1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 2%of 893 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2% of the 893 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“The bulbs that illiminated the switch enabling the consumer to turn on the fog light, dim the panel light, and locate the headlight switch, burnt out. As a result, consumer was unable to locate and utilize the components. The bulbs could not be replaced because they were not available from the manufacturer or after market.”
NHTSA complaint #10062983, filed 2004-03, 100,000 miles“Dealer has looked at the vehicle, and found no problems, however, it still doesn't work correctly. As well, the passenger front door panel came a part, the tail pipe rattles, the front right shock bushing failed, the panic alarm sometimes will not disenguage, there is a vibration at 55mph, the front left speaker has come loose and makes a rattle, the cruise control over/under accels/decels, and the headlights will sometimes stay on after you turn them off.”
NHTSA complaint #702393, filed 1999-01“Vehicle failed va state safety inspection due to headlamp lenses being discolored due to exposing car to sunlight. I am contacting the dealer on monday morning.”
NHTSA complaint #763870, filed 2002-07“Vehicle shut down without prior warning steering wheel locked up. Back wheel bearing were still rubbiing, and headlights go on and off. Dealership is aware of problems.”
NHTSA complaint #8001225, filed 2001-12Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 16 | 6% |
| 2023 | 8 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 42 | 10% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 12 | 3% |
| 2018 | 22 | 3% |
| 2017 | 14 | 4% |
| 2016 | 10 | 3% |
| 2015 | 19 | 1% |
| 2014 | 54 | 2% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 34 | 2% |
| 2011 | 37 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 17 | 2% |
| 2007 | 23 | 2% |
| 2006 | 64 | 5% |
| 2005 | 60 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 2% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 26 | 3% |
| 2000 | 72 | 5% |
| 1999 | 35 | 2% |
| 1998 | 15 | 1% |
| 1997 | 14 | 1% |
| 1996 | 14 | 2% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 8 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1989 | 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 complaintsElectrical system
65 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsTires
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsOther or unknown
30 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