The 1996 Jeep Cherokee has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a missing weld at the steering gear mount and arcing in the alternator fuse circuit that can cause an engine compartment fire.
On the steering side, a weld that should anchor the steering gear to the frame rail was omitted during assembly, leaving the mounting bolts and frame vulnerable to cracking under hard steering loads and raising the risk of losing steering control. The electrical concern involves the alternator circuit fuse connection, where loose clamping can cause arcing that may ignite a fire in the engine compartment. The rear seat belt inboard anchor points may not hold under the load of a crash, meaning rear occupants could come free of their belts in a collision. There is also a lighting issue on certain imported vehicles: the required third brake lamp is missing, making the vehicle less visible to drivers behind it.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-mounted brake lamp assembly is missing the required third brake lamp, meaning the vehicle lacks a center brake light above the rear window.
What the fix does
U.S. Drive Right will mail a kit with instructions. Have a qualified mechanic install the third brake lamp at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A weld that attaches the steering gear reinforcement to the frame rail was not made during assembly, which can cause cracks in the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for frame cracks. Cracked frames get reinforcement plates. Crack-free frames receive the missing weld after a slot is cut in the cross member.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear inboard seat belt anchor point may not withstand the required load in a crash, failing to meet safety standards.
What the fix does
A washer will be installed at each rear inboard seat belt attachment to strengthen the anchor point.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belt anchors on the inboard side may not be strong enough to hold the required load during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a washer at each rear inboard seat belt anchor to strengthen the attachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts holding the alternator circuit fuse in the power distribution center may not be tightened enough, causing a loose connection.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and repair any damage to the power distribution center.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
