Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
While driving, the steering wheel vibrated on its own. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the steering box gear on the driver's side cracked and needed to be replaced. The consumer stated he discovered new cracks in the frame since the dealer performed the repair last year. After the vehicle was towed for the second time because of the steering bolts breaking, the consumer was informed there was a recall regarding the problem, however the dealer stated the consumers vehicle identification number was not included. The recall was for specific right hand Jeep models and the consumers vehicle was a left hand Jeep model.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH over a pot hole, there was a sudden loss of steering control. The contact was able to regain control and continued driving. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 97V069000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact was a certified mechanic, he noticed a crack in the frame on the driver's side near the steering gear box. The contact planned to repair the vehicle himself. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
Transmission has been slipping while driving. The compression fittings melted and the transmission caught on fire. The motor mounts were replaced and the computer to the transmission was also replaced. Owner has had vehicle into the dealer for repair on eight occasions. Since time of repair, 1 of the compression fittings snapped off, hose was held in place by a screw clamp. Power steering pump failed and was replaced. Consumer is requesting a replacement vehicle.
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.
While traveling a bolt from the steering box sheared off. The steering box fell causing the vehicle to lose all steering. Due to the fact that there was no restraint on the steering gear, the steering wheel turned too far, breaking the clock spring which caused a total failure of the cruise control and the air bags.
Cherokee began to shake very violently on several occasions recently after hitting minor bumps at 55 MPH. Shaking would not stop or even subside until car was pulled over. Shaking so violent it caused an exhaust leak. Never an issue until recently - several recent incidents.
The steering gear to my 1996 Jeep Cherokee completely came off the frame rail while my wife was driving. Luckily she was only going about five miles per hour. What had happen is that the three bolts that hold the steering gear to the frame rail broke off.
Related recalls
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.
Steering complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 8% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Cherokee steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-069 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Apr 28, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 146,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.