1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 10%of 893 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 10% of the 893 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,250 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“All Jeep Grand Cherokee laredo's air conditioning stops working, know defect to them in 1998. I can't drive my Jeep in the summer due to health issues from no air. If you look in the summertime at the number of jeeps with windows down you can bet there a.c. Has quit. It is about $900 to fix it. Known problem with the evaporator core, there solution, drill a hole in the floor.”
NHTSA complaint #10262626, filed 2009-03, 54,353 miles“Paint is fading and has started peeling, also chips very easily. Exhaust manifold is also cracked. The paint problem has been steadily getting worse since I first noticed it approx. (2) years ago. The vehicle was still loud after the muffler was changed, dealer diagnosed a cracked exhaust muffler. I contacted chrysler who would not stand behind the factory problems. They stated the vehicle was to old and had to many miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10202441, filed 2007-09, 110,000 miles“I was told that all exhaust manifolds on the straight 6 cylinder motor developed a crack in the same location due to stress and the replacment parts have been reenginereed to flex . I fear mild to severe carbon monoxide contamination of the interior cabin could occur common complaints of headaces. This seems to be a very common problem that is very expensive $900 est. That many consumers take a chance and do not make repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10114075, filed 2005-03, 60,000 miles“This is a commonly known defect with these jeeps which has never been adequately addressed by the NHTSA. Someone is going to get killed if the manufacturer is not held responsible. Infamous stalling problem. Whether going 10 MPH or 70 MPH, vehicle will stall with no warning. Generally will re-start after turning off ignition, but not always immediately. On my Jeep, I have replaced the computer module, crankshaft position sensor, fuel pump, fuel filters, maf sensor, distributor cap, rotor, plugs and plug wires. I have had the computer module wiring harness reworked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444886, filed 2012-01, 148,000 miles“I have a 96 Grand Cherokee ltd 4x4 with 115k miles. Since it turned 65k miles I have replaced the brake pads and drums 3 times. I have water leaks in the seat belt wells, the passenger side window, and the belts are wet when it rains. Today, water is pooling in the floor of the driver's side. Water pours from just above the accelerator. Must be from A/C?the rear door hatch has jammed in lock position. The electronic mileage/ fuel readout (on ceiling module) fluctuates wildly and is inaccurate. The catalytic converter went out at 64,975 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096135, filed 2004-10, 64,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10020666Aug 1, 2006Reprogram pcm and inspect catalytic converter.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 17 | 2% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 8 | 3% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 45 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 18 | 1% |
| 2011 | 15 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 39 | 5% |
| 2007 | 77 | 7% |
| 2006 | 53 | 4% |
| 2005 | 78 | 4% |
| 2004 | 55 | 4% |
| 2003 | 42 | 6% |
| 2002 | 146 | 10% |
| 2001 | 53 | 6% |
| 2000 | 178 | 12% |
| 1999 | 121 | 7% |
| 1998 | 69 | 7% |
| 1997 | 81 | 8% |
| 1996 | 88 | 10% |
| 1995 | 70 | 10% |
| 1994 | 75 | 13% |
| 1993 | 46 | 8% |
| 1991 | 1 | 17% |
| 1989 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
280 complaintsFuel system
134 complaintsBrakes
118 complaintsBody and structure
85 complaintsSteering
67 complaintsElectrical system
65 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 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