1996 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 223,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 1% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 223,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Vehicle began stalling when coming to an abrupt stop or being jarred by a bump or pot hole. Gradually progressed to randomly stalling when applying any pressure to brakes or any slight jarring. All power is lost at this time along with any control of steering and accelerating until vehicle is turned on again. Recently vehicle repeatedly and intermittently stalls without any pattern during acceleration or deceleration at any speed without any braking or jarring. It then catches on its own and regains power.”
NHTSA complaint #10693765, filed 2015-03, 224,000 miles“While driving at aprox. 40-45 MPH, the Jeep would start to shudder. Eventually it would shut off. The Jeep would then crank but not start. I had this problem happen for about four times. Three of the times the Jeep was towed to a repair shop. Twice the PCM unit was replaced and twice the crank position sensor was also replaced. The last repair was 1 month and a half ago. Two days ago, the Jeep stalled again down the road. I was traveling with my wife and children. We almost lost our lives. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721042, filed 2015-05“The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was running rough and then stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had a mobile mechanic diagnose the vehicle, and it was determined that there was a failure of the manifold. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not running properly and called another mobile mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626385, filed 2024-11, 223,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2022 | 8 | 15% |
| 2021 | 28 | 16% |
| 2020 | 46 | 14% |
| 2019 | 459 | 27% |
| 2018 | 155 | 23% |
| 2017 | 260 | 19% |
| 2016 | 314 | 22% |
| 2015 | 364 | 20% |
| 2014 | 516 | 19% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 6 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsEngine cooling
54 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTires
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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