10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 1
Average Mileage:
27,833 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #18

Aug 152007

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paint is fading and has started peeling, also chips very easily. Exhaust manifold is also cracked. The paint problem has been steadily getting worse since I first noticed it approx. (2) years ago. The vehicle was still loud after the muffler was changed, dealer diagnosed a cracked exhaust muffler. I contacted Chrysler who would not stand behind the factory problems. They stated the vehicle was to old and had to many miles on it.

- Two Rivers, WI, USA

problem #17

Aug 062007

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I understand that it is a common problem for the ( 1996 and newer Jeep Grand Cherokee )exhaust manifold. They develop an exhaust leak, where the weld of the 2 exhaust pipes off of the engine meet the flange ( leak at weld of flange ) for the transfer to a single exhaust pipe. I've just had a recall completed by Jeep because of the rattle in the catalytic converter, which I was told posed an emissions question, but the exhaust manifold leak posses a much larger problem not only with exhaust leak of hot gases of co, and the effectiveness of the catalytic converter.

- Spb, FL, USA

problem #16

Apr 012004

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 164,000 miles
Car purchased summer of 2002. Within two years the exhaust manifold part failed causing rumbling noise when car engine is running and slight smell of exhaust. Had a Michigan certified mechanic replace the part with a new genuine Jeep exhaust manifold part. New part today is failing again. Told by mechanic part would have to be replaced and that this part is one he has seen fail constantly on Jeep. Mechanic explained part breaks down from heat/cold expansions and when the exhaust is removed the part is in pieces. I am sending this complaint as there are no recalls from Chrysler on a part that is important relating to engine exhaust that cannot be channel through the exhaust pipes safely since the manifold is being made to break down within a two year period. Check other vehicles (I have owned many other named autos) and you will find this part is not being replaced every year. How can an emissions test be accurate if the exhaust is not being channeled through it's system? the exhaust smell is right by the front car doors, where the manifold part is failing. I hope your department will look into this exhaust problem is dangerous to the environment and humans.

- Midland, MI, USA

problem #15

Nov 052004

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was told that all exhaust manifolds on the straight 6 cylinder motor developed a crack in the same location due to stress and the replacment parts have been reenginereed to "flex". I fear mild to severe carbon monoxide contamination of the interior cabin could occur common complaints of headaces. This seems to be a very common problem that is very expensive $900 est. That many consumers take a chance and do not make repairs.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

problem #14

Dec 032003

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
My 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited, will not pass safety inspection because it's exhaust manifold is cracked and leaks exhaust gases. The problem seems to be common among Grand Cherokee owners with the 6 cylinder, 4 L engine. The manifold failed due to a stress crack that developed from uneven expansion and contraction during normal operation. The local Jeep/Chrysler dealer informed me that the part fails in almost all 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee and that the present replacement parts are redesigned not to break from stress cracks from normal heating. This tells me that the manufacturer knows of the safety problem, has redesigned it, and is trying to make money off the safety failure. The replacement expense for this safety inspection failure is very high. Estimated cost of the replacing the defective manifold by the dealer is $1100 to $1200. I have found that this is a very common problem and that a great percentage of Grand Cherokee with the 6 cyl., 4 L., engine experienced a safety defect from a cracked exhaust manifold. This is my third Jeep and for the price paid I expected higher quality and a safer vehicle.

- Portland, ME, USA

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problem #13

Apr 102003

Grand Cherokee

  • 97,000 miles
Intake manifold has a 6 inch crack in it and the fumes are seeping into vehicle through the air conditioner vents.

- Londonderry, NH, USA

problem #12

Jan 202001

Grand Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Manifold has 2 cracks in it.quoted $1500 to fix it by dealership service center.many friends have told me that it is a design problem, manifolds are not supposed to crack.

- Wenham, MA, USA

problem #11

Nov 212001

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Exhaust manifold cracked, allowing fumes to leak into passengers compartment. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated it was a very common problem, replacement part was modified due to defect and design of original part.

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #10

Aug 222001

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles
Jeep was in for maintenance, dealer noticed cracked exhaust manifold. Mechanic stated that these crack all the time and in the same place. The dealership new exactly how much it would cost to fix the problem. Dealer said Jeep redesigned the manifold, due to many failures. I believe this item should be recalled because many others have had to replace the same item often. This is not normal wear and tear, this was due to poor design and should be replaced due to the danger involved with exhaust entering the car. If the dealer had not of pointed this out, I would not have ever known. Jeep customer svc was notified of my feelings and opened a file on this matter. Thank you!!!!!

- Cheshire, CT, USA

problem #9

Aug 082001

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles
Had Jeep in for ac problem, dealer noticed cracked exhaust manifold. I suspected this before, as engine sounded different. In talking with service rep, they advised "we have seen a lot of these, it cracks in a curved part of the manifold. The replacement manifold has a flexible curve where the crack occurs". it cost me $881.88 to have the replacement done. Based on the service reps comment, sounds like a design defect.

- Chambersburg, PA, USA

problem #8

Aug 082001

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had Jeep in for ac problem, dealer noticed cracked exhaust manifold. I suspected this before, as engine sounded different. In talking with service rep, they advised "we have seen a lot of these, it cracks in a curved part of the manifold. The replacement manifold has a flexible curve where the crack occurs". it cost me $881.88 to have the replacement done. Based on the service reps comment, sounds like a design defect.

- Chambersburg, PA, USA

problem #7

Aug 052000

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Consumer heard a loud rattling noise coming from vehcile. It was taken to dealer on 07-Aug-2000 and catalytic converter was replaced. On 11-Nov-2000, it came apart & shattered in exhaust. Tailpipe, muffler, exhaust hanger & gasket were replaced. Dealer said they have seen this happening a few times, but it seemed early for it to be replaced.

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #6

Aug 072000

(reported on)

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
A crack in exhaust manifold caused exhaust to leak in to the vehicle. Dealer could nott determine the cause.

- Belleview, WA, USA

problem #5

Mar 242000

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles
During routine service, dealer noticed cracked exhaust manifold. Noted this was a safety problem in that co could enter the vehicle interior. This is a premature failure of a key part of of the system.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #4

Aug 011999

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles
Exhaust manifold does not crack unless they is defective or installed incorrectly. It is odd that this part was stocked by the dealer and the person behind the counter new the price ($640) without looking it up. If this is something that is common to their product they should be responsible for repairs. If it is left unfixed exhaust fumes will enter the passenger compartment. Thank you.

- Frackville, PA, USA

problem #3

May 011999

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving at any speed consumer can smell fumes from the exhaust system getting into the vehicle due to a crack inside of the exhaust manifold. Also, there is some noise coming from the vehicle.

- Lilly, PA, USA

problem #2

Apr 011999

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There is a crack within the exhaust manifold which allows fumes to enter into vehicle.

- Lilly, PA, USA

problem #1

Jun 011996

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Exhaust tail pipe rattles.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

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