1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission23120.4%
- Fuel system13411.8%
- Brakes11810.4%
- Engine1059.3%
- Body & structure867.6%
- Steering675.9%
- Electrical655.7%
- Suspension504.4%
- Powertrain (other)494.3%
- Tires & wheels443.9%
- Driver assistance393.4%
- Interior & seats363.2%
- Airbags343.0%
- Visibility151.3%
- Seat belts151.3%
- Exterior lighting141.2%
- Other / unspecified111.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR LEVER SHIFTED OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIGHT SENSOR, WINDSHIELD SENSOR AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 02V053000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
RANDOM STALLING, SUDDEN TRANSMISSION SLAMS AND DROP DOWNS. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The vehicle was able to restart immediately on some occasions and restarted after a while on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. Several independent mechanics replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump and installed an unknown computer software on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
THE INSPECTION RECALL ON MY 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH PCM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER SPECIFIED IN THE DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITHIN THE RECALLS ISSUED. THIS HARMS THE DRIVER, PEDESTRIANS, OTHER PASSENGERS AND MOTORISTS. THE TECH WHERE I WENT TO HAVE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ORDERED PARTS (SEE ATTACHMENT), BUT NOTHING WAS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ONLY "INSPECTED." THE TECH WAS TOLD OF DETAILED POOR PERFORMANCE AND SYMPTOMS OF A BAD PCM. SUCH AS SHIFTING, STALLING, FUEL ECONOMY & HARD TO START. THE JEEP IS NOT OPERATING OPTIMALLY & THIS COULD MEAN THERE ARE. OTHER PROBLEMS BETWEEN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. ALL OF THESE ARE INDICATIONS OF A FAULTY PCM. AS WELL AS THE ABS LIGHT BEING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PCM IS A "CRITICAL" SYSTEM & NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I'M REQUESTING THAT YOU FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE, AS IT IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD MINGLE WITH OTHER SYSTEMS AND CAUSE A COMPLETE VEHICLE BREAK DOWN. OR REFUND THE COST TO ME IN FULL, INCLUDING LABOR CHARGES, IF I REPLACE/REPAIR MYSELF. IF THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS NOT FIXED, IT COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, IN WHICH CDJ WOULD BE LIABLE FOR. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW YOU CAN HELP ENFORCE THE MANUFACTURE TO FULLY REPAIR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS & REMEDY THIS PROBLEM ON FIXING THE FAULTY PCM & CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITHIN A RECALL AND POSSIBLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STALLS ON HIGHWAY, IN PARK, ON THE STREET, WHEN STOPPED AND THEN IT STALLS OUT AND IS HARD TO START. IT ALSO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO IN REVERSE ( BACK UP). WHICH MEAN IT'S NOT GETTING PROPER LUBRICATION. ALSO, THE ALARM GOES OFF WHEN USING KEY TO GAIN ACCESS. UNHOOKING BATTERY TO RESET DOES NOT HELP.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE INSPECTION RECALL ON MY 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH PCM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER SPECIFIED IN THE DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITHIN THE RECALLS ISSUED. THIS HARMS THE DRIVER, PEDESTRIANS, OTHER PASSENGERS AND MOTORISTS. THE TECH WHERE I WENT TO HAVE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ORDERED PARTS (SEE ATTACHMENT), BUT NOTHING WAS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ONLY "INSPECTED." THE TECH WAS TOLD OF DETAILED POOR PERFORMANCE AND SYMPTOMS OF A BAD PCM. SUCH AS SHIFTING, STALLING, FUEL ECONOMY & HARD TO START. THE JEEP IS NOT OPERATING OPTIMALLY & THIS COULD MEAN THERE ARE. OTHER PROBLEMS BETWEEN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. ALL OF THESE ARE INDICATIONS OF A FAULTY PCM. AS WELL AS THE ABS LIGHT BEING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PCM IS A "CRITICAL" SYSTEM & NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I'M REQUESTING THAT YOU FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE, AS IT IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD MINGLE WITH OTHER SYSTEMS AND CAUSE A COMPLETE VEHICLE BREAK DOWN. OR REFUND THE COST TO ME IN FULL, INCLUDING LABOR CHARGES, IF I REPLACE/REPAIR MYSELF. IF THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS NOT FIXED, IT COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, IN WHICH CDJ WOULD BE LIABLE FOR. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW YOU CAN HELP ENFORCE THE MANUFACTURE TO FULLY REPAIR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS & REMEDY THIS PROBLEM ON FIXING THE FAULTY PCM & CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITHIN A RECALL AND POSSIBLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STALLS ON HIGHWAY, IN PARK, ON THE STREET, WHEN STOPPED AND THEN IT STALLS OUT AND IS HARD TO START. IT ALSO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO IN REVERSE ( BACK UP). WHICH MEAN IT'S NOT GETTING PROPER LUBRICATION. ALSO, THE ALARM GOES OFF WHEN USING KEY TO GAIN ACCESS. UNHOOKING BATTERY TO RESET DOES NOT HELP.
