Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While pulling into the driveway vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tree. Vehicle went 70 feet from start over a patio , crushing all the furniture until it hit a maple tree. Vehicle was totally wrecked, and air bags deployed. The engine was still racing, wheels were spinning, horn was beeping and there was smoke around the vehicle. The vehicle was still in drive.
The Jeep was idling in park when it accellerated in rerverse. I was dropping my children off at school and was standing next to the vehicle at the time. My 16 year old son was retreiving his book pack and baseball equipment from the back of the Jeep. The Jeep accelerated in reverse and pinned him between the Jeep and a Volvo stationwagon behind us. I jumped into the car and pulled forward to release my son. Police and medics were immediately called to the scene. Luckily, my son's injuries were not serious. Damage to the hood of the Volvo amounted to about $1300. After seeing a local news report on similar incidents involving Jeep Grand cherokees, I believe my Grand Cherokee has experienced a similar failure. The results could have been catastrophic!.
On August 28, 1999, while driving, the steering wheel and front tires began shaking violently, the vehicle went out of control and jumpbed the curb on the highway, there was no damage done to the vehicle, however the driver who is pregnant experienced cramping in the stomach and was ordered by her doctor to spend the weekend in bed. The dealer stated that the steering gear was worn, the center link needed repair, and that both tie rods needed replaced. On October 9, 1999, the vehicle hit a sink hole causing it to shake violently and for the front end to wobble, the vehicle hit a guardrail and damage was done to the vechile. The cruise control didn't work properly. The airbag light was illuminated.
Consumer put gear into park and started to exit vehicle. Vehicle suddenly started rolling backwards, and in an attempt to stop, attempted to apply pressure to brake pedal, but instead consumer's foot applied pressure to accelerator pedal. This resulted in vehicle accelerating backwards, and crashing into another vehicle. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
While vehicle was in park with a boat hooked on back, it took off into reverse without warning ,causing boat to come through back window. Also, causing vehicle to roll backwards into water. Driver had to jump in car and put the car in drive to get control again. Dealer said vehicle was functioning properly at time of incident.
Consumer took gear shift lever out of the "park" gear and engaged drive gear, vehicle accelerated suddenly, hitting two parked cars, one moving truck, and was stopped by crashing into a garage. There were no injuries to report from this incident. No determination has been made as to the cause of this problem.
Pe 01 021/ rolled away in park: vehicle inadvertently jumped out of gear into reverse on several occasions. Consumer was able to apply brakes before it took off. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time, also, a clunking would appear after applying accelerator pedal.
Vehicle was parked with engine running, emergency brake not applied. Vehicle suddenly went backward, and was stopped by 3 vehicles parked side by side. Damage to vehicle was $ 3000.00-$ 4000.00. No injuries.
Multiple rear axle problems, each diagnosed by owner prior to failure. (the dealer didn't want to admit there was a problem) this vehicle has averaged one new rear axle every year, including this year which I am waiting on parts. The engine's faulty mass airflow sensor quit operation while driving down the rocky mountains on some switchback roads. The engine abrubtly quit running, causing the vehicle to loose steering and braking control. Only quick thinking by using the parking brake saved the four people in the vehicle from eminent death. The engine reluctantly restarted after a few seconds and we continued down the mountains. However, a few minutes later the engine died without warning for a second time and we were forced to hold the Jeep on the mountainside with the parking brake engaged. I can't believe no one has died from this vehicle! …
Purchased vehicle from mccune Chrysler-Plymouth-Jeep as a previosly owned vehicle that just finished a lease. On 02/08/2000, while driving home from bowling, the transmission would not upshift causing the engine rpms to climb to 4-5,000 RPM's (continued home, 7 miles). Wife next day 02/09/2000, took kids to school and on the freeway to her mom's house ( a distance of only 5 miles), transmission failed to stay engaged, she crept home at about 5-15 MPH. This transmission was serviced every 12-18,000 miles. The last service done was at 70,150 miles, (atf+3, filter&gasket)failure happened at 77,740 miles, I was stunned! I called mccune and asked if there was a recall and if there was anything that they can do, I was given an estimate of $2,200+, and was told there was no recall. …
Acceleration complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 893 complaints. The component named most often is linkages (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1996 Jeep Grand 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 Grand Cherokee acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.