1996 Jeep Cherokee

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. It was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 2.5L inline-4, 4.0L inline-6, and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee was praised for its versatility, but it also had its share of common problems.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, rough idle, or engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, or engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000

4.0L Inline-6

• Cylinder Head Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating, or white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
• Oil Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of oil pressure, engine knocking or rattling
  • Solution: Replace oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: 05V363000

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears or slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

4-speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, high transmission temperatures
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: 98V110000

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension sagging, rough ride, or uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Electrical

• Electrical Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering or gauges malfunctioning
  • Solution: Repair or replace electrical harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000

Exterior

• Rust Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or holes on body panels, especially on underside of vehicle
  • Solution: Bodywork repairs or rust prevention
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of rust

Interior

• Dashboard Fade
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking or fading due to sun exposure
  • Solution: Install dashboard cover or replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Overall Summary

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee is a capable SUV with a loyal following. However, it has its share of common issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but some of them can be quite expensive to repair. It’s important for potential buyers to be aware of these problems and factor them into their purchase decision.