Most common 1996 Jeep Laredo problems
Share of the 47 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Laredo complaints by model year
Best Laredo years: 2006, 1995, 1997. Years to avoid: 2002, 2001, 2000. Compare all years →
What 1996 Jeep Laredo owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
While vehicle was in parking gear, still running, it shifted from park into reverse on its own, hitting a tree and then shifted to drive. The body damage has been repaired. No problems found with the transmission.
Vehicle was in park, with the engine still running and the emergency brake was not on, the vehicle jumped reverse and hit a parked car causing damage to both vehicles, the dealer was able to drive the vehicle while still in park, they found metal shaving in the oil pan and stated the transmission was defected.
Brakes
While driving 45 MPH, the ABS failed, which caused the vehicle to skid. The vehicle hit a fence.the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership, who did not resolve the problem. This was an intermittent problem. The day of the accident, there were shakes that had gone away. The consumer slowed the vehicle when seeing bumps, but the vehicle had gone into a violent shake again on the bumpy road, the brake was applied and the consumer heard a pop. The steering had gone out and the vehicle skidded across the highway, coming to a complete stop at a fence.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for brakes. Mechanic at the dealership told her that it had been done. Rotors were cracked. Consumer received manufacturer's recall #879 concerning brake rotors.
Body & structure
Inside panels on all four doors of vehicle are peeling away, consumer states his arm catches on the loose panel as he is driving, consumer states local dealer is aware of the problem and a service bulletin was issued by manufacturer number 2305197, consumer states he called the national headquarters and was advised that they would not be able to do anything because of the miles on the vehicle and also records show that vehicle is salvaged.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Jeep Laredo a good car?
Based on 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Laredo rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Laredo at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Jeep Laredo?
The transmission & drivetrain — 15 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › park/neutral start interlock switch. Next are the brakes (9) and body & structure (8).
How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Laredo have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Jeep Laredo. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Laredo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 1995 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2001 and 2000. See the full Jeep Laredo years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Jeep Laredo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 165,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.