1996 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 8%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 8% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering gear to my 1996 Jeep Cherokee completely came off the frame rail while my wife was driving. Luckily she was only going about five miles per hour. What had happen is that the three bolts that hold the steering gear to the frame rail broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #10238783, filed 2008-08, 116,417 miles“1. Early this year, just after the new year holiday, '09, our '96 Jeep Cherokee (152k in excellent condition) began shaking or wobbling violently at speeds between 52 to 56 MPH. On inquiring in a handful of web sites on the internet about this problem I learned that this is an extremely common problem with a tremendous amount of Jeep Cherokee owners and owners of other Jeep models in a broad range of manufacture dates between '86 and as recent as '05. Also learned that this dangerous condition is commonly referred to as the death wobble or death shake . …”
NHTSA complaint #10259533, filed 2009-02, 151,500 miles“Cherokee began to shake very violently on several occasions recently after hitting minor bumps at 55 MPH. Shaking would not stop or even subside until car was pulled over. Shaking so violent it caused an exhaust leak. Never an issue until recently - several recent incidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10542606, filed 2013-09, 265,000 miles“Was driving about 60 MPH on the washington dc beltway when the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently. Subsequently diagnosed as the Jeep death wobble .”
NHTSA complaint #10948132, filed 2017-01, 144,000 miles“While driving, the steering wheel vibrated on its own. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the steering box gear on the driver's side cracked and needed to be replaced. The consumer stated he discovered new cracks in the frame since the dealer performed the repair last year. …”
NHTSA complaint #10087542, filed 2004-11, 214,000 milesRelated recalls
- 97V069000Apr 28, 1997During assembly of the frame, a fillet weld that joins the inner steering gear attachment reinforcement to the frame rail, was omitted.Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1993–1996
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 6% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 22 | 7% |
| 2019 | 120 | 7% |
| 2018 | 30 | 4% |
| 2017 | 45 | 3% |
| 2016 | 54 | 4% |
| 2015 | 59 | 3% |
| 2014 | 119 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 7% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 37 | 8% |
| 1995 | 22 | 4% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 18 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 7 | 12% |
| 1986 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsEngine cooling
54 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsElectrical system
43 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 30, 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