Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 45 MPH around a curve, the contact heard a popping sound from the front passenger side of the vehicle. He experienced difficulty maneuvering the steering wheel while making a right turn. In addition, the tire separated from the rim. Suddenly, the vehicle swayed off the road and flipped over. The contact was severely injured. The ambulance and police department were called to the scene and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the collision center and was labeled as destroyed. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 65 MPH over a bump in the road, the steering wheel and vehicle jerked. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the "death wobble". There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that an alignment was needed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 70 MPH over uneven pavement, the vehicle started to vibrate uncontrollably. The vibration stopped when decelerating to low speeds. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 180,000.
The Jeep will start to shake whenever you hit a bump really bad shaking . Also whenever you come to a stop after driving 10 miles the most , the car will not turn on again for about 20 minutes. At some point I rocked the car from side to side and after that it will start. Also too the steering column seems loose . My shocks like it don't even have any
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.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shakes violently from left to right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who changed the upper and lower right ball joints. After the repair, the shaking had become worse and the vehicle is unable to be driven. The current mileage is 120,000 and failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 02-04-08.
When driving, if vehicle exceeded over the speed of 50 MPH and I ran into the littlest bump in the road the truck will be shaking, none stop until I slow down below 25 MPH or it will keep shaking badly. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769316.
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 entire rear axle was replaced at the advice of Jeep service. They claimed that the wheel bearings would not not seat in the axle as the "races" were worn beyond the point of holding them in. Because I needed the vehicle for my business, I had no choice but to have them repair it while they had it apart as I did not have time to do the job myself. It was a three week wait for parts as it was. Then I noticed the "musty" smell. Upon futher investigation I discovered the entire Jeep was saturated under the carpets on both sides. Mold everywhere. No wonder my allergies were killing me. I've since gutted the vehicle and bleached the entire floor areas. I am now in the process of coming up with a solution to the problem so I can pass it on to other Jeep owners. …
1. Early this year, just after the new year holiday, '09, our '96 Jeep Cherokee (152K in excellent condition) began shaking or wobbling violently at speeds between 52 to 56 MPH. On inquiring in a handful of web sites on the internet about this problem I learned that this is an extremely common problem with a tremendous amount of Jeep Cherokee owners and owners of other Jeep models in a broad range of manufacture dates between '86 and as recent as '05. Also learned that this dangerous condition is commonly referred to as the "death wobble" or "death shake". …
Suspension complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is front (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 152,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.