Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1. Came out of gear when in park and crashed sustaining 5000.00 dollars in damage. Had received a letter from daimler-Chrysler in 2002,however it was not dated stating the car could do this. No recalls were present at the time. They denied any problem when car crashed. Called an attorney who was a relative that told without a doubt (100%) the car would do this. He then called me back and stated he could not represent me because he represented daimler-Chrysler. He was hired by Chrysler after he bought a viper from them that was a lemon and he shoved it you know where and won. They realized what an outstanding attorney he was then hired him. Talk about family ethics. They finally installed the secondary detent system in 12/2008. I was told it was repaired. 2 the car is stalling at high speeds,during u turns, while at stop signs. It to dangerous to drive. …
I was driving my Jeep to work all of a sudden it bucked and backed fired 2 times and then completely shut down no steering but was able to get to side of road restarted got it back home this has happened many times cant count how many times, I have had it towed home 4 times this year because of this problem and couldnt restart sometimes it bucks and feels like its going to shut down but restarts by its self without turning key this happens at any speed changed tps, crank sensor, starter, fuel pump, pick up coil,distributor cap and rotor plugs and wire, alternator now inside dash lights are starting to flash dim and bright. I bought it 2009 used with a little over 100,000 miles ran great but the last couple years been having trouble with this situation every time I change things it will work for awhile and then starts to act up again.
My Jeep Grand Cherokee has been sputtering, stalling when stopped and when driving, backfires blown apart 2 mufflers. It will not show a check light or give an error code when hooked up to a computer. Have researched online and found several people with same issue. Have done as they have and replaced nearly every sensor. Have yet to replace PCM/ECM. Don't know if this will fix due to some online have and still having the same issue. Like the people online I have taken it to different mechanics, none of which could duplicate or find a problem. Surprised with as many people having this issue Jeep hasn't resolved this. I think dealerships are aware of this issue because some people online have traded their jeeps in and gotten very little towards trade-in.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While traveling approximately 50 MPH, there was a violent shaking and vibration that was progressing in the front of the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who replaced the front ball joints and the failure recurred with extreme wobbling and the front suspension was unstable. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several and then the contact was able to restart the engine. The contact stated that a technician drove the vehicle and indicated that there was an extreme case of wobbling and that the vehicle was not safe to drive and needed to be further diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 02V053000 (power train) and 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the ignition was failing and caused the vehicle to lose power. The contact took the vehicle to the galanta Chrysler dealer who stated that they were not able to repair the vehicle due to no parts being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,893. Parts distribution disconnect.
The engine control module shorts out and causes an onset of problems from wrong air/fuel ratio to shutting off car power while in drive and/or stationary. The vehicle shut off on me going down the highway at a constant speed, then suddenly I was unable to accelerate and was nearly hit by an 18-wheeler. This short in the ECM even caused backfire in my muffler and flooded muffler with gas. I have become aware of this on many jeeps from 1993-1997. Was this a recall at one point? Also, the vehicle information center does not work, this also is common. Additionally, the EVAP canister fittings have just deteriorated, causing the hoses to not get a secure connection and improper emissions.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically and independently start. In addition, the vehicle surged and proceeded to increase acceleration while the brake pedal was being depressed. In order to stop the vehicle, the contact crashed and slid the driver's side of the vehicle into a truck. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 90,000.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to power steering and brake failure while driving. Consumer states " vehicle should be included in ignition switch recall". The consumer stated as she was masking a turn, the vehicle suddenly stopped. There was no power steering and no brakes. She waited a minute and used the key to re-start the vehicle. On feb 27th, the vehicle stalled again. The consumer to the vehicle to her mechanic. However, he was unable to find a problem.
I purchased this vehicle and noticed the fuel gauge was fluctuating excessively so I check if there were any recalls for this vehicle . When entering vehicles VIN # it states 0 opened recalls for this vehicle, not sure if it was previously repaired. Please help me resolve this issue. Electrical issues were with rear drivers side window constantly gows down on its on every time I started the ignition. Please help. Thank you
Tl contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart and resumed to normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition coil failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 991 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 5 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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 153,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.