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.
The worst 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes93
- Transmission60
- Engine58
- Body47
- Electrical43
- Steering37
- Suspension31
- Fuel system28
- Airbags26
- Visibility16
- Seats15
- Tires14
- Seat belts13
- Acceleration12
- Lights9
- Locks5
- Wheels3
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 14No deployment 13Fire or smoke 13Fuel pump 13Grinding brakes 9Brake failure 8Loss of power 7Power steering loss 7Pulling 7Water leak 6ABS 5Check engine light 5Headlights 5Overheating 5Tire blowout 5
Recalls 6
Exterior lighting: brake lights
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 11V279000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 08V056000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 00V136000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 97V069000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 97V040000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 95V193000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
Defect investigations
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
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 and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise the federal safety agency might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V‑252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.the federal safety agency's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
EA12005
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee 50
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Valve Body
- Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation
- Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve
- Reprogram PCM and inspect catalytic converter
- Illuminated MIL as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have...
- Subject regarding floor pan corrosion
1996 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 21 | 19 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-16 | 20-21 | 16-18 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 20 | 18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 18-20 | 15-17 |
What 1996 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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 the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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
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.
Compare the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
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Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200620142015201620172018201920202021202220232026
Questions about the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 1996 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Owners have filed 446 complaints about the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, fewer than a typical Cherokee model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
Brakes, with 93 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles. Next is transmission (60).
How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee have?
6 recalls, covering exterior lighting, electrical system and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 00V136000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Cherokee have bad brakes?
The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most brakes complaints are 2014 (211 complaints), 1991 (163 complaints) and 1990 (152 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee range from 15 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 21 highway.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its historyJeep Cherokee in the news
- Jeep extends warranty coverage on 2014-2023 Cherokee (power train)
- Jeep recalls 2024-2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Cherokee and 2024-2025 Wagoneer and other models over pressure monitoring and regulating systems problem (201,975 vehicles)
- Jeep recalls 2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Wrangler and 2026 Cherokee and other models over back over prevention camera problem (844,028 vehicles)