Recalls
6campaigns
2 electrical · 1 structure · 1 power train
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
940filed
Owner reports, 1992–2001 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
16mpg combined
$4,082/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
4 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic
3 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Post-Collision Fire after Rear Impact
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
35.9% repairedof 1,560,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V252000
Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/INADVERTENT VEHICLE MOVEMENT
Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · floor shift
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
- Consequence
- INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Repair progress not yet reported1,620,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V053000
Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FRONT BRAKE ROTOR
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · rotor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 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.
- Consequence
- THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
Repair progress not yet reported589,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V136000
Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
CHRYSLER/TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE
Suspension · front
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH "QUADRA-TRAC" TRANSFER CASE, TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE, AND ANY OF 225/70R16, 225/75R16 OR 245/70R15 ROAD TIRES. WHEN THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE IS IN USE, THE FRONT AXLE CAN OVERHEAT.
- Consequence
- AN OVERHEATED AXLE CAN FORCE AXLE FLUID OUT OF THE SEALS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE WITH A FULL SIZED TIRE AND WHEEL.
Repair progress not yet reported65,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V006000
Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
CHRYSLER/WIRING HARNESS
Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MEMORY SEAT OPTION. THE MEMORY SEAT MODULE WIRING HARNESS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SEAT SPRING, A LOW RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT CAN DEVELOP RESULTING IN LOCALIZED HEATING.
- Consequence
- THE LOCALIZED HEATING CAN RESULT IN IGNITION OF THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL AND A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE MEMORY SEAT CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS AND A PROTECTIVE SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE SEAT FRAME.
Repair progress not yet reported70,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V039000
Listed for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSE AND FUSE RECEPTICLE
Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE ALTERNATOR CIRCUIT FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD.
- Consequence
- IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION POTENTIALLY CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR FUSE WITH A FUSE LINK AND ANY DAMAGE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER WILL BE REPAIRED.
Repair progress not yet reported32,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 95V193000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (940)
940 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
140involved a crash
23involved a fire
109injuries reported
6deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 940 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 295 | 31.4% |
| Service brakes | 120 | 12.8% |
| Fuel system | 110 | 11.7% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 93 | 9.9% |
| Structure | 93 | 9.9% |
| Steering | 69 | 7.3% |
| Electrical system | 68 | 7.2% |
| Suspension | 53 | 5.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 37 | 3.9% |
| Tires | 36 | 3.8% |
How 1996 compares with other Grand Cherokee years
Best and worst Grand Cherokee years →19929
1993581
1994604
1995739
1996940
19971,029
19981,061
19991,698
20001,528
2001953
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 9 | 0 |
| 1993 | 581 | 7 |
| 1994 | 604 | 3 |
| 1995 | 739 | 4 |
| 1996 | 940 | 6 |
| 1997 | 1,029 | 5 |
| 1998 | 1,061 | 4 |
| 1999 | 1,698 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1,528 | 6 |
| 2001 | 953 | 4 |
This year (1996)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 16 mpg combined
16
mpg combined
14
city
20
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,200
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 555 g/mi
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicles
What it costs you to run
$4,082per year
$340per month
938gallons a year
Miles ÷ 16 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1996 Grand Cherokee for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee FAQ
How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 13V252000 (structure), 02V053000 (power train), 00V136000 (brake), 98V006000 (suspension), 97V039000 (electrical), 95V193000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners filed 940 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (295), Service brakes (120), Fuel system (110) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA rates the 4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 14 city, 20 highway and 16 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1996 Grand Cherokee compare with other years?
Among the 1992–2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee model years at least five years old, the 1992 drew the fewest complaints (9) and the 1999 the most (1,698). The 1996 drew 940. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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