1996 Jeep Cherokee
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 447
- Recalls
- 10
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 447 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 98 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 275 |
| 1991 | 234 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 522 |
| 1995 | 610 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2,648 |
| 2015 | 1,787 |
| 2016 | 1,408 |
| 2017 | 1,334 |
| 2018 | 685 |
| 2019 | 1,642 |
| 2020 | 307 |
| 2021 | 166 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
24% · 106 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Power train
14% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shook uncontrollably. In addition, the power steering seized and then became loose.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-26
Also filed under Steering and suspension
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Structure
11% · 50 reportsMost commonly citing hinge and attachments and body.
Electrical system
10% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving down the highway,and all of a sudden I heard a loud noise. So I pulled over to the nearest gas station and realized I was leaking oil profusely.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-06
Also filed under Engine
With time the blower motor wiring harness (Which is too small for the amperage) in these vehicles invariably heats up and melts or burns.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-23
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was running rough and then stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-20
Also filed under Engine
Safety timeline
10 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-02-20Electrical system95V193000 The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage to the power distribution center will be repaired.
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1997-03-24Seat belts97V040000 The web mounted rear seat belt inboard anchor positions may not achieve the required load of FMVSS No. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."
Remedy: Dealers will add a washer to each rear inboard seat belt anchor attachment.
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1997-06-20Steering97V069000 During assembly of the frame, a fillet weld that joins the inner steering gear attachment reinforcement to the frame rail, was omitted.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for cracks in the frame rail. Vehicles that show cracks will be equipped with reinforcement plates. Vehicles that are found to be free of cracks will have a slot…
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2000-06-05Service brakes, hydraulic00V136000 Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, new…
Remedy: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
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2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 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…
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…
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
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2008-03-12Electrical system, equipment, exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline, visibility08V056000 U.S. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 101, 'controls and displays;'…
Remedy: U.S. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site. The recall will be performed on a regional…
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
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2011-09-12Exterior lighting11V279000 U.S. Drive right is recalling certain model year 1994-1996 Jeep Cherokee vehicles imported from January 2007, through April 2011 for failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no.…
Remedy: U.S. Drive right will notify owners and mail kits along with instructions to have the vehicle repaired by a qualified mechanic of their choice, free of charge. The safety recall began on September…
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2012-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2014-11-14 Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 106 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 57 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V193000 · Electrical system
- Recall 97V040000 · Seat belts
- Recall 97V069000 · Steering
- Recall 00V136000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08V056000 · Electrical system, equipment, exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline, visibility
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 11V279000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Jeep Cherokee is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.