1996 Jeep Laredo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 71 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Laredo year — the 1996 model ranks #5 of 18 Laredo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (27% of the total).
71
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other Laredo years?
What are the most common 1996 Jeep Laredo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 19 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 10 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARKING GEAR, STILL RUNNING, IT SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, HITTING A TREE AND THEN SHIFTED TO DRIVE. THE BODY DAMAGE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. NO PROBLEMS FOUND WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ABS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE VEHICLE HIT A FENCE.THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT, THERE WERE SHAKES THAT HAD GONE AWAY. THE CONSUMER…”
“INSIDE PANELS ON ALL FOUR DOORS OF VEHICLE ARE PEELING AWAY, CONSUMER STATES HIS ARM CATCHES ON THE LOOSE PANEL AS HE IS DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES LOCAL DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED BY MANUFACTURER NUMBER 2305197, CONSUMER STATES HE CALLED THE NATIONAL…”
“ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, 8 TIMES TO DEALER WHO REPLACED O2 SENSOR, BUT COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK CONUSMER STATES AFTER 8 TIMES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRES WERE FOUND TO BE IN THE WRONG PLACE, AND AFTER THE 8TH OCCURENCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME…”
“I JUST BROUGHT THIS TRUCK A FEW MOTHS BACK AND WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR WILL JUST CUT OFF ON IT'S OWN. IT'S QUITE FREQUENT NOW. I'VE BEEN ON HERE TO LOOK FOR ANY RECALLS BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIND ANY FOR THIS MODEL. IT IS VERY UNSAFE AND SCARY TO BE DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR CAR LOOSES POWER…”
1996 Jeep Laredo — common questions
Is the 1996 Jeep Laredo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 71 complaints put the 1996 model at #5 of 18 Laredo years. It is one of the Laredo years to avoid.
What are the most common 1996 Laredo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (19 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints).
Does the 1996 Jeep Laredo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Jeep Laredo.
Which Jeep Laredo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laredo years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 2003, 1997. The cleanest record among Laredo years belongs to 1986.
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.