The ZJ Grand Cherokee is a capable but aging platform where transmission cooler failures can grenade the 42RE/44RE automatic, and the 4.0L I6—while legendary for longevity—develops head-gasket and cracking issues past 150k miles. The 5.2L/5.9L V8s drink fuel but are generally sturdier.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Trans Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Strawberry-milkshake fluid in radiator overflow or transmission pan, Delayed or erratic shifts, slipping, Transmission overheat warnings or burnt ATF smell
Fix: The internal cooler in the radiator fails, mixing coolant and ATF; coolant gets pumped into the transmission and destroys clutch packs and valve body. Requires radiator replacement with external cooler add-on, complete transmission flush or rebuild, and often torque converter replacement. 8-12 hours if rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
4.0L I6 Head Gasket Failure and Block Cracking (0331 Head Castings)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, white smoke from exhaust, Overheating, especially after sitting overnight, Bubbling in coolant reservoir, rough idle when cold
Fix: The 0331-cast cylinder head (1999-2001 but sometimes appearing in late '98 builds) cracks between cylinders 3 and 4; earlier heads just blow head gaskets. Requires head removal, replacement or machining, and gasket kit. Also common to find warped head. 10-14 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Death Wobble from Worn Track Bar Bushings and Steering Components
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Violent shaking of entire front end at highway speeds, especially after hitting bump, Clunking or looseness felt in steering wheel, Uneven tire wear on front axle
Fix: Track bar bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering damper all wear; any slop triggers harmonic oscillation in the solid front axle. Requires systematic replacement of all loose components—track bar, drag link, tie rods, ball joints, damper—plus alignment. 4-6 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Pump Failure and Tank Rust
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Stalling or hesitation under load, especially uphill, Whining or buzzing noise from rear before failure
Fix: In-tank pump fails from age and sediment; steel tanks rust internally in humid climates. Requires tank drop, pump module replacement, and often tank replacement if corroded. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leaks (4.0L)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Oil pooling under bellhousing area or dripping from oil pan, Low oil level between changes, no visible upper-engine leaks, Oil-soaked starter or transmission dust shield
Fix: The 4.0L develops rear main seal leaks and oil pan gasket seepage; often both at once. Rear main requires transmission removal. 6-8 hours for rear main, 2-3 for pan gasket alone.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Failure and Booster Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard brake pedal, increased effort required to stop, Hissing sound under dash when braking, Engine stalling or rough idle when braking
Fix: Check valve fails or diaphragm in booster tears, losing vacuum assist. Replace check valve first ($20 part, 0.5 hours); if booster itself is leaking, replacement is 2-3 hours.
Estimated cost: $150-500
Shift Linkage Bushing Wear and Column Shifter Issues (Auto Trans)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000+ mi
Symptoms: Shifter feels loose or sloppy, doesn't engage Park reliably, Indicator doesn't match actual gear position, Key won't release from ignition, transmission doesn't match PRNDL
Fix: Plastic bushings in shift linkage deteriorate; column shifter cable stretches or frays. Replace bushings and adjust linkage; column shifter cable replacement if binding. 1-2 hours.
Estimated cost: $150-350
Owner tips
Install an external transmission cooler and bypass the internal radiator cooler immediately—this single mod can save your transmission
Check for 0331 head casting number on 4.0L I6 engines; replace preemptively if budget allows, as it WILL crack
Grease all front-end components every oil change and inspect track bar bolt torque—death wobble prevention is cheap
Use quality coolant and flush every 30k miles; the 4.0L runs hot and does not tolerate neglect
A cheap, capable truck for light off-road use, but budget $2,000-3,000 for deferred maintenance on any high-mileage example—especially the transmission cooler and front-end work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Fitment notes: Standard top post configuration; battery located in engine bay
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Every control module on the 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, left of steering column or integrated into junction block
🔧 DRB-III
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, locks; configuration required for options
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, mounted on transfer case or inside cabin near shifter
🔧 DRB-III or self-calibration
⚠️ Quadra-Trac II / Selec-Trac models only; motor calibration required
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall or integrated into PCM (model dependent)
🔧 DRB-III
⚠️ Some models use integrated PCM/TCM; standalone TCM on 45RFE/545RFE transmissions
Occupant Restraint Controller / Air Bag Control Module (ORC / ACM)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console area, under front seats or behind center trim panel
🔧 DRB-III
⚠️ Crash data must be cleared; VIN programming required
Radio / Audio System (RAD)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center instrument panel, in radio mounting location
🔧 Radio code entry or DRB-III
⚠️ Theft code may need to be entered; some models require no coding
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 09E025000
2009-05-11
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
2009-04-07
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
2007-12-11
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E026000
2006-03-23
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · 06E022000
2006-03-13
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · 02V053000
2002-02-15 · EA01017
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
Consequence: INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR · 00V136000
2000-05-10 · EA99014
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · 98V023000
1998-02-10
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR DIAPHRAGM CAN SPLIT OR TEAR.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE BOOSTER DATE CODE AND ANY BOOSTERS WITH THE SUSPECT MANUFACTURING DATE RANGE WILL BE REPLACED.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L I6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.