Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 1997 to Dec 1998
The most reported issue is power train problems (308 complaints). 199 complaints involved crashes. 50 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (12)
NHTSA Campaign: 13V252000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E026000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E022000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 07E104000
Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
NHTSA Campaign: 00V136000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
NHTSA Campaign: 03E001000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
NAPA AND CARTER REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED BY OTD, INC., AND DISTRIBUTED BY FEDERAL MOGAL, MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CHECK VALVE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THESE PUMPS ARE P74697M AND P74708M. THEY WERE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 15 AND 27, 2002. THEY ARE FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS ONLY ON MODEL YEAR (MY)1995 AND 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THIS RECALL DOES NOT INVOLVE THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Risk: THE PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY EXCEED THE LIMITS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, POSSIBLY CREATING A FUEL LEAK AND RISK OF FIRE.
Fix: IF YOU PURCHASED AN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP FOR YOUR MY 1995 OR 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AFTER JULY 15, 2002, AND ARE NOT SURE WHETHER THE FUEL PUMP IS ONE OF THOSES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL, YOU SHOULD CONTACT FEDERAL MOGAL AT 1-800-560-1400 TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA Campaign: 02V053000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
Risk: INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 98V006000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH "QUADRA-TRAC" TRANSFER CASE, TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE, AND ANY OF 225/70R16, 225/75R16 OR 245/70R15 ROAD TIRES. WHEN THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE IS IN USE, THE FRONT AXLE CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk: AN OVERHEATED AXLE CAN FORCE AXLE FLUID OUT OF THE SEALS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE WITH A FULL SIZED TIRE AND WHEEL.
NHTSA Campaign: 97V039000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE MEMORY SEAT CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS AND A PROTECTIVE SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE SEAT FRAME.
NHTSA Campaign: 95V193000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR FUSE WITH A FUSE LINK AND ANY DAMAGE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER WILL BE REPAIRED.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1483)
Steering →2 issues
While driving on the interstate at 65-75 mph, your Jeep's front end began shaking severely, forcing you to slow down and pull over completely. This problem has happened before and persisted even after replacing the shocks. You're concerned this could cause a rollover and believe it's a front-end issue that needs manufacturer attention.
Parts you may need:
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While driving at 60 mph on the highway, your Jeep's front end suddenly began shaking violently. This was diagnosed as the "Jeep death wobble," a known steering issue that can make the vehicle unstable and difficult to control at highway speeds. The problem typically involves worn suspension or steering components that need inspection and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension,wheels →2 issues
Your Jeep experienced severe vibration (death wobble) on the freeway at 45-55 mph that required hard braking to regain control. Six months later, the steering housing cracked and two of three mounting bolts snapped, with broken casting pieces still attached to the frame. You completely lost steering control while turning in a 15 mph zone. This will require replacement of the steering housing, bolts, and inspection of the steering column and suspension components.
Parts you may need:
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Your Jeep starts shaking violently and uncontrollably when driving above 60 mph, making it difficult or impossible to steer. The shaking happens without warning and you have to slow down significantly or stop for it to stop. This has happened three times in the past six months. The problem likely involves worn suspension or steering components that need inspection and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →2 issues
Your 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is under a suspension recall (NHTSA Campaign 98V006000), but when you contacted the dealer, they told you replacement parts weren't available yet. You've been waiting longer than seems reasonable for the manufacturer to make parts available, and when you contacted the manufacturer about the delay, they said it was your responsibility and ended the call. Your suspension hasn't failed yet, but the recall repair can't be completed until parts arrive.
Parts you may need:
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At 70 mph on uneven pavement, your Jeep started vibrating severely, but the vibration stopped when you slowed down. This suggests a suspension or wheel-related issue that worsens at highway speeds. A mechanic will likely need to inspect your wheels, tires, and suspension components to find the source.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →2 issues
Your front passenger side tire suddenly blew out while your Jeep was parked, causing the inner belt and tread to separate. The tire was a Dayton Quadra ET2 size P225/70R15, and your vehicle had 205,000 miles on it at the time. You'll need to replace the damaged tire with a new one of the same size and type.
