1996 Jeep Cherokee Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 10%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,256miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 10% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,256 miles. 14 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The Jeep will start to shake whenever you hit a bump really bad shaking . Also whenever you come to a stop after driving 10 miles the most , the car will not turn on again for about 20 minutes. At some point I rocked the car from side to side and after that it will start. Also too the steering column seems loose . My shocks like it don't even have any”
NHTSA complaint #11317447, filed 2020-03, 16,665 miles“While operating the vehicle I kept smelling burning plastic. The heater fan quit and when I jiggled the switch it started to operate at high fan only and would not let me set it to low. Then it quit working and I removed the switch to replace it. I found that the wiring harness was melted. I am now concerned about the danger of replacing the switch. I am not sure if I can replace the melted part of the wiring harness. I also noticed that the switch has 5 connections but only 4 wires were connected to it.”
NHTSA complaint #10294997, filed 2009-12, 182,000 miles“While driving, I kept smelling melting plastic. It lasted a couple months before it went out. I looked to see several times to find it and never did. It wound up being the heater control switch and wiring harness melting. I decided to go to the junkyard to get the harness and switch and I found out from looking at 8 different Jeep cherokees ranging from 1986 -1997 they all had the harness and switch melted in them. I then realized it was more than just my Jeep that had this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10182213, filed 2007-02, 136,650 miles“While leaving home from work, the vehicle started to shutter and fail. I managed to get home at a speed of 40mph since I noticed that at a higher speed, the vehicle would try to stall. The next day I tried to turn on the vehicle but it would not turn on. I called a certified mechanic and received instructions thru cell phone to shake a bit the cables to computer components and cables to distributor components. The vehicle turned on but with problems. I managed to drive to mechanic shop where the Cherokee was left for testing and repairs. The diagnostics showed a faulty computer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10546603, filed 2013-10, 151,950 miles“I was driving down the highway,and all of a sudden I heard a loud noise. So I pulled over to the nearest gas station and realized I was leaking oil profusely. Then I realized the driver side motor mount had broken off of the engine causing a large hole in the engine block. I have taken great care of my vehicle, changed the oil every 3,000 miles, and then this happens at random. I didn't hit anything to cause the motor mount to break, so why would it break for no reason? Anyways, the leaking oil caused a fire beneath my vehicle, and inside the engine compartment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10487514, filed 2012-12, 131,862 milesRelated recalls
- 08V056000Feb 6, 2008U.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…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1994–1998
- 95V193000Oct 11, 1995The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1996, Grand Cherokee 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 8 | 15% |
| 2021 | 23 | 13% |
| 2020 | 35 | 10% |
| 2019 | 341 | 20% |
| 2018 | 190 | 28% |
| 2017 | 342 | 26% |
| 2016 | 298 | 21% |
| 2015 | 327 | 18% |
| 2014 | 449 | 17% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 19 | 8% |
| 2000 | 44 | 12% |
| 1999 | 26 | 7% |
| 1998 | 47 | 12% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 43 | 10% |
| 1995 | 40 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 4% |
| 1993 | 35 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 7% |
| 1991 | 9 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 3% |
| 1989 | 13 | 7% |
| 1988 | 16 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsEngine cooling
54 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTires
14 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology