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 Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had my power steering bracket break into 3 pieces, causing me to go through 2 pulleys and 4 serpentine belts before figuring out the problem. I have also experienced the "death wobble" a few times at speeds between 40-50 MPH. It is very disturbing and scary and forced me off the road. I have to slow down immediately to get it to stop.
I experienced a "death wobble" in my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was so bad that it broke the gears in the steering box and made me lose the steering control while driving. Had to have the steering box replaced 3 times because of the wobble occurring multiple times. Have replaced all recommended parts and everything looks and feels tight in regards to the steering and suspension. The problem is continuing to happen.
Family ownership since new. Recently started experiencing the "death wobble." Jeep traveling on a high speed (above 60) road starts to shake uncontrollably and is difficult/impossible to steer or maneuver. Jeep feels like it is going to fall apart. Happens without warning. Have to stop or significantly slow down before shaking stops. This is the third time in the past six months.
While exiting one freeway to another (on the ramp) at 60+ miles per hour, the entire front end starting shaking violently. The steering wheel was shaking back and forth. I have since found out this is known as 'the death wobble'. We have spent well over $5000 trying to correct this problem. However, the front end continues to require work in order to keep it from reoccurring.
Driving at nearly 45-50 MPH, the entire front end began to shake violently until I slowed to a near stop. The steering wheel bounced back and forth more and more until I was going about 15-20 MPH. I was not in the process of turning nor had I just completed a turn. There were no bumps to mention either.
I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited which I took into the shop for optional maintenance while I was away on vacation. Merely one day after picking up the car, my power steering mounting bracket broke completely away from the engine assembly. I lost all steering capability. Fortunately I was only 2 blocks from home in a 35mph zone, and had not gotten on the freeway at that point. I managed to drive it to a point in the road that curved in and got the vehicle haphazardly to the curb where I called aaa. The car was towed back to the dealership that had just done the maintenance. They informed me that they had never seen the steering bracket/pump come fully away from an engine before. Not having any options, I had them repair and replace whatever parts were necessary. But I'm shocked that this happened, and I'm just thankful that no one was killed or injured including me. …
At any speed or teraine, my vehicle will violently shake out of control!!!!!! It happens randomly, and for the past mont I have been checking on what is causing this as well as the best place to have the repairs done. I also have some other issues with this vehicle as well. The last "shaking" incindent happened while driving over an over pass about 45mph, started praying because I thought that I was about to die! So, wanting the repairs done properly I call a 1-800 Jeep Chrysler number to ask for a certified mechanic. While on the phone I had a feeling to ask about recalls. I was informed of only two (minor) issues. Called the dealership, set an appointment to have the recall repairs done and an estimate of the other issues. I did not end up with both recalls done (they did not feel the converter needed replaced)!!! I declined the price of thier estimate not the repairs! …
Upon starting the vehicle, I immediately heard a bang followed by loud clanging under the hood. I began backing out of my garage and noticed I had no power steering. At this point I estimated that the belt had broken and shut down the engine. On examining under the hood the power steering pump pulley was visibly out of alignment and the belt was wrapped around the fan. Closer examination revealed that the power steering pump bracket was broken into three pieces. I also have one bolt sheered off with the stud still stuck in the cylinder head. I have acquired a replacement part but the necessary replacement bolt was out of stock. Before repairs can proceed, I will need to drill the existing bolt out, possibly having to remove the cylinder head assy to gain the proper access. …
While backing slowly and turning, we experienced a catastrophic failure of the mounting bracket for the power steering pump on our 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited 5.2 liter v-8. The failure caused the serpentine belt to fly loose, the pump to become inoperative and the pump to fall into the radiator fan which caused the vehicle to overheat and spray anti-freeze all over the engine compartment. Subsequent examination of the bracket showed an old fracture at the bolt hole nearest the first numeral molded into the part. At a salvage yard a nearly identical bracket from a 1994 model of the same vehicle showed that failure was beginning on that part in precisely the same location.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that when driving the vehicle it "shimmies" all over the highway. He stated that the steering box is defective because one of the attachment lugs on the box is broken. The lower control arms have been re torque-d by the owner approximately one week ago and so far the failure had not returned. The dealer was unable to detect the failure. The failure mileage is approximately 50,000. The current mileage is approximately 115,000.
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 8% of the model year's 893 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 142,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.