Owners have filed 584 complaints
about the 1996 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA between 1996 and 2024.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Jeep Cherokee. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
44.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
22.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
44.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
89.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3033.7%
150,000+ miles
4044.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1996peak 17Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA12005Opened 12 Jun 2012Closed 14 Nov 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and...
Recalls on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V279000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REQUIRED THIRD BRAKE LAMP.
Risk: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08V056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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;' NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;' NO. 111, 'REARVIEW MIRROR;' NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION;' NO. 115, 'VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER;' NO. 118, 'POWER WINDOW SYSTEM;' NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS;' NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION;' AND NO. 301, 'FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.'
Risk: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Risk: 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.
00V136000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
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.
Risk: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
97V069000
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME, A FILLET WELD THAT JOINS THE INNER STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRAME RAIL, WAS OMITTED.
Risk: DUE TO HIGH STEERING LOAD EVENTS, VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT BROKEN STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS OR FRAME RAIL CRACKING AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING POINT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200014347,393 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles originally retailed in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, the composite front disc brake rotors may fail due to corrosion. The cast iron wear surface may separate from the hub reducing the braking effectiveness of the vehicle. Correction: Front brake rotors will be replaced with rotors that utilize a stainless steel hub section.
Recall 19970622,102 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS210 - seat belt assembly anchorages. The web mounted rear seat inboard anchor may not achieve the required load of the standard. Correction: A washer will be installed to each rear inboard seat belt attachment.
Recall 19961371,205 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution centre (PDC) may have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping may result in arcing at the connection and the potential for fire in the engine compartment. Correction: The alternator fuse will be replaced with a fuse link and damage to the PDC will be repaired.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesBeaumont, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A COMPLETE STOP, A TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, PUSHING THE VEHICLE INTO A FOREGOING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK LOCATION COULD BE A GREATER DANGER IF THERE WAS ANOTHER REAR END CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #10519511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesPleasantville, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON A SLICK SURFACE, AS IT WAS RAINING, LIGHTLY. THE PERSON DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SHORT AT A YELLOW LIGHT AND I APPLIED MY BRAKES. MY BRAKES FAILED AND I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE, MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND MY FRONT END WAS SMASHED. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TOTAL. MY BRAKES SHOULD HAVE DONE WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO - WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10508430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,862 milesArgillite, KYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. THEN I REALIZED THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE ENGINE CAUSING A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. I HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES, AND THEN THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE MOTOR MOUNT TO BREAK, SO WHY WOULD IT BREAK FOR NO REASON? ANYWAYS, THE LEAKING OIL CAUSED A FIRE BENEATH MY VEHICLE, AND INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BUT I QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE BY A CONTAINER OF WATER I HAD IN MY VEHICLE. I HAD MY 13 YEAR OLD BROTHER WITH ME AND THANK GOD HE OR MYSELF WAS NOT INJURED. BUT IT CAUSED US GREAT FEAR AND STRESS.
NHTSA complaint #10487514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,862 milesArgillite, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. THEN I REALIZED THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE ENGINE CAUSING A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. I HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES, AND THEN THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE MOTOR MOUNT TO BREAK, SO WHY WOULD IT BREAK FOR NO REASON? ANYWAYS, THE LEAKING OIL CAUSED A FIRE BENEATH MY VEHICLE, AND INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BUT I QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE BY A CONTAINER OF WATER I HAD IN MY VEHICLE. I HAD MY 13 YEAR OLD BROTHER WITH ME AND THANK GOD HE OR MYSELF WAS NOT INJURED. BUT IT CAUSED US GREAT FEAR AND STRESS.
NHTSA complaint #10487514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,862 milesArgillite, KYFire
ENGINE
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. THEN I REALIZED THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE ENGINE CAUSING A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. I HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES, AND THEN THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE MOTOR MOUNT TO BREAK, SO WHY WOULD IT BREAK FOR NO REASON? ANYWAYS, THE LEAKING OIL CAUSED A FIRE BENEATH MY VEHICLE, AND INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BUT I QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE BY A CONTAINER OF WATER I HAD IN MY VEHICLE. I HAD MY 13 YEAR OLD BROTHER WITH ME AND THANK GOD HE OR MYSELF WAS NOT INJURED. BUT IT CAUSED US GREAT FEAR AND STRESS.
