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 1999 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 1999 Jeep Cherokee uni-body frame is so rusted out underneath it is a hazard too drive, there is nothing else wrong with it. Specifically, but not limited to, control arms are rusted out and detached and frame is so rusted they can not be reattached. It seems it is very common for Jeep grand Cherokee uni-body under carriage to rust out and become a hazard with control arms detaching and vehicle becoming unsafe to drive. This is predominantly a problem in northern part of us. However, these are vehicle people buy to drive on bad roads so they should not deteriorate and become a danger to drive. Chrysler should be required to recall these jeeps and weld in new frame rails and other support and reattach detached suspension and other necessary equipment.
I have a 99 Jeep Cherokee sport. The front end becomes uncontrollable at highway speeds when driven on anything less than perfectly smooth flat roadway surface. Applying the brakes makes the front end shimmy horrible and dangerous. You must slow to regain control, also dangerous on highways. Online research shows this is a common flaw with jeeps that have a coil-sprung front suspension with a track bar or panhard bar, referred to death wobble. This is very dangerous!
I was driving at 50 MPH and the vehicle started shaking violently and I had to slow down and pull over before the shaking would stop. Another time I was driving at 50 MPH again and hit a small bump and the violent shaking again occurred. Again I had to slow down considerably before it stopped shaking. This is known as death wobble and Chrysler knows it. They need to be held accountable for using cheap parts on jeeps.
Fuel gauge reads empty when tank is full, dealer cannot find problem. Will drive for about 30 miles and then fuel tank will read what it is supposed to. Also terrible shaking in front end when braking. Brakes/rotors all new and replaced still shakes. Fog lamps continuously burn out, dealer states wiring harness. Have had to pay the deductible on this numerous times... Like it is my fault they burn out.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH on the highway during dry road conditions, the steering would not respond to steering input. There was a noise as if something fell off of the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was determined the lower control arm; lower ball joints separated.
Warranty replacement of transfer case due to hairline fracture during manufacturing within first 7,000 miles on car. At 37,000 miles fuel sensor failed. At 69,000 window regulator failed. At 72,000 rear shock broke off car leaving bolts still in chassis. Very frustrated, chryster corp. Does not care!
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.
While driving at 65mph, the brakes began to grind, and the wheel bearing on both sides were making noise. The consumer states that both front hub bearings and axle seals were replaced at the dealer. The rotors were completely destroyed with the factory pads intact. The pad were still good. The rotors however were so thin that they crumbled(very dangerous). Now the rear hubs are loud an need replacing. The consumer has replaced the rear wheel bearing, and the bearings on the rear axle in the hub are seperated/extremely dangerous-part of the bearing are spinning in the inside of the hub.
Had some shaking but all of a sudden the truck was out of control, I could control the Jeep I was veering into other lanes, could not control the Jeep, holding on for life and praying not to die. I did not know what to do. I was crying and people were going around me and I just started to try to shut down on the highway then I got off the highway. I am afraid to drive at this point. I could have died!!!!!!!!!!!
Rear axle makes noises. Independent mechanic confirmed that exterior bearings or rear differential needs to be replaced. Dealer was informed and had no explanation for where the problem comes from. Noise is heard while driving and accelrating. The noise increases with the speed of the vehicle. Vehicle also needs rear brake work, the serpentine belt is cracked, and the head gasket is leaking.
Suspension complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Jeep Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 366 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.