AutoDefect IQ

1996 Jeep Cherokee problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor (58) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (18) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (17)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

82 /100
✓ Typical or better for this model

Compared against other Jeep Cherokee model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 3 complaints <25k 25–50k miles: 2 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 4 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 7 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 13 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 10 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 30 complaints 30 150k+

69 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

447
Complaints
1
Recalls
50
Service bulletins
57
Crashes reported
27
Fires reported
1
Deaths

Safety recalls (1)

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights 2011-05-06 · campaign 11V279000 · 1,126 vehicles

Defect: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1994-1996 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES IMPORTED FROM JANUARY 2007, THROUGH APRIL 2011 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE REQUIRED THIRD BRAKE LAMP.

Risk: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND MAIL KITS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OF THEIR CHOICE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT U.S. DRIVE RIGHT AT 1-888-632-5936.

Service bulletins (50)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

repair parts used for structural repairs this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Equipment 2019-11-20 · 31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Structure 2019-11-20 · 31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

repair parts used for structural repairs this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Showing the 6 most recent of 50 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

No detailed complaint narratives on file.

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Jeep Cherokee years