1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NOT BEING NOTIFIED ABOUT SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES. *SMD
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The vehicle was able to restart immediately on some occasions and restarted after a while on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. Several independent mechanics replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump and installed an unknown computer software on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 21 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE IT WAS TESTED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION EVEN AFTER IT WAS TEST DRIVEN BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME, THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN YORK, MAINE DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S HOME FOR OVER A YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 450,000. UPDATED 12/01/16*LJ
1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAILER HITCH INSTALLATION RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER HAS ANOTHER VEHICLE COMPLAINT IN ARTEMIS. *SMD CHRYSLER CLAIMED THE CONSUMER WAS NOT ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT, BECAUSE A MOPAR HITCH WAS NOT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. BUT INSTEAD, THE CONSUMER HAD U-HAUL INSTALL A HEAVY DUTY HITCH AFTER BEING INFORMED BY CHRSYLER HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED. *JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE ON FREEWAY AT 45-55 AND TO REGAIN CONTROL HAVE T0 APPLY BRAKES AND ALMOST COME TO A DEAD STOP. SIX MONTHS AFTER, THE STEERING HOUSING CRACKED FOUND TWO OUT OF THE THREE BOLTS HAD SNAPED THE BOLT CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL HAD THE BROKEN CASTING STILL TOURQE TO THE FRAME. I LOST THE STEERING ON A TURN IN A 15 MPH ZONE
I HAD MY POWER STEERING BRACKET BREAK INTO 3 PIECES, CAUSING ME TO GO THROUGH 2 PULLEYS AND 4 SERPENTINE BELTS BEFORE FIGURING OUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" A FEW TIMES AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-50 MPH. IT IS VERY DISTURBING AND SCARY AND FORCED ME OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY TO GET IT TO STOP.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR USUALLY RUNS FINE COLD BUT WHEN IT GETS TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE IT STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY AND IN DANGEROUS MOMENTS WHILE DRIVING ON ANY ROAD OR FREEWAY AT ANY SPEED. I LOSE ALL POWERED FUNCTIONS LIKE STEERING AND BRAKES. IT WON'T START AGAIN FOR HOURS UNTIL IT HAS COOLED ALL THE WAY DOWN.
THE VEHICLE STALLS UNPREDICTABLY IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE ROAD ENDANGERING LIFE AND SAFETY. IT ALSO EXHIBITS EXPLOSIVE BACKFIRES RANDOMLY WHICH DESTROYS THE MUFFLER AND ENDANGERS SAFETY. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE IN MOTION ON THE STREET.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that prior to purchasing the vehicle, he researched online and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V006000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the responsibility was on the consumer and the call was disconnected. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE ON FREEWAY AT 45-55 AND TO REGAIN CONTROL HAVE T0 APPLY BRAKES AND ALMOST COME TO A DEAD STOP. SIX MONTHS AFTER, THE STEERING HOUSING CRACKED FOUND TWO OUT OF THE THREE BOLTS HAD SNAPED THE BOLT CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL HAD THE BROKEN CASTING STILL TOURQE TO THE FRAME. I LOST THE STEERING ON A TURN IN A 15 MPH ZONE