NHTSA complaint #10487514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,010 milesBelen, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WITH TIME THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING HARNESS (WHICH IS TOO SMALL FOR THE AMPERAGE) IN THESE VEHICLES INVARIABLY HEATS UP AND MELTS OR BURNS. THE MELTING OF THE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR BEHIND THE BLOWER SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH IN THE DASH AND THE BURNING OF THE SWITCH ITSELF OCCURED IN MY VEHICLE, ALLONG WITH THE FAILURE OF THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR, BUT IN MANY VEHICLES THE RESISTOR IS THE FIRST TO BURN AND FAIL. I HAVE LOOKED AT OVER 20 OF THESE VEHICLES RANGING FROM 1991 TO 1996, AND 30000 TO 220000 MILES, AND EVERY SINGLE ONE ONE THEM HAD THESE COMPONENTS MELTED AND BURNED TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING USABLE, AND MAKING ONE WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED BECAUSE OF THIS FAULT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ALSO SHOWED ASSOCIATED WIRES BURNED OR MELTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AN ASSOCIATED SYMPTOM IS THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CEASES TO FUNCTION, OR (IN THE CASE OF RESISTOR FAILURE, WILL USUALLY WORK ONLY ON HIGH SPEED). THIS SHOWS A DEFECT THAT MAY TAKE TIME TO MANIFEST, BUT WILL ALWAYS OCCUR EVENTUALLY IN EVERY VEHICLE UNLESS THE BLOWER IS NEVER USED. THE BLOWER SWITCH TO RESISTOR WIRING HARNESS AND SWITCH CONNECTOR/PLUG ARE NOT EVEN AVAILABLE FROM DEALERS, BUT THE SWITCH ITSELF AND THE RESISTOR ARE AVAILABLE AS AFTERMARKET ITEMS. HOWEVER, IF REPLACED, THESE WILL FAIL TOO, UNLESS THE WIRING IN THIS CIRCUIT IS REPLACED WITH HEAVIER GUAGE WIRING OR SOMEHOW PROTECTED FROM HIGH AMPERAGE. AS EVIDENCED BY HUNDREDS OF RELATED COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET FORUMS, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD RESULT IN FIRES, AND POTENTIALLY LOSS OF LIFE. LUCKILY MY FIRE WAS MINOR, DID LITTLE DAMAGE AND WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED. HOWEVER, I'M NOT SURE HOW TO RESOLVE THE ACTUAL PROBLEM PROPERLY, SINCE OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL SOONER OR LATER DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AVAILABLE AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE NOT IMPROVED OVER THE ORIGINALS.
NHTSA complaint #10456075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 223,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had a mobile mechanic diagnose the vehicle, and it was determined that there was a failure of the manifold. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not running properly and called another mobile mechanic. The second mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an aftermarket distributor and aftermarket computer had both failed. The contact stated that the distributor and computer were installed previously by another independent mechanic. The contact had purchased the aftermarket parts, Cardone Distributor Part Number 84-4694, and Cardone Computer Part Number: 79-1199 Model Number: 04886961, online. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and declined to stand behind the aftermarket computer and distributor parts. The failure mileage was approximately 223,000.
NHTSA complaint #11626385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ENGINE
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. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had a mobile mechanic diagnose the vehicle, and it was determined that there was a failure of the manifold. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not running properly and called another mobile mechanic. The second mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an aftermarket distributor and aftermarket computer had both failed. The contact stated that the distributor and computer were installed previously by another independent mechanic. The contact had purchased the aftermarket parts, Cardone Distributor Part Number 84-4694, and Cardone Computer Part Number: 79-1199 Model Number: 04886961, online. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and declined to stand behind the aftermarket computer and distributor parts. The failure mileage was approximately 223,000.
NHTSA complaint #11626385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,665 milesTolleson, AZ
SUSPENSION
THE JEEP WILL START TO SHAKE WHENEVER YOU HIT A BUMP REALLY BAD SHAKING . ALSO WHENEVER YOU COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES THE MOST , THE CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AGAIN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AT SOME POINT I ROCKED THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND AFTER THAT IT WILL START. ALSO TOO THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS LOOSE . MY SHOCKS LIKE IT DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY
NHTSA complaint #11317447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,665 milesTolleson, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE JEEP WILL START TO SHAKE WHENEVER YOU HIT A BUMP REALLY BAD SHAKING . ALSO WHENEVER YOU COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES THE MOST , THE CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AGAIN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AT SOME POINT I ROCKED THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND AFTER THAT IT WILL START. ALSO TOO THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS LOOSE . MY SHOCKS LIKE IT DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY
NHTSA complaint #11317447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,665 milesTolleson, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE JEEP WILL START TO SHAKE WHENEVER YOU HIT A BUMP REALLY BAD SHAKING . ALSO WHENEVER YOU COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES THE MOST , THE CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AGAIN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AT SOME POINT I ROCKED THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND AFTER THAT IT WILL START. ALSO TOO THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS LOOSE . MY SHOCKS LIKE IT DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY
NHTSA complaint #11317447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMoline Acres, MO
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11152942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMoline Acres, MO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11152942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMadisonville, KY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VIBRATION STOPPED WHEN DECELERATING TO LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11152494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesSturgis, SD
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 TO 75 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE IN THE FRONT END SO SEVERELY WE HAD TO SLOW COMPLETELY DOWN AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TO A STOP COMPLETELY. THE JEEP IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I HAVE READ OF OTHER INCIDENTS THAT THEY HAVE NAMED IT THE DEATH WOBBLE. IT COULD HAVE MADE US FLIP OVER AND WE COULD HAVE DIED IN A ROLL OVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US BEFORE AND WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE SHOCKS, BUT THAT HAS EVIDENTLY NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT WE READ AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE FRONT END AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #11096835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, AR
POWER TRAIN
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER STEERING GAUGE AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11090348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, AR
STEERING
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER STEERING GAUGE AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11090348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, AR
SUSPENSION
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER STEERING GAUGE AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11090348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 310,500 milesPinehurst, NC
TIRES
ON 2/21/17 AT 6:25 AM, TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, MY PASSENGER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL. NO EVIDENCE OF PUNCTURE OR VALVE STEM ISSUE. TOOK TIRE REMAINS TO DISCOUNT TIRE IN DURHAM FOR REPLACEMENT. YOKOHAMA YKHTX. P235/75 R15.
NHTSA complaint #10957087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesOlney, MD
STEERING
WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. SUBSEQUENTLY DIAGNOSED AS THE "JEEP DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA complaint #10948132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trenton, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE BOUGHT AN IMPORTED RIGHT-HAND DRIVE JEEP FROM POSTAL PETE, GALENA IL, FOR A MAIL ROUTE. THIS IS NOT SAFETY MAYBE: 1. THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE, INSTEAD OF BEING REPAIRED IN THE DASH, THEY ADDED AN AUXILLARY OIL GAUGE BELOW THE DASH, WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY LOOK AT THE GAUGE. 2. THE ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER UNIT DOESN'T MEASURE CORRECTLY I THINK. 3. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH & CONSOLE DON'T WORK. BECAUSE OF THE TAKATA RECALLS, I LOOKED AT YOUR SITE. WHEN WE COMPLAINED WITH THE DEALER THEIR ATTITUDE WAS TOUGH YOU PAID FOR IT. ALSO THE REAR END WAS BAD. MY HUSBAND WENT BACK BEFORE HE LEFT IL FOR FL. THEY EXCUSED IT SAYING IT WAS TIRES. MY HUSBAND KNEW THEY WERE LYING (HE DOES WORK ON VEHICLES FOR US). WE ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE REAR END. THIS COMPLAINT IS MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTER POSTAL PETE THAN IT IS ABOUT THE VEHICLE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO THIS TO CUSTOMERS. ALSO THEY REQUIRED A CHECK IN ADVANCE, THEREBY MAKING IT SO WE COULD NOT REFUSE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY HAD OUR MONEY. NOT NICE PEOPLE. DIS-HONESTY. I RETIRED DEC. 2011. I DON'T REMEMBER PURCHASE DATE. YOU REQUIRE SOMETHING. PICKED UP 11/02/10 REG. 12/07/2010 THANK YOU. ALICIA
NHTSA complaint #10881953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesColumbia Falls, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10876502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesLisbon, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. VIOLENT SHAKING OF A CAR WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT TO STOP IT. MULTIPLE TIME OCCURRENCE. HAS BEEN "FIXED" BUT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10873658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVERS DOOR UPPER HINGE RUSTED WHERE WELDED TO BODY AND SEPARATED FROM BODY . DOOR IS ONLY HELD ON BY LOWER HINGE.
NHTSA complaint #10852849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesWalloon Lake, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
SEVERE RUST ALL OVER THE BODY BUT ESPECIALLY ON THE FRAME. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE COMPONENTS FAIL AND CRACK, NOW TAKING IN WATER THROUGH CORNERS OF THE ROOF THROUGH RUST HOLES. PASSENGER SIDE OF FRAME LIKELY TO SEVER UNDER FURTHER DRIVING. RUST ON THE BRACKETS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE CREATED A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. PART WAS REPLACED, NO PICTURE.
NHTSA complaint #10810825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 40-45 MPH, THE JEEP WOULD START TO SHUDDER. EVENTUALLY IT WOULD SHUT OFF. THE JEEP WOULD THEN CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN FOR ABOUT FOUR TIMES. THREE OF THE TIMES THE JEEP WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. TWICE THE PCM UNIT WAS REPLACED AND TWICE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE LAST REPAIR WAS 1 MONTH AND A HALF AGO. TWO DAYS AGO, THE JEEP STALLED AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES. A 16 WHEELER ALMOST COLLIDED WITH US DUE THAT I COULD BARELY MANIPULATE THE JEEP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF ON ME. I TRIED TO DO SOME VISUAL INSPECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD ONE OF MY SONS TO WIGGLE THE PCM (COMPUTER) WHILE I CRANKED THE STARTING SWITCH. AT ONE POINT THE JEEP MANAGED TO START AGAIN. THEN IT STALLED THE MOMENT MY SON STOPPED WIGGLING THE PCM. I HAD ANOTHER TOW TRUCK PICK UP THE JEEP AND SEND IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC. CHRYSLER HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE ON THE PCM AND PERHAPS MIGHT NOT DO IT UNTIL ONE DAY SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE SHOW OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM 1996-2001.
