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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started to vibrate. The contact stated that when the speed increased over 60 MPH the vibration stops. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front upper arm bushings and sway bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.
1) my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with 59,000 miles began making an unusual sound while being driven. The sound was constant at all speeds. The vehicle was examined by an independent repair shop, mickey's Goodyear of romeoville, il. 2) the root cause of the noise was detemined to be failure of the axle bearings and differential gear bearings. The failure of this type should not have happened with the low milage of the vehicle. An internet search using google will yield hundreds of complaints by owners of similar make and model. The selling dealer and Chrysler corporation deny that the problem is widespread. I believe that this can be a potentially deadly situation if the failed parts would have caused the rear drivetrain to lockup. …
We finally got our n45 recall done. Each time we called Chrysler, we got different instructions and information. They seem to tell one anything just to get one to have it done, then they go back on what they said. I was told the Jeep would be inspected first to see if it was safe. My Jeep was not inspected, the trailer hitch was replaced. The ball mount which we have does not fit the replacement. The onus should not be upon us to shop and pay for a new ball mount in summation: how can we get them to send or deliver to us a ball mount which fits trailer hitch they installed, or at least re-imburse us if we have to buy one ? I have mentioned this to each of the many people I have spoken to at Chrysler (when I could get through after waiting a very long time) their answer to this was "we are not into towing we are into safety".
Rattling in front end over minor bumps. Shocks already replaced, front-end checks out by mechanic. Also, popping and slipping of front-end into turns at slow speeds and right after a turn. It sounds dangerously like front-end is going to fall apart. I heard it's expensive and everything checks out so I desperately need help before I discard the vehicle altogether.
Vehicle driven at 60-65mph on freeway, hit several bumps in road. Vehicle front right end began shaking like had a blown out tire. Took vehicle to dealership, checked out, told steering dampner needed replaced. Replaced dampner. Drove 20 miles, same problem occurred.
I purchased a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee from meeker hills auto w215n11251 appleton ave germantown, wi 53022. The dealers safety checklist indicated that all was checked and found to be safe. At the time of sale, the salesman "chad" stated to myself and my relative that if anything was wrong with the vehicle that I should contact them immediately. 2 days after purchasing the vehicle I called to alert them of some problems, I immediately took the vehicle back. I took the vehicle back on 4 occasions only to be told that nothing is wrong with the vehicle, finally I took the vehicle to milwaukee area technical college (matc) and had the instructor to look at the vehicle, and was told that there lots of repairs that need to be done. I contacted the dealership and was told by the owner that I can trade the vehicle for another vehicle and pay the difference. …
Noticed rattle in front somewhere. Took Jeep to dealer at 54,358 miles. They stated that sway bar links needed to be replaced, however, not a safety issue. Later, was on a trip and nearly lost control of vehicle while driving on rough road. Entire front end started to bounce up and down and I thought a wheel had fallen off. Got vehicle stopped. Then it seemed to drive normally. I checked to see if anything was broken and found nothing. Next morning took to dealer in new britain, ct and they stated this is common problem with this vehicle. They replaced, not under warranty, and now seems fine. I was charged for labor and material - not covered under extended service contract I purchased. Seems like a safety issue to me, if you are apt to lose control.
1)"front sway link eliminator bars" both failed after front cv joint replacement causing very poor/dangerous handling. Dealer refuses to consider that prior removal caused damage, says they were rusty. 2) windshield wipers fail while going over bumps. Dealer refuses to cover under warranty. Wants nearly $400 for repair. 3) door locks, dome lights lock and unlock by themselves while vehicle is running or not, causing passangers/keys to be locked inside. Dealer refuses to fix. 4) check engine light comes on and vehicle fails to start, after several minutes vehicle then starts. Dealer refuses to believe there is a problem and won't fix under warranty.
[1] at 128,000 plus miles I heard a grinding sound coming from under the car [2] the mechanic who worked on the vehicle found that all the bearings both front and rear were worn or corroded along with spacing rings on the rear axel. He indicated that they were defective original equipment, that bearings do not corrode or wear out with the mileage that the car had been driven. [3] all the bearings and spacers required replacing.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 991 complaints. The component named most often is rear (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 122,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 7 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.