1996 Jeep Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee: 6 recalls, 447 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #95V193000 · 1995 · 32,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center May have an improper clamp load.
Why it matters: Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage to the power distribution center will be repaired.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V040000 · 1997 · 77,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The web mounted rear seat belt inboard anchor positions May not achieve the required load of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant would not be properly secured.
The fix: Dealers will add a washer to each rear inboard seat belt anchor attachment.
Steering Vehicle recall #97V069000 · 1997 · 2,500 vehicles
What's wrong: During assembly of the frame, a fillet weld that joins the inner steering gear attachment reinforcement to the frame rail, was omitted.
Why it matters: Due to high steering load events, vehicles can exhibit broken steering gear attaching bolts or frame rail cracking at the steering gear attaching point increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for cracks in the frame rail. Vehicles that show cracks will be equipped with reinforcement plates. Vehicles that are found to be free of cracks will have a slot cut in the cross member and the fillet weld will be added.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V136000 · 2000 · 589,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." if the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
Why it matters: The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Electrical, Equipment Vehicle recall #08V056000 · 2008 · 107 vehicles
What's wrong: U.s. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive Jeep cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 101, 'controls and displays;' no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no. 115, 'vehicle identification number;' no. 118, 'power window system;' no. 120, 'tire selection…
Why it matters: These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
The fix: U.s. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site. The recall will be performed on a regional basis beginning March 2008.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #11V279000 · 2011 · 1,126 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Inadequate lighting could reduce visibility of vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 27 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (86): the most common themes are noise or vibration (16), rust / corrosion (11), brake failure / soft pedal (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (60): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (16), leaks (9), noise or vibration (7).
- Engine & cooling (54): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), noise or vibration (11).
- Body & structure (47): the most common themes are door / lock issues (26), leaks (6), rust / corrosion (5).
The 1996 Jeep Cherokee has 447 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 24 Cherokee model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 602). Complaints peaked in 2000 (87 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 136,650 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (608 complaints, 6 recalls), 1997 (390 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 447 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (86), transmission & drivetrain (60), engine & cooling (54).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Jeep Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.