Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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. …
After viewing web site found information on this 1996 Jeep Cherokee this recall for this vehicle was recall incomplete status purchase this Jeep in August 2011 notice vehicle steering box was loose.I feel that Jeep was not unexpected good had so many problems as looking into the data purchase this from this company have to callin for vehicle they finally ship this is not safe.needsome assistances of getting a refund they had to know this some info was send a bout the 3rd brake light need to be replace they never try to complete this before sellin the vehicle this is unsafe thanks god for this web site of course riding like this not cool.
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.
While coming to a stop the vehicle lost its brakes and power steering, causing the vehicle to go into a spin. The vehicle has severe damage. The manufacturer sent an investigator out, and determined that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.
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.
While braking there would be a grinding noise, then vehicle would lurch forward. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Brake rotor separated while vehicle in operation. Vehicle , souds lke metal rubbing metal.
Slid out of control after slowing down on highway, car pulled left and would not stop when brakes were applied. Rotors have been resurfaced twice and the car still vibrates when slowing at highway speeds.
The water pump went out on way out of town. White smoke poured out from behind the Jeep. We immediately pulled over and used our phone to call for help. We were told from a mechanic that it sounded as if the water pump went out. We waited for the Jeep to cool off, then added water to the radiator. We were able to drive at 35 MPH until we found a service station to pull over at. At that time the technician told us that it was indeed the water pump and there was no more that could be done that day (Saturday-5:00p.m.). We got our vehicle towed back home to lafayette, la. The next morning and at that time the towing/service technician also said it looked as if the engine head gasket was blown. Is that common for this vehicle with this milage? Also, the brakes went out and we had them fixed a month ago at lafayette motors inc. Could they have known about the water pump or is that impossible? …
Last problem with rotors was in November 1999, 59,000 total miles. Front rotors warped causing pulsation of brake pedal. Reported the history of this problem to the Chrysler customer service department, [phone]. Was told that based on my vehicle's VIN # no recall was warranted. I know for a fact that other 1996 Jeep cherokees have been recalled for this same reason and I find it appalling that all jeeps with rotor problems haven't been recalled yet. What is it going to take? A fatal accident, like the Firestone ones, for something to be done. No vehicle should be experiencing the same problems with rotors every two years. I would appreciate if someone would contact me regarding this.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 93 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 21% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (62 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Cherokee brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-136 (rotor, May 10, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.