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE INSPECTION RECALL ON MY 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH PCM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER SPECIFIED IN THE DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITHIN THE RECALLS ISSUED. THIS HARMS THE DRIVER, PEDESTRIANS, OTHER PASSENGERS AND MOTORISTS. THE TECH WHERE I WENT TO HAVE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ORDERED PARTS (SEE ATTACHMENT), BUT NOTHING WAS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ONLY "INSPECTED." THE TECH WAS TOLD OF DETAILED POOR PERFORMANCE AND SYMPTOMS OF A BAD PCM. SUCH AS SHIFTING, STALLING, FUEL ECONOMY & HARD TO START. THE JEEP IS NOT OPERATING OPTIMALLY & THIS COULD MEAN THERE ARE. OTHER PROBLEMS BETWEEN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. ALL OF THESE ARE INDICATIONS OF A FAULTY PCM. AS WELL AS THE ABS LIGHT BEING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PCM IS A "CRITICAL" SYSTEM & NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I'M REQUESTING THAT YOU FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE, AS IT IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD MINGLE WITH OTHER SYSTEMS AND CAUSE A COMPLETE VEHICLE BREAK DOWN. OR REFUND THE COST TO ME IN FULL, INCLUDING LABOR CHARGES, IF I REPLACE/REPAIR MYSELF. IF THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS NOT FIXED, IT COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, IN WHICH CDJ WOULD BE LIABLE FOR. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW YOU CAN HELP ENFORCE THE MANUFACTURE TO FULLY REPAIR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS & REMEDY THIS PROBLEM ON FIXING THE FAULTY PCM & CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITHIN A RECALL AND POSSIBLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STALLS ON HIGHWAY, IN PARK, ON THE STREET, WHEN STOPPED AND THEN IT STALLS OUT AND IS HARD TO START. IT ALSO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO IN REVERSE ( BACK UP). WHICH MEAN IT'S NOT GETTING PROPER LUBRICATION. ALSO, THE ALARM GOES OFF WHEN USING KEY TO GAIN ACCESS. UNHOOKING BATTERY TO RESET DOES NOT HELP.
IN DECEMBER 1996 I WAS RAN OVER BY MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER IT JUMPED BACK INTO GEAR FROM PARK. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY TO THE ANCHORAGE ALASKA DEALER WHO HAD TO FIX THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT HAD BEEN DESTROYED IN THE EVENT AND HE STATED THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE GEARSHIFT. I HAD ALSO REPORTED THE ISSUE HERE ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE IN JANUARY OF 1997. I WAS TAKEN TO THE AIR FORCE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM AT ELEMENDORF AFB ALASKA AND I BELIEVE SUBMITTED THAT INFORMATION AT THAT TIME. SO THIS RECENT PROBLEM WITH AN ACTOR BEING KILLED BY HIS JEEP IS NOT A NEW ISSUE. THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN AS FAR BACK AS 1996. WHEN I WAS RAN OVER MY JEEP WAS IN PARK RUNNING IN MY GARAGE. IT DRUG ME BACKWARD INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE I SLIPPED ON THE ICE FELL UNDER THE CAR AND MY LEFT LOWER LEG WAS RAN OVER BY THE FRONT TIRE. I STILL HAVE COMPLICATIONS FROM THAT INCIDENT.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH DAYTON QUADRA ET2 TIRES, SIZE: P225/70R15. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE INSIDE BELT AND THREAD TO SEPARATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES, SIZE: P235/75R15. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIRE COULD NOT BE ROTATED BECAUSE OF CRACKS IN ALL FOUR TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 TO 50 MPH JEEP GOES INTO A DEATH WOBBLE.. VEHICLE SHAKES SO VIOLENTLY IT ALMOST GOES COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
