Fuel system
Free remedy
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Research · Special Purpose Vehicles
1997 Jeep Grand CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 1,380 owner complaints for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (294) and fuel system, gasoline (234). The EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–16mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest Jun 2013
Owner complaints
1,380
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Exterior lighting: headlights
Free remedy
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Exterior lighting
Free remedy
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1,380 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 1996 – Aug 2024
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,342 |
| 1997 | 1,380 |
| 1998 | 1,429 |
| 1999 | 2,004 |
| 2000 | 1,829 |
| 2001 | 1,111 |
| 2002 | 1,476 |
| 2003 | 761 |
| 2004 | 1,295 |
| 2005 | 2,052 |
| 2006 | 1,297 |
| 2007 | 1,109 |
| 2008 | 734 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 118 |
| 2011 | 1,640 |
| 2012 | 1,644 |
| 2013 | 805 |
| 2014 | 2,388 |
| 2015 | 1,369 |
| 2016 | 312 |
| 2017 | 364 |
| 2018 | 855 |
| 2019 | 370 |
| 2020 | 241 |
| 2021 | 410 |
| 2022 | 377 |
| 2023 | 408 |
| 2024 | 254 |
| 2025 | 80 |
| 2026 | 32 |
- Crashes reported
- 156
- Fires reported
- 24
- Injuries reported
- 116
- Deaths reported
- 6
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
294 reports62 crashes6 fires
“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to stop the vehicle. After which, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop, only coming to a complete stop after going off the road into a drainage ditch and rolling over on its roof. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed from the scene but not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 250,000.”
Fuel system, gasoline
234 reports5 crashes4 fires
“1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO COMPLETE VEHICLE FRAME CORROSION RECALL. *SMD ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE VEHICLE HAD FRAME CORROSION. THE FRAME BOLT WAS DISLODGE INSIDE FRAME AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE IT, TO MOUNT THE HITCH.*JB”
Service brakes, hydraulic
207 reports19 crashes
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND THE ENGINE AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EIGHT TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. RECENTLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CORE WIRES, SPARK PLUGS, HOSES, CAPS, AND ROTOR DISTRIBUTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V053000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION;LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicles
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl · 5.2L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3729
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1997 Grand Cherokee questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
11 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners filed 1,380 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (294), fuel system, gasoline (234), service brakes, hydraulic (207). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 14–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026