITCH ITSELF OCCURED IN MY VEHICLE, ALLONG WITH THE FAILURE OF THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR, BUT IN MANY VEHICLES THE RESISTOR IS THE FIRST TO BURN AND FAIL. I HAVE LOOKED AT OVER 20 OF THESE VEHICLES RANGING FROM 1991 TO 1996, AND 30000 TO 220000 MILES, AND EVERY SINGLE ONE ONE THEM HAD THESE COMPONENTS MELTED AND BURNED TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING USABLE, AND MAKING ONE WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED BECAUSE OF THIS FAULT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ALSO SHOWED ASSOCIATED WIRES BURNED OR MELTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AN ASSOCIATED SYMPTOM IS THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CEASES TO FUNCTION, OR (IN THE CASE OF RESISTOR FAILURE, WILL USUALLY WORK ONLY ON HIGH SPEED). THIS SHOWS A DEFECT THAT MAY TAKE TIME TO MANIFEST, BUT WILL ALWAYS OCCUR EVENTUALLY IN EVERY VEHICLE UNLESS THE BLOWER IS NEVER USED. THE BLOWER SWITCH TO RESISTOR WIRING HARNESS AND SWITCH CONNECTOR/PLUG ARE NOT EVEN AVAILABLE FROM DEALERS, BUT THE SWITCH ITSELF AND THE RESISTOR ARE AVAILABLE AS AFTERMARKET ITEMS. HOWEVER, IF REPLACED, THESE WILL FAIL TOO, UNLESS THE WIRING IN THIS CIRCUIT IS REPLACED WITH HEAVIER GUAGE WIRING OR SOMEHOW PROTECTED FROM HIGH AMPERAGE. AS EVIDENCED BY HUNDREDS OF RELATED COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET FORUMS, THIS IS A SERIOU

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 1, 2012125,005 milesCA

CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. STALLS ON FREEWAY OR IN CITY DRIVING. THIS IS AN INFAMOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT ON 96 JEEPS. VERY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE ENGINE CUTS OUT COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION. REQUIRES PULLING OVER WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING TO RESTART ENGINE. JEEP THEN WILL REPEATEDLY DIE AFTER RE-STARTING. SINCE ENGINE DIES WHILE IN MOTION, CARS BEHIND ARE IN REAL DANGER OF COLLIDING WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX WITH NORMAL MECHANICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING. ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. THIS ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN ONLINE BLOGS FOR JEEPS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM WITH STALLING WHILE IN MOTION POSES A GREAT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. JEEP/CHRYSLER IS AWARE AND DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 19, 2011OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HAD NO BUMPER AND COULD RESULT IN INJURIES IF THERE WAS A CRASH. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SUPPORT ARMS FOR THE AXLE WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE BRACKETS, SUPPORT ARMS, AND INSTALL A NEW BUMPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac SystemFire
Filed Dec 16, 2011167,275 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING UNIT WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE SWITCH FOR THE HEATING FAN HAD FAILED AND A SMALL FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,275.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 5, 201161,015 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED ON HIGH, SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO STOP THE SMOKE FROM EMITTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,015.

TiresCrash
Filed Dec 30, 2010VA

PRIMEWELL TIRES SOLD AT FIRESTONE ARE ADVERTISED AS ALL SEASON. I BOUGHT THESE TIRES IN FEB 2010. ON DEC 26TH 2010, WE HAD A SNOWSTORM IN HAMPTON AREA. I HAD TO GO OUT AND FOUND OUT THE TIRES HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO TRACTION ON SNOW. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS FOR WINTER CONDITIONS. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. ON THE WAY HOME, I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 15MPH WHEN ALL FOUR TIRES LOSS TRACTION DUE TO A 15 TO 20 MPH WIND AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THE NEXT DAY I REPLACED THE TIRES WITH KELLY EXPLORER TIRES AND HAD NO TROUBLE NEGOTIATING THE SNOW. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE PULLED FROM THE MARKET OR A WARNING GIVEN TO CONSUMERS. THEY ALSO LOSE TRACTION ON WET ROADS EASILY. AS STATED, THEY ARE ADVERTISED AS " TIRES DELIVER ALL-SEASON TRACTION ". *TR

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 23, 2010KY

FRONT END COLLISION WITH BRIDGE. PASSENGER SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT CATCH TO RESTRAIN PASSENGER. PASSENGER SUFFERED SEVERE FACIAL AND CLOSED HEAD INJURY. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 11, 2010156,167 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS SHEARED OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED ENGINE TO DROP THREE INCHES. WAS MY BIRTHDAY TODAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Seats
Filed May 11, 2010173,000 milesLA

