1996 Jeep Cherokee Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 7%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,750 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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“When driving, if vehicle exceeded over the speed of 50 MPH and I ran into the littlest bump in the road the truck will be shaking, none stop until I slow down below 25 MPH or it will keep shaking badly. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769316.”
NHTSA complaint #10008534, filed 2002-11, 19,800 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“The entire rear axle was replaced at the advice of Jeep service. They claimed that the wheel bearings would not not seat in the axle as the "races" were worn beyond the point of holding them in. Because I needed the vehicle for my business, I had no choice but to have them repair it while they had it apart as I did not have time to do the job myself. It was a three week wait for parts as it was. Then I noticed the "musty" smell. Upon futher investigation I discovered the entire Jeep was saturated under the carpets on both sides. Mold everywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070702, filed 2004-01, 80,000 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 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 | 21 | 1% |
| 2015 | 38 | 2% |
| 2014 | 63 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 33 | 9% |
| 1999 | 22 | 6% |
| 1998 | 18 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
| 1996 | 31 | 7% |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 1% |
| 1993 | 12 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1990 | 3 | 1% |
| 1989 | 6 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 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 complaintsSteering
37 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 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