Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While down shifting to second gear at 40 MPH, the engine accelerated at a higher rate. The consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The consumer had taken the vehicle to a private mechanic and did not plan on contacting the Jeep dealership about the problem. The cause was not determined. The vehicle was slowed down when the engine started revving, it was then switched to a lower gear and proceeded, then was placed back into drive in which it was slowed down and the engine started revving again in a lower gear but did not work. The vehicle would jerk and knock when placed in the engine when placed in park. (the u-joint failed) the consumer was informed the vehicle needed an oxygen sensoe.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep grand Cherokee limited. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the contact was informed that the cam position sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred and was taken to the mechanic several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 207,000. The VIN number was not available. Updated 01/31/13
Tl contact owns a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. In the past, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. He panicked and crashed into a pole at 25 MPH. The radiator was repaired. The contact received a recall notice for the electrical radiator fan. He took the vehicle to the Chrysler dealer, but the vehicle is now smoking and unable to be driven. The dealer stated that this is a new failure and the contact would have to pay for the repair. The recall # was unknown. The current mileage is 61,041 and the failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. After a few minutes, the vehicle completely shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the shop for a diagnosis and the mechanic believed the cause of failure to be the fuel pump. The coil pack was previously replaced. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. He was informed of a recall for the intake manifold. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 79,000.
Erratic, intermittent instrumentation cluster, failure (shut-down) while driving, including speedometer, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, temperature gauge, odometer,gas gauge and tachometer gauge. Isolated occurrences without warning made it difficult to explain. Because of safety concerns this equipment failure as noted in company service bulletins (081599) should have been reported to the vehicle owners and repaired at Chrysler expense.
The vehicle stalled and shut down without prior warning. Dealer was aware of the problem. Ts gear shift selector light was inoperative. Transmission shifted hard and slipped on acceleration. Found wrong fluid in transmission. Ignition cylinder loose. Dealer advised this was normal. Transmission banged when put in reverse.
1999 Jeep Cherokee, unit 1 was east bound. The driver noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and pulled to the berm where the vehicle caught fire the fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire, due to the extent of the damage. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0792-91) updated 02/15/11
Vehicle is experiencing a problem with the engine light coming on. Owner has taken the vehicle to the dealer and they've made a few adjustments however, after driving about 50 miles, the engine light came back on. This has been happening intermittently for almost a year. Provide further details.
While driving, consumer hit the brakes, the brakes failed and vehicle went into a ditch and caught on fire, the engine had caught on fire and caused brakes to fail, consumer stated there were many electrical problems with the vehicle that were not resolved, claim 47-4201-794.
While driving on a highway the posted speed limit, my vehicle started shaking uncontrolably and I had to get off the highway to stop the car so the shaking will stop. I have had a number parts replaced such as the steering stabilizer, and the steering rod.
Engine complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Jeep Cherokee, 10% of the model year's 366 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Cherokee engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 2 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 1999 Jeep Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 9 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.