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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When driving at a speed of 55 MPH or above, and having to brake, the Jeep immediately goes into a terrifying death wobble. We've trained ourselves to down shift, to slow the vehicle down (it's an automatic). But there are times when we do have to suddenly hit the brake because the down shifting doesn't slow us down enough, and the Jeep always goes into the death wobble. Luckily we have not flipped it yet. We've tried to fix the problem with new rotters, brake pads, wheel alignment, etc (the Jeep is not lifted, it is stock). Nothing has cured it. There is a fatal accident waiting to happen.
Excessive engine knocking with power loss and abnormal driving capabilites. Sounds like bad internals. Suspension causes "death wobble" at cruising speeds. Engine happens anytime engine is running producing large quantities of smoke from tailpipe.
99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with engine problems customer states that the RPM's would immediately go up to the 200 or sometimes higher as soon as he starts up the car and also accelerate when the brakes are applied* the consumer stated various parts were replaced, however the problem returned. The consumers wife was driving, when all of a sudden the vehicle started to accelerate on its own, she applied the brakes as hard as she could, however the vehicle continued to proceed in a forward motion. The only solution was to place the vehicle into park. After placing the vehicle in park, the consumers wife placed it in drive again and immediately it started to accelerate uncontrollably. Applying the brakes with full force did not solve the problem. When aaa arrived and started the vehicle, nothing happened. The sudden acceleration happened again while the consumers daughter was driving. …
Four times in the last year, the vehicle when traveling over 50mph, develops what online research describes as "death wobble". The steering wheel vibrates suddenly in your hands, the front end wobbles and it is difficult to control. Slowing down below 50mph usually resolves the issue...but that is an unacceptable solution. Seems to happen when the vehicle is warmed up and has traveled 20+ miles. A major national tv channel has produced a news article about this with film of the vehicle during the "death wobble". We believe that congress has asked Jeep about this issue previously. The Jeep company in our town suggested rotating tires and checking brakes. They claim to have never heard of this issue, however there are lots of online complaints. In addition to lots of complaints, there's been lots of money spent on lots of parts and labor to fix the issue. …
I also have the "death wobble." I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have not installed a lift kit or oversized tires. I have a 2-wheel drive so not taken off-road. My mechanic has replaced the steering are and says there is no equipment problem. I have had my tires rotated, balanced, and aligned. They say there is no tire or alignment issue. The "death wobble" still exists. It appears my only alternative is to get rid of my Jeep. That is a problem. I will fight, I'm not happy! What can I do? What are my rights at this point? Please help? It happens on a regular basis, and I can demonstrate almost at will. If others are having this same issue, deaths will occur!
My Jeep violently shakes when I'm driving speeds of 50+ and it is very dangerous because as we all know highways and freeways are speeds between 55 and 70 and I cannot drive over 50. The other day it started to shake so bad that I had to pull over and almost hit the cement guard rail. I have to transport my grandchildren from time to time and god forbid anything happen to them Chrysler will be responsible. I have done research and this issue is called the death wobble and is the perfect name for it. They need to do a recall on this issue before someone gets killed. Please make Chrysler do the right thing and fix this problem.
Within four years approximately 8,000-10,000 miles both front brake rotors had to be turned twice and then replaced. Also, both front calipers had to be replaced. This causes vehicle to vibrate and make a grinding noise when braking. Dealer and manufacturer were notified, and were unable to locate the cause. The brakes pulsated while driving. The dash vent did not work, and the air only worked through the defrost. The consumer stated the front end of the vehicle felt loose, the dealer discovered the ball joints needed to be replaced. The driver side rear quarter panel was loose
I had a minor hit in rear ..and fuel skid plate got pushed in and almost ruptured gas tank..this happened over a year ago ..now the skid plate is starting to rot/rust out and it would cost over $600.00 to repair ..due to the June 2013 recall of this item I think Chrysler should be responsible for this repair ..I contacted them and they said I would not be covered because I did not have a hitch attached to my car ..this is wrong ...what goes here ..can anything be done about this ..I fear now driving my Jeep because I have no gas tank skid plate left ..
My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (gc) limited 8 cylinder quadradrive has given me nothing but problems since I bought it in October of 2002. I had the transfer seal replaced due to it leaking, the differential makes noise, the all wheel drive does not work (all wheel drive only works in low), and the tires lock up and make a noise when I am turning. It seems that their are other 1999 Jeep gc owners out there with the same problem. How about a recall to fix this problem?
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear passenger side sub frame became fractured without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was unable to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5% of the model year's 1,638 complaints. The component named most often is front (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 4 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.