1996 Jeep Cherokee Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 4%of 447 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,138miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 4% of the 447 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,138 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The heater started making a funny noise so we bought a new blower motor. Then we bought a new resistor. We still could not get the speeds to work in the heater. So we then bought a switch. Well we come to find out that the switch harness was burnt to a crisp. I called the parts store and they don't carry them, so I then called a dealer. The dealer told me they don't just sell that harness I had to buy the entire one for everything in the Jeep. Then told me to go cut one out of a junk yard. I called my local junk yard and the guy went and cut three harnesses out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10301780, filed 2010-01, 183,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the heating unit was activated and the vehicle began to misfire. The contact lifted the hood and found that the switch for the heating fan had failed and a small fire started from under the hood. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the part needed for repairs was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 167,275.”
NHTSA complaint #10440194, filed 2011-12, 167,275 miles“96 Jeep Cherokee heater fan speed control switch failed. Found switch and wiring connector to be melted. Replacement unit from junk yard had exact same defect. Appears to be a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10236692, filed 2008-08“Flooding water is entering driver's side of vehicle. Also, ice is forming on inside of windshield. Consumer has contacted dealer. All 4 goodyear wrangler tires with less than 13000 miles had to be replaced. Consumer states that the service manager will not return the calls concerning making an appointment to have vehicle fixed, dealer is requesting that consumer pay for all repairs, labor, and parts.”
NHTSA complaint #884746, filed 2001-04“Rear windshield wiper fluid does not come out when consumer presses the button to clean the windshield, because of a piece of the assembly that cracked and broke off. Dealer is aware of the problem. The rear windshield wiper fluid assembly needs to be replaced in order to correct it. .et.”
NHTSA complaint #859335, filed 2000-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 0% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 75 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 35% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 2% |
| 1999 | 36 | 10% |
| 1998 | 16 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% |
| 1996 | 16 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 1% |
| 1994 | 11 | 2% |
| 1993 | 15 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
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 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 29, 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