VehicleVerdict

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,319 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Grand Cherokee year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 38 Grand Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 92 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 734 reports (32% of the total).

2,319

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

5

Investigations

157

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

92

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

Grand Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted3,381 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 5 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 4 complaints1993: 784 complaints1994: 775 complaints1995: 983 complaints1996: 1,250 complaints1997: 1,433 complaints1998: 1,349 complaints1999: 2,319 complaints2000: 1,855 complaints2001: 1,128 complaints2002: 1,771 complaints2003: 889 complaints2004: 1,572 complaints2005: 2,733 complaints2006: 1,754 complaints2007: 1,478 complaints2008: 990 complaints2009: 195 complaints2010: 171 complaints2011: 2,425 complaints2012: 2,325 complaints2013: 1,111 complaints2014: 3,381 complaints2015: 1,747 complaints2016: 437 complaints2017: 559 complaints2018: 1,199 complaints2019: 533 complaints2020: 344 complaints2021: 660 complaints2022: 459 complaints2023: 660 complaints2024: 415 complaints2025: 107 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Grand Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes73432%
Transmission46420%
Visibility & Wipers1798%
Engine1517%
Electrical System1034%
Seats944%
Fuel System904%
Airbags844%
Suspension793%
Speed Control613%
Steering593%
Other462%
Lighting432%
Body & Structure321%
Tires & Wheels301%
Seat Belts271%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)211%
Latches & Locks191%
Child Seat30%

Does the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

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

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.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

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.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH 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.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

06E011000Fuel SystemFebruary 1, 2006 · 7,291 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

02V104000Fuel SystemApril 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 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.

01V119000Seat BeltsApril 11, 2001 · 161,682 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence

IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.

00V034000Seat BeltsFebruary 4, 2000 · 204,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.

Consequence

THE AFFECTED MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT WITHSTAND SUFFICIENT FORCE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY IN CERTAIN IMPACT SITUATIONS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A BELTED OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER MOUNTING BOLTS.

98V276000Seat BeltsNovember 4, 1998 · 13,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE REWIND MECHANISM, DISABLING THE RETRACTOR FUNCTION, AND PREVENTING THE BELT FROM FITTING SNUGLY AROUND THE OCCUPANT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE RETRACTORS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKE PROBLEMS ON 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE.ROTORS WARPED AS PER DEFECT ON CALIPERS. JEEP MADE A FIX OR I, BUT MAKES YOU PAY FOR IT. MUST CHANGE ROTORS EVERYTIME BRAKES ARE CHANGED DUE TO DEFECT. THIS ALSO AFFECTS BRAKING. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED ACCIDENT. BRAKES WILL PULSATE WHEN ROTORS WARP, AND MAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 14, 2004 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN IDLE WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, IT WENT INTO REVERSE AND RAN INTO A MAIL TRUCK. *AK CONSUMER DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE DIDN'T FULLY PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 1999 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 5 MPH WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND BACKED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CONSUMER SAYS THER REAR GLASS IS TO DARK, FOR CORRECT VISIABILITY. THE GLASS IS SUPER TINTED. (PRIVATE TINTING) THE VIN.# REGISTERS SUPER TINT, AND CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT TINT AT TIME OF PURCHASED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · crash

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO TWO OTHER VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR BELIEVED THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 13, 2005 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, HAZARD LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 5, 2016 · fire

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,319 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 38 Grand Cherokee years. It is one of the Grand Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (734 complaints), transmission (464 complaints), visibility & wipers (179 complaints).

Does the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.