1996 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 13%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,672miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 13% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,672 miles. 20 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: consumer's children were in Jeep and it was running in park. Consumer was going to get them out and the car jumped from park and rolled into a drive gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10123730, filed 2005-06, 112,000 miles“Vehicle was unattended idling while in park . After a period of time (10+ min) it self-engaged into reverse and accelerated back out of the driveway and into a tree.”
NHTSA complaint #10007789, filed 2003-02, 113,345 miles“Vehicle was in park and running. Vehicle slipped from park into reverse gear and ran into the side of another parked vehicle. I was almost caught between the two vehicles, but moved away from the collision at the last moment. I took the vehicle to the Jeep dealer for inspection on 8/29/00 following the accident. The dealer stated that the transmission checked out fine.”
NHTSA complaint #748994, filed 2001-07“I was told by a machanic that the 5 speed manual transmission is known for this problem. In 1996 Jeep started using a toyota transmission and that shifting 1st and 2nd gear is a problem. I have noted this problem after about 30000 miles or so and I was told by the Jeep dealership that nothing was wrong with the transmission or clutch.”
NHTSA complaint #724183, filed 2000-06“When in 4-wheel drive, vehicle made abnormal loud noise when accelerating. Noise sounded like a loud thud and shook front end of car. Service department stated that the transfer case had internal damage. Cause of damage was an o ring which was worn out,allowing all of the oil to leak out. I never noticed any leak spots where I parked the service department replaced the transfer case. Cost of this repair was $1,150 ($960 for the part and $189 for the labor.)”
NHTSA complaint #702745, filed 1999-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2022 | 29 | 56% |
| 2021 | 104 | 59% |
| 2020 | 199 | 60% |
| 2019 | 833 | 50% |
| 2018 | 296 | 43% |
| 2017 | 650 | 49% |
| 2016 | 636 | 45% |
| 2015 | 1,007 | 56% |
| 2014 | 1,471 | 56% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 | 29 | 8% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 65 | 16% |
| 1997 | 47 | 12% |
| 1996 | 60 | 13% |
| 1995 | 43 | 7% |
| 1994 | 38 | 7% |
| 1993 | 44 | 11% |
| 1992 | 15 | 13% |
| 1991 | 13 | 6% |
| 1990 | 17 | 6% |
| 1989 | 9 | 5% |
| 1988 | 8 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1985 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee
93 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 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