UNDERSIDE OF FRONT SEAT (METAL RAIL CONNECTING TO TRACKS) BROKE SUDDENLY NEAR RETAINING BOLTS ON BOTH FRONT CONNECTIONS. METAL WAS FLIMSY (1/8 IN OR SO) AND DID NOT APPEAR TO BE REINFORCED AGAINST SHEAR (UP/DOWN) STRESS AT CONNECTION POINT TO ACCOMMODATE SEAT MOTION WHEN DRIVERS GOT INTO/OUT OF VEHICLE. I WAS JUST GETTING IN TO GO TO WORK WHEN IT FAILED, BUT IT COULD JUST HAVE EASILY HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC OR AT A TRAFFIC STOP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 2010183,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE HEATER STARTED MAKING A FUNNY NOISE SO WE BOUGHT A NEW BLOWER MOTOR. THEN WE BOUGHT A NEW RESISTOR. WE STILL COULD NOT GET THE SPEEDS TO WORK IN THE HEATER. SO WE THEN BOUGHT A SWITCH. WELL WE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE SWITCH HARNESS WAS BURNT TO A CRISP. I CALLED THE PARTS STORE AND THEY DON'T CARRY THEM, SO I THEN CALLED A DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DON'T JUST SELL THAT HARNESS I HAD TO BUY THE ENTIRE ONE FOR EVERYTHING IN THE JEEP. THEN TOLD ME TO GO CUT ONE OUT OF A JUNK YARD. I CALLED MY LOCAL JUNK YARD AND THE GUY WENT AND CUT THREE HARNESSES OUT. ONE THAT WAS A 1996, ONE THAT WAS A 1995, AND BOTH OF THE ENDS WERE BURNT JUST LIKE MINE. HE THEN CUT ONE OUT OF AN EVEN OLDER ONE, AND THE WIRES WERE THICKER THAN THE ONES ON MINE, AND DIFFERENT COLORS. I TRIED HOOKING IT UP AND IT DOESN'T WORK. I BELIEVE THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL AND IT SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY SHOULD ALSO SELL INDIVIDUAL HARNESSES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2009182,000 milesGA

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE I KEPT SMELLING BURNING PLASTIC. THE HEATER FAN QUIT AND WHEN I JIGGLED THE SWITCH IT STARTED TO OPERATE AT HIGH FAN ONLY AND WOULD NOT LET ME SET IT TO LOW. THEN IT QUIT WORKING AND I REMOVED THE SWITCH TO REPLACE IT. I FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE DANGER OF REPLACING THE SWITCH. I AM NOT SURE IF I CAN REPLACE THE MELTED PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH HAS 5 CONNECTIONS BUT ONLY 4 WIRES WERE CONNECTED TO IT. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Sep 16, 2009OH

1996 JEEP CHEROKEE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0774-91

Electrical System
Filed Mar 10, 2009GA

MY MOTHER-N-LAW PURCHASED A 1996 CHEROKEE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON . SO SHE TOOK IT TO THE EMISSION PLACE TO GET IT CHECKED AND IT FAILED THE TEST, SO SHE TOOK THE EMISSION PAPERS AND THE VEHICLE TO THE AUTO SHOP , AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD TO HER , SO WHAT SHOULD SHE DO AT THIS POINT. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 21, 2009151,500 milesAZ

1. EARLY THIS YEAR, JUST AFTER THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY, '09, OUR '96 JEEP CHEROKEE (152K IN EXCELLENT CONDITION) BEGAN SHAKING OR WOBBLING VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 52 TO 56 MPH. ON INQUIRING IN A HANDFUL OF WEB SITES ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS AND OWNERS OF OTHER JEEP MODELS IN A BROAD RANGE OF MANUFACTURE DATES BETWEEN '86 AND AS RECENT AS '05. ALSO LEARNED THAT THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" OR "DEATH SHAKE". ADDITIONALLY, IN MY INTERNET RESEARCH, MANY JEEP OWNERS ATTEMPTING TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM HAVE TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES TO PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS INCLUDING CHRYSLER-JEEP DEALER/SERVICE CENTERS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, SPEND HUNDREDS, IN SOME CASES WELL OVER A THOUSAND $, ONLY TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE RETURNED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE WOBBLE CONDITION. 2. WITH OUR JEEP, THIS WOBBLE HAS NOT SUBSIDED. IT HAPPENS ON EVERY OCCASION WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAYS WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AS WE ACCELERATE UP TO THE 55 MPH RANGE. UPON ACCELERATION, AT APPROXIMATELY 51 TO 52 MPH A VIBRATION BEGINS, THEN UPON ACCELERATING AT 53 TO 55 MPH THE VIBRATION BECOMES A VIOLENT WOBBLE TO THE EXTREME THAT WE HAVE HAD INSTANCES WHEN WE HAD TO DECELERATE DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OR LESS IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IF THERE IS A SAVING GRACE OUT OF THIS PROBLEM, IT IS THAT WE CAN ACCELERATE OUT OF THE WOBBLE BY GETTING BE

SuspensionCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 25, 2008106,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED OFF THE ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED. THE AMBULANCE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE COLLISION CENTER AND WAS LABELED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 23, 2008100,000 milesVA

BRAKE FLUID LINE CORROSION. IF IT CORRODES THROUGH, BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. LOSE REAR BRAKES. NO FAILURE YET. WILL NEED TO REPLACE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Nov 10, 2008200,006 milesMD

1996 CHEROKEE 4.0 HO 6 CYLINDER EXHAUST HEADER CRACKED AT COUPLER JOINT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Nov 3, 2008130,000 milesPA

1996 CHEROKEE 4.0 HO 6 CYLINDER EXHAUST HEADER CRACKED AT COUPLER JOINT. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2008116,417 milesCA

THE STEERING GEAR TO MY 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE COMPLETELY CAME OFF THE FRAME RAIL WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY SHE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT FIVE MILES PER HOUR. WHAT HAD HAPPEN IS THAT THE THREE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE STEERING GEAR TO THE FRAME RAIL BROKE OFF. *TR

VisibilityFire
Filed Aug 1, 2008ME

96 JEEP CHEROKEE HEATER FAN SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED. FOUND SWITCH AND WIRING CONNECTOR TO BE MELTED. REPLACEMENT UNIT FROM JUNK YARD HAD EXACT SAME DEFECT. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 20, 2008110,032 milesAR

THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. IT IS A 2-DOOR VEHICLE WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE ENGINE MOUNT STUDS SHEARED OFF BETWEEN THE ENGINE MOUNT AND THE ENGINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP CURED THE ISSUE. THE EVENT TOOK PLACE ON THE BAY BRIDGE BETWEEN OAKLAND, CA AND SAN FRANCISCO, CA. THE SECOND EVENT TOOK PLACE ON A BUSY STREET IN MEMPHIS TENNESSEE. I DROVE OVER AN AREA THAT LOOKED LIKE THE CITY HAD DONE SOME STREET WORK AND HAD FILLED THE AREA BACK IN WITH ASPHALT. THE DIVET FROM THIS WORK WAS INSIGNIFICANT AND CREATED A FEW INCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OLD STREET CONCRETE AND THE NEW ASPHALT FILL AND THERE WAS NO EDGES. THE REPAIR WORK WAS CURVED. MY SPEED WAS LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR. THE BOLTS SHEERED OFF ON THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THIS VEHICLE IS HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THE SHIFT CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT INTO 3RD - 5TH GEAR AND REVERSE. THE ENGINE IS STOCK AND NO AFTERMARKET ADD-ONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE ENGINE. I FEEL THAT THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING OR INFERIOR PARTS WERE USED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 23, 2008150,000 milesID

AT A SLOW ROLL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR THE ENGINE WILL IDLE DOWN THEN DIE. IT RESTARTS IMMEDIATELY BUT WILL STALL AGAIN UNLESS MORE THROTTLE IS GIVEN. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT MAKING IT HARD TO PINPOINT THE EXACT CAUSE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 447, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20269400Routine
20233100Routine
202252300Routine
2021177440Routine
2020334370Above average
20191,67411190Above average
2018688750Above average
20171,338660Above average
20161,4139150Above average
20151,79411290High concern
20142,65013160High concern
200617000Routine
20012298130Above average
20003697400High concern
19993668183Fatalities reported
19983991151Fatalities reported
19973901071Fatalities reported
1996 — this page44710271Fatalities reported
19956081192Fatalities reported
19945199125Fatalities reported
19934187113Fatalities reported
1992113562Fatalities reported
1991233990Above average
19902709115Fatalities reported

Compare every Cherokee year →

1996 Jeep Cherokee: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 Jeep Cherokee a good car?

It is not among the Cherokee years to avoid. Owners filed 447 complaints, against about 399 for a typical Cherokee year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (19%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?

The brakes: 84 of the 447 complaints (19%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (8%), vibrates or shakes (7%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (5%). The typical report comes at 95,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee have?

10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 6, 2011. The largest, 00V136000, covered 589,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 136,650 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 95,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes, once. EA12005 ("Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires") was opened Jun 12, 2012 and closed Nov 14, 2014.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?

The manufacturer filed 50 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (11), the body and frame (9) and the electrical system (8). They include a warranty extension, 1100605, filed Dec 21, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 6, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.