Parts you may need:
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While driving at 65 mph, your passenger rear tire suddenly blew out and separated from the wheel with no visible puncture or valve stem damage. The tire was a Yokohama YKHTX P235/75 R15. The repair will likely involve replacing the tire and inspecting the wheel for damage.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,service Brakes,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was recalled for PCM and catalytic converter issues, but the dealer only inspected it without installing replacement parts. You're experiencing rough shifting, stalling (even on the highway), hard starting, poor fuel economy, reverse gear not working, and your ABS warning light is on — all signs pointing to a faulty PCM. The fix will likely require replacing the PCM (engine computer), catalytic converter, and possibly checking the transmission and ABS system.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your vehicle stalled while driving in traffic and your steering wheel became locked, making the vehicle undriveable. Despite being inspected by 21 different mechanics and passing dealer tests, the problem happened again when you drove it home. The issue was never successfully diagnosed, and your vehicle has been parked and unused for over a year. The fix will require identifying the root cause of the stalling and steering lock, which may involve engine fuel delivery system components or power steering system diagnostics.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your Jeep runs fine when cold, but once it reaches normal operating temperature, it stalls without warning—sometimes dangerously while you're driving at any speed. When this happens, you lose power steering and power brakes, making the car difficult to control. The engine won't restart for several hours until it cools completely. This suggests a heat-sensitive electrical or fuel system issue that needs diagnostic testing to identify the exact cause.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension →1 issue
Your power steering bracket broke into pieces, which damaged your pulleys and serpentine belts before you figured out what was wrong. You've also experienced a severe shaking condition (called "death wobble") at speeds between 40-50 mph that forced you off the road and required you to slow down immediately to stop it. This suspension and steering issue contributed to a crash. The fix will likely involve replacing the broken power steering bracket, pulleys, serpentine belts, and inspecting your suspension components for related damage.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee shifted out of Park into Reverse on its own while parked and running in the garage, causing it to roll backward and run over the driver's leg. The dealer inspected the vehicle after the incident but found no problem with the gearshift mechanism. This suggests a potential issue with the transmission or shifter assembly that may need diagnostic testing and repair of the transmission components.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your vehicle stalled while driving at 40 mph and wouldn't restart, with no warning lights showing up. A mechanic found a failed intake manifold, which was repaired, but the vehicle still ran poorly. A second mechanic discovered that both an aftermarket distributor and engine computer (installed by a previous mechanic) had failed. The manufacturer won't cover these aftermarket parts under warranty.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel System, Gasoline,engine →1 issue
Your Jeep stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, though it usually restarts right away—sometimes after a delay. No warning light appears before it happens. You've had mechanics replace the fuel filter and fuel pump and install new computer software, but the stalling continues. The fix may require diagnosing the fuel system, ignition system, or engine computer to find the root cause of the stalling.
Parts you may need:
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Wheels →1 issue
Your Hankook Optimo H724 tires have experienced multiple sidewall defects and premature tread wear since purchase in May 2018. You've had to replace two tires due to sidewall damage and repair one flat, with the tread wearing out at 46,868 miles despite a 70,000-mile warranty. The tire manufacturer has acknowledged the unusual wear but claims the tires meet safety standards, though you believe the defects make them prone to blowouts and unable to properly shed road debris.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your Jeep shakes badly when you hit bumps, and the steering column feels loose, suggesting worn suspension components. After driving just 10 miles and stopping, your car won't restart for about 20 minutes—though rocking it side to side sometimes helps it start again, which points to an electrical connection issue. Fixing this will likely involve replacing worn shocks and suspension parts, and having an electrician diagnose and tighten loose battery or starter connections.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,wheels →1 issue
While driving at 65 mph over a bump in the road, your steering wheel and vehicle jerked violently—a condition sometimes called "death wobble." An independent mechanic found that your vehicle needed a wheel alignment. The jerking could make steering unpredictable and potentially unsafe at highway speeds.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension,power Train →1 issue
While driving at 55 mph, your vehicle shook uncontrollably and your power steering suddenly seized, then became loose. A mechanic found that you need a new power steering gauge and a front-end alignment to fix the problem.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee is subject to a recall affecting the hitch. You should contact a dealer to have this recall addressed, as it may involve inspection or replacement of hitch components.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years:
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