Car usually runs fine cold but when it gets to operating temperature it stalls unexpectedly and in dangerous moments while driving on any road or freeway at any speed. I lose all powered functions like steering and brakes. It won't start again for hours until it has cooled all the way down.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems
65 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 148,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 65
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 148,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Ignition8
- Wiring: interior/under dash3
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
- Wiring: front underhood3
- Ignition: module3
- Horn3
- Wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
- Wiring1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with memory seat option. The memory seat module wiring harness can come in contact with the seat spring, a low resistance short circuit can develop resulting in localized heating.
- Risk
- The localized heating can result in ignition of the seat cushion material and a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will relocate the memory seat control module and wiring harness and a protective shield will be installed on the seat frame.
Recall number 97V039000 · 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
What 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle stalls unpredictably in dangerous situations on the road endangering life and safety. It also exhibits explosive backfires randomly which destroys the muffler and endangers safety. This has happened numerous times while in motion on the street.
Engine over heat get worse when A/C is on and it also have a electical problem that kills the battery aften and its not the altenator really tired of this
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 jeep grand cherokee. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 jeep grand cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. ...updated 05/14/15
While driving at 65 MPH the vehicle shuts off and will not start until the vehicle cools and will run for a while and shut off but this time it will take hours before it starts again which it would begin to repeat the process of shutting off. I changed all the sensors and had the fuel pump checked out but it still shuts off.
For three years, jeep gc has gone through 6 different batteries. Drain occurs randomly but may appear to be related to factory remote keyless entry. Jeep has also experienced other electronic power surges in past (interior lights and gauges going haywire, driver/navigation console literally going up in smoke.) several automobile technicians have serviced the vehicle and have not been able to locate the origin of this problem. The problem, itself, could very well lead to an accident, fire, and even fatality.
The jeep will die at any given time, place, temperature. Nothing seems to make a difference. The only thing I can get to make a difference on whether it runs or dies in putting pressure by hand on the number three computer plug. No check engine light, no codes no nothing. Just a faulty computer design that's putting myself and my family in dangerous situations on a regular basis.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact also indicated that smoke was coming from under the hood. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
My horn has not worked for many years until yesterday my husband who drives my jeep rarely was driving it and had a close call and he hit the horn and it worked? He tried to do it again and it failed to work. This is a one owner car and we have never taken it in to have it checked out. Not sure if it has something to do with the air bag assembly in the steering wheel or what it could be. Please advise if any other complaints and possible fixes for this problem. Thank you
Questions about the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical
Does the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 148,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 97V039000, 95V193000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have the most electrical problems?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (928 complaints), 2012 (837 complaints) and 2011 (780 complaints).
Other 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Transmission 279Fuel system 134Brakes 118Engine 105Body 85Steering 67Suspension 50Acceleration 35Tires 35Airbags 34Locks 21Lights 20Visibility 15Seat belts 13Wheels 6Seats 5Driver assistance 4
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