NHTSA complaint #10721042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 40-45 MPH, THE JEEP WOULD START TO SHUDDER. EVENTUALLY IT WOULD SHUT OFF. THE JEEP WOULD THEN CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN FOR ABOUT FOUR TIMES. THREE OF THE TIMES THE JEEP WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. TWICE THE PCM UNIT WAS REPLACED AND TWICE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE LAST REPAIR WAS 1 MONTH AND A HALF AGO. TWO DAYS AGO, THE JEEP STALLED AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES. A 16 WHEELER ALMOST COLLIDED WITH US DUE THAT I COULD BARELY MANIPULATE THE JEEP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF ON ME. I TRIED TO DO SOME VISUAL INSPECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD ONE OF MY SONS TO WIGGLE THE PCM (COMPUTER) WHILE I CRANKED THE STARTING SWITCH. AT ONE POINT THE JEEP MANAGED TO START AGAIN. THEN IT STALLED THE MOMENT MY SON STOPPED WIGGLING THE PCM. I HAD ANOTHER TOW TRUCK PICK UP THE JEEP AND SEND IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC. CHRYSLER HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE ON THE PCM AND PERHAPS MIGHT NOT DO IT UNTIL ONE DAY SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE SHOW OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM 1996-2001.
NHTSA complaint #10721042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 40-45 MPH, THE JEEP WOULD START TO SHUDDER. EVENTUALLY IT WOULD SHUT OFF. THE JEEP WOULD THEN CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN FOR ABOUT FOUR TIMES. THREE OF THE TIMES THE JEEP WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. TWICE THE PCM UNIT WAS REPLACED AND TWICE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE LAST REPAIR WAS 1 MONTH AND A HALF AGO. TWO DAYS AGO, THE JEEP STALLED AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES. A 16 WHEELER ALMOST COLLIDED WITH US DUE THAT I COULD BARELY MANIPULATE THE JEEP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF ON ME. I TRIED TO DO SOME VISUAL INSPECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD ONE OF MY SONS TO WIGGLE THE PCM (COMPUTER) WHILE I CRANKED THE STARTING SWITCH. AT ONE POINT THE JEEP MANAGED TO START AGAIN. THEN IT STALLED THE MOMENT MY SON STOPPED WIGGLING THE PCM. I HAD ANOTHER TOW TRUCK PICK UP THE JEEP AND SEND IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC. CHRYSLER HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE ON THE PCM AND PERHAPS MIGHT NOT DO IT UNTIL ONE DAY SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE SHOW OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM 1996-2001.
NHTSA complaint #10721042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 224,000 milesCochran, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP OR BEING JARRED BY A BUMP OR POT HOLE. GRADUALLY PROGRESSED TO RANDOMLY STALLING WHEN APPLYING ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKES OR ANY SLIGHT JARRING. ALL POWER IS LOST AT THIS TIME ALONG WITH ANY CONTROL OF STEERING AND ACCELERATING UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AGAIN. RECENTLY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WITHOUT ANY PATTERN DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY BRAKING OR JARRING. IT THEN CATCHES ON ITS OWN AND REGAINS POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10693765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 224,000 milesCochran, GA
ENGINE
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP OR BEING JARRED BY A BUMP OR POT HOLE. GRADUALLY PROGRESSED TO RANDOMLY STALLING WHEN APPLYING ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKES OR ANY SLIGHT JARRING. ALL POWER IS LOST AT THIS TIME ALONG WITH ANY CONTROL OF STEERING AND ACCELERATING UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AGAIN. RECENTLY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WITHOUT ANY PATTERN DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY BRAKING OR JARRING. IT THEN CATCHES ON ITS OWN AND REGAINS POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10693765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 224,000 milesCochran, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP OR BEING JARRED BY A BUMP OR POT HOLE. GRADUALLY PROGRESSED TO RANDOMLY STALLING WHEN APPLYING ANY PRESSURE TO BRAKES OR ANY SLIGHT JARRING. ALL POWER IS LOST AT THIS TIME ALONG WITH ANY CONTROL OF STEERING AND ACCELERATING UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AGAIN. RECENTLY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WITHOUT ANY PATTERN DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY BRAKING OR JARRING. IT THEN CATCHES ON ITS OWN AND REGAINS POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10693765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.