One problem related to spare tire has been reported for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I bought as a 'demo' in March, 1997. In it was a space saver spare. This Jeep has full time 4-wd. Last Thursday, 5/6/2004, I had my first flat tire ever with this car, and I mounted the space saver spare. I drove about 20 miles before I had to stop due to the front differential's heat and resulting blue smoke as it burned up inside. In your database, there is a recall for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokees with full time 4-recall number is 98v006000. Jeep/Chrysler has given me no satisfaction when confronted with this information -- that my 1997 had the same issue as the 1996's, that they sold me a defective "booby trapped" car, and that I shouldn't be liable for any damage caused by the defect that they, in fact, knew about and said nothing to 1997 owners. So far, damage to the vehicle has been $516, but may reach $1500-$2000 before it's fixed. The car is currently at naperville Jeep (630-505-8282 -- Jeep service dept). I got no notification of this defect since 1997's were not recalled. I have not been offered a full sized spare kit either. Why no recall on the 1997's with full time 4-wd too? how about other years?.