What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1993–1998) Grand Cherokee?

Grand Cherokee owners have made 159 complaints about the 1993–1998 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th out of 18 Jeep generations in overall reliability, with real engine and suspension concerns.

Compare With Other Grand Cherokee Generations

Common 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Grand Cherokee owners have to deal with.

  1. Death Wobble

    The death wobble is a creative term coined by Jeep owners that describes a situation when the front axle begins violently oscillating, causing the car to shake (or wobble) in a manner which makes the vehicle hard to control.

    Continue reading article "Death Wobble" A red Wrangler climbing over rocks

  2. Rear Impact Fire Defect

    Millions of Jeep vehicles have a gas tank that is positioned in such a way that it is highly vulnerable to being punctured during a rear-impact accident. The combination of leaking fuel and sparks caused by collisions can easily set the car…

    Continue reading article "Rear Impact Fire Defect" A Jeep on fire on the side of the road

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (1993–1998) Grand Cherokee Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 159 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 7th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 18 eligible generations.