VehicleVerdict

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 12 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 784 owner complaints run below the Grand Cherokee median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 40 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (185), transmission (120), and electrical system (64), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

784

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

17

Investigations

68

Crash-involved

37

Fires reported

40

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes18524%
Transmission12015%
Electrical System648%
Engine587%
Body & Structure517%
Fuel System496%
Steering415%
Suspension405%
Speed Control375%
Latches & Locks273%
Airbags253%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)213%
Visibility & Wipers182%
Tires & Wheels162%
Seat Belts111%
Other101%
Lighting81%
Seats30%

Does the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

12 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V252000Body & StructureJune 19, 2013 · 1,560,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy

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).

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

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.

Consequence

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

Consequence

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

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.

Consequence

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.

02V053000TransmissionFebruary 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

98V005000BrakesJanuary 12, 1998 · 293,369 units

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.

Consequence

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.

97I002000Speed ControlMay 2, 1997 · 1,010,400 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. DRIVERS CAN MISTAKENLY STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THEY INTEND TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

PEDAL MISAPPLICATION BY A DRIVER CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.

96I004000Seat BeltsJanuary 1, 1996 · 224,642 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT BE ACCESSIBLE WHEN THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF THE REAR SEAT BACK IS FOLDED DOWN IN THE CARGO STOWAGE POSITION.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE CENTER REAR SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

93V210000SteeringDecember 13, 1993 · 115,000 units

Defect

THE MOLDED PLASTIC PIN WHICH CONNECTS THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND THE LOWER COLUMN SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN SHEARED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY INTO THE VEHICLE. IF THIS OCCURRED, THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT.

Consequence

IF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS SEPARATE, COMPLETELOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WILL OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

A RESTRAINING SLEEVE WILL BE ADDED TO THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF STEERING SHAFT MOVEMENT AVAILABLE.

93V055000Body & StructureApril 8, 1993 · 80,000 units

Defect

GREASE APPLIED TO THE LIFTGATE LATCH RUBBER BUMPERS TO EASE COMPONENT ASSEMBLY CAUSED THE BUMPER TO SWELL, INTERFERING WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH PAWL. THIS PREVENTS THE LIFTGATE LATCHING WHEN CLOSED AND DIFFICULT TO OPEN WHEN LATCHED.

Consequence

AN UNLATCHED LIFTGATE CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS INMOTION, AND COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING OUT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

93V051000SuspensionApril 2, 1993 · 25,000 units

Defect

THE ECCENTRIC CAM ADJUSTER BOLTS IN BOTH FRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM-TO-FRONT AXLE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS MAY FAIL DUE TO ASSEMBLY MISALIGNMENT.

Consequence

CAM BOLT FAILURES CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONESIDE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION CAM BOLTS, CAM WASHERS, AND NUTS WITH COMPONENTS OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.

92V181000BrakesDecember 14, 1992 · 600 units

Defect

THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH SECURES THE MASTER CYLINDER INPUT ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY, AND COULD WORK LOOSE.

Consequence

DISENGAGEMENT OF THE RETAINER CLIP WILL ALLOW FREE PLAYIN THE ATTACHMENT AND CAN ALLOW THE INPUT ROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDALCAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE APPLICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

IMPROPERLY INSTALLED RETAINER CLIPS WILL BE REMOVED AND NEW RETAINER CLIPS WILL BE PROPERLY INSTALLED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WHILE AT 20 MPH GOING AROUND A CURB CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE COSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS WERE APART FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 6, 1998 · crash

SEE ODI ID:780836. 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. VERY LOUD THUMPING FROM FRONT DIFFERNTIAL, AND STEERING WHEEL BINDING WHEN TURNING ANY DIRECTION, FORWARD OR REVERSE. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED BOTH CV AXLES AND SPIDER GEAR IN DIFFERENTIAL, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. CASE#10158159 OPENED WITH CHRYSLER ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 26, 2002 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRES IN THE BATTERY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE DETAILS OF THE FIRE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 17, 2015 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 11, 2014 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , STRUCTURE) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER BY MAIL. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 19, 2013 · crash

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand Cherokee: 784 NHTSA complaints, 12 recalls, and 17 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1993 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (185 complaints), transmission (120 complaints), electrical system (64 complaints).

Does the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 17 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2005, 2011, 2012, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2015, 2004, 2007, 1997, 2018, 2013, 2023, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2016, 2020. The cleanest record among Grand Cherokee years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.