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 Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that prior to purchasing the vehicle, he researched online and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V006000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the responsibility was on the consumer and the call was disconnected. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle stabilizer arm was defective. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle shook uncontrollably. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 450,000. Updated 12/01/16
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.
While driving vehicle at approximately 40 to 45 MPH, hit a small pot hole in road with right tire. Front end of vehicle began to shake violently with front end wobbling and steering wheel shaking badly. It seemed like the vehicle was about to fall apart. By slowing down significantly, it stopped the situation from occurring. It was quite jarring and very disturbing. Did some investigation and found this is known as the ?Jeep death wobble?. Quite concerned about this occurrence.
Experienced death wobble on freeway at 45-55 and to regain control have t0 apply brakes and almost come to a dead stop. Six months after, the steering housing cracked found two out of the three bolts had snaped the bolt closest to the firewall had the broken casting still tourqe to the frame. I lost the steering on a turn in a 15 MPH zone
Related recalls
Suspension › Front
Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles equipped with "quadra-trac" transfer case, temporary spare tire, and any of 225/70r16, 225/75r16 or 245/70r15 road tires. When the temporary spare tire is in use, the front axle can overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the temporary spare tire with a full sized tire and wheel.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 893 complaints. The component named most often is front (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-006 (front, Jan 12, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 190,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.