Five problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Car has been well-maintained throughout ownership/no abuse of any sort on our part hastened the extensive repairs/overall repair bill was $1500. Head gasket and assoc. Problems caused the water pump to seize up, the serpentine belt to slip off/the metal parts to be chewed up which went into the radiator causing the water lines and the radiator to be flushed as well. We are concerned about the extensiveness of this problem and the repair cost. We have contacted Chrysler, but they said they will not proceed with a recall until NHTSA reports this problem to them. That file # is 8646708. We previously owned the same make and model(1988 Jeep). We sold it at 200,000 miles--never having extensive repair problems such as this.
Water pump went, causing the engine coolant sensor to go, tire rod needs to be replaced. Told this wasn't usual unless a lot of mileage. Could the mileage been altered? was this vehicle in an accident before I purchased it?.
The water pump went out on way out of town. White smoke poured out from behind the Jeep. We immediately pulled over and used our phone to call for help. We were told from a mechanic that it sounded as if the water pump went out. We waited for the Jeep to cool off, then added water to the radiator. We were able to drive at 35 mph until we found a service station to pull over at. At that time the technician told us that it was indeed the water pump and there was no more that could be done that day (Saturday-5:00p. M. ). We got our vehicle towed back home to lafayette, la. The next morning and at that time the towing/service technician also said it looked as if the engine head gasket was blown. Is that common for this vehicle with this milage? also, the brakes went out and we had them fixed a month ago at lafayette motors inc. Could they have known about the water pump or is that impossible? also, was there supposed to be any warning as a check engine light? we got no warning, but the smoke pouring out. ( dot number: ).
When getting out of the vehicle someone noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. Dealer determined that the water pump broke, and the dealer replaced the water pump.
Engine fire.