VehicleVerdict

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee sits mid-pack among Grand Cherokee years: 1,250 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 933, with 12 recalls and 8 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 8 deaths and 119 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (307), fuel system (153), and brakes (144), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,250

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

8

Investigations

156

Crash-involved

26

Fires reported

119

Injuries

8

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission30725%
Fuel System15312%
Brakes14412%
Engine1109%
Body & Structure897%
Electrical System756%
Steering706%
Suspension554%
Tires & Wheels423%
Speed Control353%
Airbags343%
Other312%
Latches & Locks232%
Lighting222%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)202%
Visibility & Wipers181%
Seat Belts131%
Seats50%
Child Seat30%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 1996 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.

07E104000Visibility & WipersDecember 11, 2007 · 1,657 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy

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.

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.

06E022000BrakesMarch 13, 2006 · 7,440 units

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.

Consequence

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.

03E001000Fuel SystemJanuary 8, 2003 · 979 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY EXCEED THE LIMITS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, POSSIBLY CREATING A FUEL LEAK AND RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy

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.

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.

00V136000BrakesMay 10, 2000 · 589,000 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.

98V006000SuspensionJanuary 12, 1998 · 65,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED AXLE CAN FORCE AXLE FLUID OUT OF THE SEALS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE WITH A FULL SIZED TIRE AND WHEEL.

97V039000Electrical SystemMarch 17, 1997 · 70,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

95V193000Electrical SystemOctober 11, 1995 · 32,000 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING, EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT APPLIED, SUDDENLY VEHICLE WENT BACKWARD, CONSUMER OPENED DRIVERS DOOR AND KNOCKED CONSUMER DOWN AS SHE TRIED TO JUMP INTO VEHICLE TO STOP IT, VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT A ROCK FENCE, CONSUMER WAS BRUISED, AND HIT HER HEAD ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 15, 2001 · crash

WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION THE REAR OF THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WAS STRUCK BY AN ISUZU, DRIVEN APPROCIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE CRASH RESULTED IN A FIRE IN THE REAR OF THE CHEROKEE AND THE DRIVER OF THE ISUZU BEING BURNED TO DEATH. PLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CLAIMED TO BE RESPONSIBLE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 9, 2003 · crash · fire

THE VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A MAIL BOX . AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL FOR THE EXISTING CONDITION. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS WORN. *JB RECALL# 02V053000. *SC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 23, 2004 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP AND HEAD GASKET WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COMPONENTS WERE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 5, 2013 · fire

THE FUEL GAGE DOES NOT PROPERLY INDICATE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTS FREQUENTLY, LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOORS, OPENING AND SHUTTING WINDOWS BY ITSELF. THE ALARM SYSTEM ALSO SHORTS FREQUENTLY, DOING THE SAME THING.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 26, 2000 · crash

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand Cherokee: 1,250 NHTSA complaints, 12 recalls, and 8 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (307 complaints), fuel system (153 complaints), brakes (144 complaints).

Does the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 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 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 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.