Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
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.
This complaint is for a 1996 Jeep Cherokee sport. It is a 2-door vehicle with 4 wheel drive. The engine mount studs sheared off between the engine mount and the engine. This is the second time that this has occurred. The first incident occurred while the vehicle was still under warranty and the dealership cured the issue. The event took place on the bay bridge between oakland, ca and san francisco, ca. The second event took place on a busy street in memphis tennessee. I drove over an area that looked like the city had done some street work and had filled the area back in with asphalt. The divet from this work was insignificant and created a few inch difference between the old street concrete and the new asphalt fill and there was no edges. The repair work was curved. My speed was less than 5 miles an hour. …
Tl contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the steering gear box failed on numerous occasions. It was discovered that the frame was cracked. The manufacturer stated that only one of four recalls were found in their system that were comparable to their recalls. While turning the vehicle at an unknown speed, the contact heard a loud pop. She has replaced this unit three times, totaling $1,000. The manufacturer has not offered any assistance with the repair costs and stated that they do not honor the recall. The NHTSA campaign id number is 97V069000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). The failure mileage was 103,000 and current mileage was 106,797. Updated 03/06/08.
This is the 3rd time I am complaining about a water leak in my 96 Cherokee driver side floor. The problem started 1 year ago and I have spent a over $900 to have it fixed by the dealer (antwerpen, baltimore, md 21228). Since this is the 3rd occurrence in one year, I think the problem is a structural defect and that Chrysler should stand behind it and fix it. It goes back to antwerpen on 4/5 for another go around. I concept is they are staling and waiting for the warranty on the 1st repair to run out, but sorry this isn't going to happen, even it I have to take it there weekly until somebody fixes it properly.
While driving 10 MPH the motor mount bolts sheared off without warning and caused engine to drop three inches. Was my birthday today. Happy birthday. [redacted]
The front left corner of the drivers seat has broken loose from the adjustment slide. This causes the seat to tilt back when accelerating. The metal is torn from around the bolt. The bolt is still intact. The upper left door hinge is also coming loose from the body. The weld that secures the hinge to the body is failing. I contacted the local dealer (not the one who I bought the car from) and the service manager told me that he had not seen these problems before. Since it is out of warranty he suggested I take it to a body shop. The fellow at the body shop informed me he has seen quite a few door hinge failures. He even had a Cherokee in the shop with the same problem. He also said the seat failure is not uncommon. I feel these are safety issues and the manufacturer should at least reimburse part of the cost of repair, if not fix it at no charge. …
This is the second time I have had water leakage from under the dash onto the driver's side floor soaking everything. The occurence was 5/2/03, problem fixed at dealer (antwerpen, baltimore) for $766. Now less than a year later the same problem is occuring. I am due to take iit in next week, how much do you want to bet the problem will be diagnoised as leaking in a different place so they won't have to honor the orginial repair warranty. This is almost a given. First of all this problem should not be happening at all. There obviously is a structural problem with the truck when it was made. I have also read several compliants from other owners and Jeep/Chrysler refuses to fix the problem. I do not call this customer service at all expecially when it is the second time around.
In 2003 I experience leaking water from under the dash on both the passenger side and driver's side in pouring rain. Vehicle was taken to dealer and fixed for $766. Now in March 2004, just before the original warranty on the first fix runs out the leak is back. Vehicle went to dealer, they say it is now leaking some where else (around the driver's door,doesn't explain why I am getting water on the passenger side) fix gaskets for $220. Waiting for next leak, which I am will come. Chrysler refused to fix the second leak under the first warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep grand Cherokee. The contact stated that he attempted to have the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline , structure) but was informed that the parts were not available. The contact felt that since the failure was reported in June of 2013, there should have been a remedy available before April of 2014. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
The tack weld that holds the hinge side of the door to frame of the Jeep, over time became looser and looser. I realized the door didn't seem to fit as tightly, but I didn't appreciate how much it corroded until it collapsed, totally separating that section from the body of the car. The covered hinge is still holding the door in place, but without the uncovered hinge bracing the door, the door closes, but during driving-gusts of wind can separate the top of the door framing the window from the car.
Body complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the body & structure of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 11% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is body › door › hinge and attachments (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Cherokee body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 156,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure 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.