1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 65about this part
- Share
- 7%of 893 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 148,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 65 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 7% of the 893 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 148,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The Jeep will die at any given time, place, temperature. Nothing seems to make a difference. The only thing I can get to make a difference on whether it runs or dies in putting pressure by hand on the number three computer plug. No check engine light, no codes no nothing. Just a faulty computer design that's putting myself and my family in dangerous situations on a regular basis.”
NHTSA complaint #10628594, filed 2014-08, 165,000 miles“Jeep advertises that there grand cherokees can withstand water up to 20 inches deep. I beg to differ and I have been lied to. Was driving through my neighborhood on my way to a buddy's house a few blocks away, I hit a small puddle on my way and my engine just seized up and everything went ballistic. Measured the puddle and it was a whopping inch and a half deep. Had my buddy tow me back home to check it out and low and behold, there it was, rod #1 sticking right through my oil pan about an inch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510168, filed 2013-04, 190,125 miles“For years we have a problem with the car heating up every summer. As soon as the air conditioning goes on the car heats up. And every year we spend a lot of money trying to fix it. No one has ever been able to fix the problem. We a copies of all of our bills. It's hot again and we have a problem again.”
NHTSA complaint #10067943, filed 2004-04, 23,000 miles“Like many other Jeep Grand Cherokee from 95 - 99 my Jeep has starting cutting out for no apparent reason. Many components have been changed. This is a widely documented problem of poor quality control leading to solder joint failures on the ECM board. This causes an interruption of the signal and cause the vehicles engine to die or sputter at any speed or time. I do not understand why this hasn't been recalled when the problem is so well documented on numerous Jeep websites. This Jeep also suffers from the 50mph shake.”
NHTSA complaint #10440161, filed 2011-12, 180,000 miles“My vehicle stalls when it is hot outside. I have had the coil replaced then I had the catalytic converter replaced and o2 sensor and it still stalled on start up. I took it to the dealership and it stalled and they told me it was my fuel pump. I spent 965 on a fuel pump I didn't need because it is still stalling and they have no clue why. I seen this problem on mean forums. I think the dealer should be aware of this problem and should know how to fix them not make someone spend a thousand dollars on a might.”
NHTSA complaint #10328247, filed 2010-04, 144,000 milesRelated recalls
- 97V039000Mar 17, 1997Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with memory seat option. The memory seat module wiring harness can come in contact with the seat spring, a low…Covers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1996
- 95V193000Oct 11, 1995The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.Covers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1996, Cherokee 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 31 | 39% |
| 2024 | 116 | 46% |
| 2023 | 182 | 45% |
| 2022 | 130 | 49% |
| 2021 | 115 | 28% |
| 2020 | 74 | 31% |
| 2019 | 84 | 23% |
| 2018 | 339 | 40% |
| 2017 | 87 | 24% |
| 2016 | 62 | 20% |
| 2015 | 138 | 10% |
| 2014 | 485 | 20% |
| 2013 | 376 | 47% |
| 2012 | 837 | 51% |
| 2011 | 780 | 48% |
| 2010 | 47 | 40% |
| 2009 | 47 | 34% |
| 2008 | 473 | 64% |
| 2007 | 658 | 59% |
| 2006 | 753 | 59% |
| 2005 | 928 | 45% |
| 2004 | 144 | 11% |
| 2003 | 55 | 7% |
| 2002 | 85 | 6% |
| 2001 | 42 | 5% |
| 2000 | 112 | 8% |
| 1999 | 84 | 5% |
| 1998 | 60 | 6% |
| 1997 | 56 | 6% |
| 1996 | 65 | 7% |
| 1995 | 40 | 6% |
| 1994 | 38 | 6% |
| 1993 | 54 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
280 complaintsFuel system
134 complaintsBrakes
118 complaintsEngine cooling
88 complaintsBody and structure
85 complaintsSteering
67 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsTires
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsEquipment
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Jeep Grand 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