AT ANY SPEED OR TERAINE, MY VEHICLE WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE OUT OF CONTROL!!!!!! IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY, AND FOR THE PAST MONT I HAVE BEEN CHECKING ON WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AS WELL AS THE BEST PLACE TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. I ALSO HAVE SOME OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL. THE LAST "SHAKING" INCINDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OVER AN OVER PASS ABOUT 45MPH, STARTED PRAYING BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT I WAS ABOUT TO DIE! SO, WANTING THE REPAIRS DONE PROPERLY I CALL A 1-800 JEEP CHRYSLER NUMBER TO ASK FOR A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WHILE ON THE PHONE I HAD A FEELING TO ASK ABOUT RECALLS. I WAS INFORMED OF ONLY TWO (MINOR) ISSUES. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS DONE AND AN ESTIMATE OF THE OTHER ISSUES. I DID NOT END UP WITH BOTH RECALLS DONE (THEY DID NOT FEEL THE CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACED)!!! I DECLINED THE PRICE OF THIER ESTIMATE NOT THE REPAIRS! THE ESTIMATE GIVEN ROUGHLY TOTALS $3,929.00! WHICH AFTER CHECKING THIS WEBSITE I FIND THAT A GOOD PART IF NOT ALL OF THE REPAIRS MAY FALL UNDER RECALL!!!! THE MECHANIC I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL TIMES CALLED THIS "SHAKING ISSUE" , "THE DEATH SHAKE" (AND I QUOTE THE MECHANIC,[XXX]) . CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IN TAHLEQUAH, OK. YATES AUTO SALES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED AND ALLOWED THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 315,977.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000. ..UPDATED 07-05-13 *BF
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY HORN HAS NOT WORKED FOR MANY YEARS UNTIL YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND WHO DRIVES MY JEEP RARELY WAS DRIVING IT AND HAD A CLOSE CALL AND HE HIT THE HORN AND IT WORKED? HE TRIED TO DO IT AGAIN AND IT FAILED TO WORK. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR AND WE HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. NOT SURE IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IN THE STEERING WHEEL OR WHAT IT COULD BE. PLEASE ADVISE IF ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS AND POSSIBLE FIXES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
ON JANUARY 24,2014 MY WIFE WAS A FATALITY AFTER A 45 M.P.H. COLLISION WITH A GUARDRAIL BUTT, THEN ROLLING OVER AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER ON INITIAL IMPACT OR THE ROLLOVER. SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES PERTAINING TO THESE AIR BAGS FAILING? MY WIFE MAY STILL BE ALIVE TODAY IF NOT FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
APPARENTLY SOME FAILURE OCCURED WITH THE JEEP THAT CAUSED SMOKE TO ENTER THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE COMPARTMENT FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE SMOKE HAD AN ARROMA OF ELECTRICITY. EVERYTHING THAT CONSUMER HAD RUNNING SUCH AS THE BLOWER MOTOR/AC WERE TURNED OFF. MRCONSUMER FEELS THE VEHICLE DESIGN ALLOWED DEBRIS TO ENTER THE AIR CONDITIONING AIR BOX AND COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE BLOWER RESISTOR. THIS CAUSED THE DEBRIS TO IGNITE FORM THE HEAT SOURCE, ALSO THE ENGINE GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. *JG
JEEP IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WHEN FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, A/C IS DRAINING WATER INSIDE THE PASSESNGER, RIGHT REAR, CARPET.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEM... DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR STOPPED AT LIGHT OR IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN OR ON EXPRESSWAY... IT WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIME IT WOULD RESTART IMMEDIATELY, SOMETIMES NOT!!!... EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS DEVELOPED, WHICH I WAS LUCKY!!! 