1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 6%of 893 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 189,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6% of the 893 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 189,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“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“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 miles“Family ownership since new. Recently started experiencing the death wobble. Jeep traveling on a high speed (above 60) road starts to shake uncontrollably and is difficult/impossible to steer or maneuver. Jeep feels like it is going to fall apart. Happens without warning. Have to stop or significantly slow down before shaking stops. This is the third time in the past six months.”
NHTSA complaint #10969917, filed 2017-04, 250,000 milesRelated recalls
- 98V006000Jan 12, 1998Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles equipped with "quadra-trac" transfer case, temporary spare tire, and any of 225/70r16, 225/75r16 or 245/70r15 road…Covers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1996
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 6 | 2% |
| 2023 | 70 | 17% |
| 2022 | 23 | 9% |
| 2021 | 30 | 7% |
| 2020 | 8 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 3% |
| 2018 | 16 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 18 | 1% |
| 2014 | 51 | 2% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 32 | 2% |
| 2011 | 37 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 22 | 1% |
| 2004 | 22 | 2% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 1% |
| 2001 | 23 | 3% |
| 2000 | 31 | 2% |
| 1999 | 76 | 5% |
| 1998 | 32 | 3% |
| 1997 | 43 | 4% |
| 1996 | 50 | 6% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 28 | 5% |
| 1993 | 38 | 7% |
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 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 Nov 1, 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