1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 8%of 893 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 142,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 8% of the 893 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had my power steering bracket break into 3 pieces, causing me to go through 2 pulleys and 4 serpentine belts before figuring out the problem. I have also experienced the death wobble a few times at speeds between 40-50 MPH. It is very disturbing and scary and forced me off the road. I have to slow down immediately to get it to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10983935, filed 2017-05, 142,000 miles“While exiting one freeway to another (on the ramp) at 60+ miles per hour, the entire front end starting shaking violently. The steering wheel was shaking back and forth. I have since found out this is known as 'the death wobble'. We have spent well over $5000 trying to correct this problem. However, the front end continues to require work in order to keep it from reoccurring.”
NHTSA complaint #10715785, filed 2015-05, 150,000 miles“Driving at nearly 45-50 MPH, the entire front end began to shake violently until I slowed to a near stop. The steering wheel bounced back and forth more and more until I was going about 15-20 MPH. I was not in the process of turning nor had I just completed a turn. There were no bumps to mention either.”
NHTSA complaint #10863223, filed 2016-05, 207,000 miles“I experienced a death wobble in my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was so bad that it broke the gears in the steering box and made me lose the steering control while driving. Had to have the steering box replaced 3 times because of the wobble occurring multiple times. Have replaced all recommended parts and everything looks and feels tight in regards to the steering and suspension. The problem is continuing to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10747177, filed 2015-08, 192,000 miles“At any speed or teraine, my vehicle will violently shake out of control!!!!!! It happens randomly, and for the past mont I have been checking on what is causing this as well as the best place to have the repairs done. I also have some other issues with this vehicle as well. The last shaking incindent happened while driving over an over pass about 45mph, started praying because I thought that I was about to die! So, wanting the repairs done properly I call a 1-800 Jeep chrysler number to ask for a certified mechanic. While on the phone I had a feeling to ask about recalls. …”
NHTSA complaint #10515674, filed 2013-06, 151,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 9 | 4% |
| 2023 | 44 | 11% |
| 2022 | 23 | 9% |
| 2021 | 102 | 25% |
| 2020 | 13 | 5% |
| 2019 | 14 | 4% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 16 | 5% |
| 2015 | 42 | 3% |
| 2014 | 81 | 3% |
| 2013 | 26 | 3% |
| 2012 | 100 | 6% |
| 2011 | 86 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 11 | 8% |
| 2008 | 24 | 3% |
| 2007 | 49 | 4% |
| 2006 | 37 | 3% |
| 2005 | 64 | 3% |
| 2004 | 73 | 6% |
| 2003 | 24 | 3% |
| 2002 | 41 | 3% |
| 2001 | 37 | 4% |
| 2000 | 48 | 3% |
| 1999 | 53 | 3% |
| 1998 | 40 | 4% |
| 1997 | 47 | 5% |
| 1996 | 67 | 8% |
| 1995 | 32 | 4% |
| 1994 | 38 | 6% |
| 1993 | 38 | 7% |
| 1990 | 1 | 20% |
| 1989 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
280 complaintsFuel system
134 complaintsBrakes
118 complaintsEngine cooling
88 complaintsBody and structure
85 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 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