1996 Jeep Cherokee Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 206,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 2% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 206,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving to work at 4:30 am headlights went out, then came back on, several times, this is the second time we have had this issue, we replaced the headlight switch about three months ago, and it appeared to rectify the problem now it has occurred again. Called the dealership in my area, and they are aware of no recalls for this problem, but after conducting a web search, I see that this is a common problem, hopefully no one will be injured before this defect causes an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10543056, filed 2013-09, 206,000 miles“Consumer was traveling about 35mph on a side street and without prior warning vehicle shut down. Airbag light and lights inside and outside went out. Vehicle will be towed to a mechanic. Dealership was contacted numerous times.”
NHTSA complaint #890609, filed 2001-06“When adjusting head lights from high to low beams, and when the dimmer is adjusted, headlights become inoperative, causing poor driver visibility. Consumer has contacted the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #853971, filed 2000-01“When vehicle gets warm the headlights will begin to turn on and off, resulting in loss of visiblity. Dealer will replace headlight switch, part on backorder.”
NHTSA complaint #820977, filed 1998-01Related recalls
- 11V279000May 6, 2011U.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…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1994–1996
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 18 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1% |
| 2016 | 20 | 1% |
| 2015 | 37 | 2% |
| 2014 | 47 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 3% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 2% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 7 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
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 31, 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