Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Car hydroplaned into an embankment when attempting to stop. Luckily the rear window on the liftgate of the Jeep popped off on impact to the embankment. First defect: back of drivers seat broke causing driver to be ejected from the vehicle through the rear window of the liftgate. Second defect: airbag did not deploy even though there was damage to the front of the vehicle. Can't give true estimate for the amount of damage since all medical bills have not been provided by health providers. $ 5,412 worth of personal property (jewelry and other) lost during impact to the embankment.
First instance, while driving slipped on ice, hit head first into guard rail, driver's air failed to deploy, driver sustained 3 crushed discs in back/broken finger. In second instance, while driving at 57 MPH, violent deployment of passenger's air bag, distracted driver, causing a major collision. Passenger suffered a broken neck and died.
Jeep was struck on passengers side, Jeep struck another truck head-on, hitting more of the front passengers side, causing hood damage/broken windshield, and drivers gears to come out. Driver broke sternum in two places due to safety belt not working and airbags not coming out. Jeep was totalled out.( dot number: tire size: p225/70r16 )
When applying brakes vehicle pulled to the left and did not stop. Vehicle crossed the center line, and hit another vehicle head-on. Also, driver's side airbag did not deploy. Dealer did not look at vehicle. There is currently recall 0013600 on the front brake rotors.
Passive restraints, driver's side air bag: driving approximately 40mph and vehicle from opposite side of hgw. Hitvehicle one head-on. Air bag did not deploy. Cause unknown, Chrysler sent someone to look at vehicle, have not heard from them.
Driving 30mph started applying (ABS) brakes slowly; vehicle did not slow up; brake pedal to floor; vehicle continued on. Turned steering wheel to avoid another vehicle; hit cement divider in hwy. Air bags did not deploy. Took to dealer.
Failure of the passenger's side air bag, consumer was involved in an accident while travleing 70 MPH, the passenger was in the reclining position with the seat belt on and the air bag causing injuries to the occupant's legs.
Front driver's side hit a boat being towed at about 50 MPH, and driver's side airbag did not deploy. This is the second crash that this vehicle has had, and airbag never deployed. Bodyshop has vehicle currently.
When going through intersection about (15) MPH vehicle was involved in a crash, totalling the right front end of vehicle and there was no deployment of the driver's side air bag. Vehicle has not been repaired.
Airbag complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Cherokee airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Cherokee airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 21 crashes, 0 fires and 13 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.