Most common 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of the 447 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Cherokee years: 2022, 2021, 2020. Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017, 2016. Compare all years →
1996 Jeep Cherokee recalls (6)
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.
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 12, 2011.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for cracks in the frame rail. Vehicles that show cracks will be equipped with reinforcement plates.
Seat belts › Rear/other
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1996 Jeep Cherokee:
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…
What 1996 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Brakes all 93 →
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.
Rear brakes locked on at least 25 occasions. Usually happens in first few minutes of driving, and when wet. Brakes were repaired by Dodge/Jeep dealer 2 months ago still locked. Checked by certified mechanic last week, could find nothing wrong. Yesterday morning at about 9:00 a.m. During steady rain, applied brakes at 55 miles per hour to slow vehicle for car in front that had applied brakes. Brakes locked and vehicle fish tailed to right, spun at least twice, tipped over and hit guard rail at least twice. I was extracted from vehicle with only minor cut to hand and glass in nostril. Vehicle is totaled. Earlier last year our 25 year old daughter applied brakes to slow down and similar incident happened, where she came to rest in a ditch. This has been a continuous problem. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 60 →
Pe01021; vehicle was turned off while consumer hooked a boat to the back of vehicle. Boat weighed less than a 1,000 lbs. Vehicle rolled back, hitting side of the trailer and into lake houston under 12ft of water. Vehicle was totaled. Consumer had not made any contacts to manufacturer and dealer at this time consumer states while loading boat onto the trailer, all 4 wheels of the Jeep were not in the water, the emergency brake was pulled and the vehicle was in park, consumer leaned in vehicle to turn key off when it began to move backward, both the trailer and the Jeep went completely underwater, when the vehicle was pulled out, the emergency brake was still on and the tires were rolling.
Vehicle has manual transmission and with vehicle parked in reverse with emergency brake engaged the passenger reached over and started the vehicle without driver in the car. The vehicle started up and took off in reverse. Driver was returning to the vehicle and was almost hit. Their should be a safety switch on the clutch to prevent the vehicle from starting without the clutch fully depressed. Upon a investegation by Chrysler they stated that their was no problem. They stated that this vehicle did not come with a safety switch on the clutch. I find this very disturbing and also very dangerous.
Engine & cooling all 58 →
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. …
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.
1996 Jeep Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 21 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Jeep Cherokee a good car?
Based on 447 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Cherokee rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Cherokee at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
The brakes — 93 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (60) and engine & cooling (58).
How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee have?
There are 6 recalls for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, the most recent from May 6, 2011 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017 and 2016. See the full Jeep Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 137,000 miles; 7% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.