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, 4.0 , 6 CYL.... SPENT 6 MONTHS DOING REPAIRS/ REPLACEMENT PARTS AND MANY ,MANY DOLLARS SPENT TRACKING DOWN PART AFTER PART. USING DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE TO DETERMINE FAULTY PART... PROBLEM WAS THE POWER CONTROL MODULE ( PCM OR ECU SAME PART) WAS DEFECTIVE AND EITHER WAS MISREADING CODES OR GIVING OUT BAD CODES TO PARTS (LIKE TO THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR OR THE COIL, OR THE 01 OR 02 OX SENSORS OR IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON). NOT SURE HOW IT WORKS BUT YOU GET MY DRIFT. SINCE SIGNING UP WITH CNET.COM, HAVE FOUND MANY PEOPLE ACROSS AMERICA WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON JEEP WITH DIFFERENT YEARS (1994/2000) AND MODELS. TO SEARCH... LOOK UP JEEP STALLS OR JEEP FIXED AND YOU WILL SEE OTHER TOPICS AND FORUMS AROUND THAT TOPIC AND YOU WILL ALSO SEE WHERE THE MANUFACTURE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM EITHER. ANOTHER POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE IS THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE PCM MIGHT BE TOO LONG AND ARE GROUNDING OUT THE UNIT AFTER PAINT WEARS OFF ON FIREWALL... IMPORTANT TO READ ALL ARTICLES AND DIFFERENT FORUMS!!! ... IS A MUST LASTLY... INSTEAD OF REPLACING PCM'S, IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE PCM RE FLASHED UNDER RECALL??? I'M STRETCHING, BUT MAYBE ELECTRICAL POWER STORMS AND RAIN IS CAUSING PARTS TO DEFECT??? LASTLY... JEEP PARTS CONSISTS OF MODULE POWER UNITS THAT WORK OR DON'T WORK BUT THE PCM READS THE CODES AND ADJUSTS THE WORKABLE OF THE MOTOR... ANOTHER ISSUE IS THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES THAT WILL SHUT DOWN THE MOTOR BESIDES THE FORE MENTIONED PARTS... IE... ASD RELAY, THE SECURITY SYSTEM, DOOR LOCKS, STEERING COLUMN, THE ELECTRONIC KEY, THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER... *TR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS HAVING BRAKE TROUBLE WITH THE CHEROKEE AND FOR A MONTH I KNEW I HAD TO GET BRAKE PADS ON MY TRUCK 1996 GRAND CHEROKEE. ON AUGUST 21, 2003 I WAS IN CAR ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT BE ABLE TO GAIN IT BACK I WENT UP ON TWO AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN THE TRUCK OVER THREE TIMES AND I CAME OUT OF THE SEAT BELT AND LANDED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I DID HAVE ON MY SEAT BELT BUT CAME UP OUT OF IT. I THINK THE ROTORS MAY HAVE BEEN CORRDID AND HELPED WITH THE ACCIDENT MY SECOND CONCERN IS HOW I WAS ABLE TO COME OUT OF THE SEATBELT AND BECOME SEVERELY INJURED. I SHATTERED MY LEG AND HAD TO RELEARN TO WALK. I JUST WENT THROUGH MY SECOND SURGERY PERTAINING TO THIS ACCIDENT. WHAT STEPS DO I NEED TO GO THROUGH IN ORDER TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE SEATBELT ISSUE AND THE FACT THAT IT DIDNT SECURE ME FROM THE ACCIDENT. MY HEAD STILL WENT INTO THE WINDSHILED AND I THINK SOMETHING HAPPENED WITH THE AIR BAGS AS WELL BECAUSE THEY WERE TORN BY THE TIME THE TRUCK STOPPED ROLLED AND MY HEAD ISTILL WENT INTO THE WINDOWSHIELD AND WAS CUT UP BAD. *AK
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR TRAVELING APPROX. 62-71 MPH ACCORDING TO POLICE CALCULATIONS. REAR END COLLISON RESULTED IN DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT/SEATBACK COLLAPSING TO THE REAR JUST AFTER IMPACT. IS THE SEAT SUPPOSE TO COLLAPSE FROM THIS TYPE OF REAR END COLLISON OR IS IT A DEFECT? SHOULD THE SEAT HAVE STAYED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION? THE COLLAPSING OF THE SEAT MAY HAVE SAVED THE OCCUPANTS LIFE. DOES THE SAFETY BOARD TEST THESE TYPES OF REAR END ACCIDENTS AT THESE SPEEDS TO TEST THE INTEGRITY OF THE SEATS? MR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NOT BEING NOTIFIED ABOUT SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES. *SMD
