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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Cherokee. After the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure), the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, there was excessive smoke coming from the tire and rim on the front passenger side. The contact smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire braking system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,501.
While traveling at highway speed a total/violent loss of steering control occurred causing vehicle to slam into the left guard rail and spin out. Anti lock brakes have also gone out on this vehicle causing another issue and expensive repair. The transmission has gone out and has been expensively replaced. This is a dangerous lemon.
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.
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.
When driving over a big puddle of water the steering became unresponsive. Display panel said "check battery". Slowed down and finally pulled over. After a few minutes it was fine. Went down the road again and hit a big puddle. Steering again became unresponsive. Luckily not many cars around and I was on a side street. Mechanic can not locate the problem as there has been no rain lately to try and duplicate. I fear a major or fatal accident is forth coming.
I have contacted your office before following the jan. 24, 2014 crash that took my wife's life, on the vehicle indicated, it was equipped with Michelin tires noted during the period before the recall this year. I had contacted you earlier about the air bags on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee that failed to deploy in this crash. Could you please get back to me to discuss this latest development in what could have caused the death of my wife. Thank you very much.
Driving about 50mph and the front end felt like it was coming apart. Steering wheel shaking bad and wheels felt wobbly. I have had this problem before and noticeably when I hit a bump or pothole at or above 45mph. What scared me the most I was coming up on traffic and had to brake. Braking while the vehicle is wobbly is very scary and feels as if the whole thing is coming apart.
While driving on the interstate, I hit a bump and my Jeep started shaking violently. I had to pull off the side of the road to make it stop. Every time I hit a small bump this happens only going above 55. Hitting the brakes does not work, you have to slow down to about 40 to get it to stop. This is unsafe when you are on a highway and the speed limit is 65 or 70.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 45 MPH, the power steering failed. In addition, water spilled from the vehicle's water pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Driving down road and our 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee veered to right without being able to control the steering. Our car hit another car causing major damage to the parked car and totalling our car. Upon inspection, the steering knuckle and spindle had broke.
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5% of the model year's 991 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 141,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury and 1 death 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.