JEEP ADVERTISES THAT THERE GRAND CHEROKEES CAN WITHSTAND WATER UP TO 20 INCHES DEEP. I BEG TO DIFFER AND I HAVE BEEN LIED TO. WAS DRIVING THROUGH MY NEIGHBORHOOD ON MY WAY TO A BUDDY'S HOUSE A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, I HIT A SMALL PUDDLE ON MY WAY AND MY ENGINE JUST SEIZED UP AND EVERYTHING WENT BALLISTIC. MEASURED THE PUDDLE AND IT WAS A WHOPPING INCH AND A HALF DEEP. HAD MY BUDDY TOW ME BACK HOME TO CHECK IT OUT AND LOW AND BEHOLD, THERE IT WAS, ROD #1 STICKING RIGHT THROUGH MY OIL PAN ABOUT AN INCH. BENT TO HIGH [XXX] AND SHEARED RIGHT OFF (NOTE: ALSO NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SAID "JAPAN" AND WHEN I PULLED THE OIL PAN AND PULLED THE ROD, IN BIG BOLD LETTERS "CHINA" STAMPED ON THE ROD") NOW I HAVE A 6000LB PAPER WEIGHT SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT I CAN DO NOTHING WITH. NOW IF JEEP ADVERTISES THAT THEIR VEHICLES ARE SAFE IN WATER UP TO 20 INCHES, WHY DID AN INCH AND A HALF DEEP PUDDLE HYDROLOCK MY ENGINE RESULTING IN ROD #1 BEING SHOT THROUGH THE OIL PAN AND ALL ELECTRONICS FRIED? HMMMM INTERESTING. ALSO NOTICE HOW THE FOREIGN MASS MARKET PARTS WERE THE ONLY ONES TO FAIL. SEEMS A LITTLE FISHY. IT GRINDS MY GEARS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN A DIE HARD MOPAR ENTHUSIAST SINCE I WAS BORN, MY FATHER WORKED FOR CHRYSLER FROM THE DAY HE GRADUATED TO THE DAY HE DIED AND SLAVED FOR THE COMPANY AND THIS IS THE PRODUCTS THEY ARE SELLING TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. I SMELL [XXX]AND IT PAINS ME TO SAY THAT I WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS........SCREW CHRYSLER AND THEIR FIAT OWNED CORPORATION. I DO NOT SUPPORT FOREIGN PRODUCTS IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. [XXX]= COMPLETE CRAP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
HANKOOK OPTIMO H724 P225/75 /R15 102 SLWW TIRES - SET OF 4 TIRES PURCHASED NEW ON 5/25/2018. KEPT UP WITH REGULAR TIRE ROTATIONS AND AIR PRESSURE CHECKS. FIRST REPLACEMENT (SIDE WALL DEFECT) 10/21/2019. FLAT REPAIR 2/24/2020 SECOND TIRE REPLACEMENT (SIDE WALL DEFECT) 8/10/2020. THIS IS HIGHLY SUSPECT AND DETERMINABLE THAT THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE. HANOOK HAS DENIED REMEDY EVEN WITH CITING THE $1.2 MILLION JURY VERDICT + DISCOVERY SANCTIONS I CITED TO DURING MY CONVERSATION WITH THE CLAIMS DIVISION ON 8/10, 9/1 ABD 9/2/2020. ADDITIONALLY, 70,000 MILE TREAD WARRANTY. SELLER HAS DETERMINED THE WEAR RATE IS 46,868 MILES. SELLER'S COMMENT: "THESE TIRES DO NOT LAST LONG" HANKOOK TIRES USA CLAIMS DEPARTMENT ADMITS TO UNUSUAL WEAR BUT INSISTS ITS TIRES ARE "WITHIN NHTSA STANDARDS". SEE HANKOOK V. PHILPOT, 2018 ARK. APP. 546, AT 4-5, 564 S.W.3D 555, 557-58, .HANKOOK'S APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT'S ORDER IMPOSING ATTORNEY'S FEES AS A DISCOVERY SANCTION IN HANKOOK TIRE CO., LTD. V. PHILPOT, 2016 ARK. APP. 386, 499 S.W.3D 250., AN ARKANSAS JURY ORDERED SOUTH KOREA-BASED HANKOOK TIRE CO. LTD TO PAY $1.2 MILLION TO A SEVERELY INJURED DUMP TRUCK DRIVER OVER AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A TIRE TREAD DEFECT. HANKOOK TIRE CO. ET AL. V. ELMER PHILPOT, CASE NO. 2020 ARK. APP. 316, IN THE ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE TO BLOW OUTS AND SOFTNESS TO ATTRACT RATHER THAN DEFLECT ANY NORMAL ROAD DEBRIS+ THE TIRE TREAD IS ALREADY HALF IT'S DETERMINED WARRANTIED LIFE SPAN WHICH IS A HAZARD IN ITS OWN SEPARATE DEFECT WHICH HANKOOK DOES ACKNOWLEDGE THE LATER BUT NOT THE FORMER..
EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE ON FREEWAY AT 45-55 AND TO REGAIN CONTROL HAVE T0 APPLY BRAKES AND ALMOST COME TO A DEAD STOP. SIX MONTHS AFTER, THE STEERING HOUSING CRACKED FOUND TWO OUT OF THE THREE BOLTS HAD SNAPED THE BOLT CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL HAD THE BROKEN CASTING STILL TOURQE TO THE FRAME. I LOST THE STEERING ON A TURN IN A 15 MPH ZONE
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
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