Jeep›Cherokee›1996›4.0L L6/jeep/cherokee/1996/4-0l-l6/
XJ platform

1996 Jeep Cherokee — 4.0L L6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 Cherokee 4.0L L6.

Body SUVEngine 4.0L L6Transmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee is an SUV utilizing the XJ platform and a 4.0L L6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This configuration delivers an EPA-rated 14/20/16 mpg and requires 6 quarts of 10W-30 or 5W-30 API engine oil with a filter. With 10 recalls and 500 total owner complaints primarily concerning the hydraulic service brakes, this model year sits within a broader 1990-2026 history where complaints peaked at 2,636 in 2014 and reached a low of 3 in 2023.

Model year200019991998199719961995

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type10W-30 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy14/20/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 58 · 430 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory fuel filter is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 58 · 430 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-75R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05281090AB
Engine air filter53004383AC
Fuel filter33000076 discontinued
Spark plug68304020AA
Front wiper blades83505422 alt 55155650AB
Serpentine belt53010314 alt 53010234AB
Thermostat83501426AD alt 53020547AC

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length165.4 in
Overall width70.5 in
Overall height63.4 in
Wheelbase101.6 in
Curb weight2890 lb
Track (front / rear)57.5 / 57.5 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined14 / 20 / 16 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.30 sec — 1996 Sport I-6
190 hpHorsepower (as tested)
225 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1996Sport I-6 4.0L I-68.30 sec16.40 sec190 hp4x4
1997Sport I-6 4.0L I-68.20 sec16.30 sec190 hp4x4
1997Sport I-6 4.0L I-69.10 sec16.90 sec190 hp4x4
1997Sport I-6 4.0L I-610.20 sec17.60 sec190 hp4x4
1999Sport I-6 4.0L I-68.90 sec16.90 sec190 hp4x4
1999Sport I-6 4.0L I-69.40 sec17.00 sec190 hp4x4
2001Sport I-6 4.0L I-68.40 sec16.50 sec190 hp4x4
1990Laredo I-6 4.0L I-610.50 sec17.70 sec177 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 / 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity4.9 Pints,
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.5 Pints,
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil10W-30 · API · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity6 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33-35 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts16.7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts16.7 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/StudsPump bolts: 14 ft-lbs, Cover bolts: 9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub175 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.95-1.20 Toyodenso ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance11,300-13,300 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.035 in
Spark Plug Torque27.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND 8 oil
Oil Capacity4.60 oz
Standard BCI Group Number58
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca
Optional BCI Group Number58

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief12-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)47-51 psi
Engine Compression120-150 PSI. 30 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure25-35 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMIdle rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 10 inch REAR DRUMS
Torque to Knuckle7-15 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.030 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Brake ApplicationWITH 10 inch REAR DRUMS
Drum Runout Limit0.008 in
Drum Nominal Diameter10 in / 9 in
Drum Maximum Machining10.06 in / 9.06 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Coat threads of left hand front bolt with sealant

122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
245 ft. lbs.45 ft. lbs
3all bolts except L.H. front bolt110 ft. lbs
4100
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 7 stages
1caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 740 ft. lbs
2caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 770 ft. lbs
3caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 780 ft. lbs
4Push the crankshaft forward and backward. Load the crankshaft front or rear and tighten cap bolt No.3 to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
5Tighten to 70 ft. lbs.70 ft. lbs
6Tighten to 80 ft. lbs.80 ft. lbs
7Rotate the crankshaft after tightening each main bearing cap to ensure the crankshaft rotates freely.

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 7,500 miSteering Linkage (inspect)
Every 7,500 miBody Fasteners (torque) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 22,500 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Bands (adjust) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 60,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Spark Plug Wires (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee sits at a pivotal point in the XJ generation's federal record: complaints dropped from 670 in 1995 to 500, investigations fell dramatically from 9 to just 1, and recalls held steady at 10—suggesting a brief regulatory stabilization before the model faced escalating issues. However, this apparent improvement must be viewed in context: TSBs rose from 34 to 50, indicating that dealers were still addressing substantial field problems even as formal complaints subsided. The following year (1997) shattered this trend with complaints surging to 1,516, recalls climbing to 14, and TSBs exploding to 135—revealing that 1996 may have been a quiet period rather than a fundamental fix. The target year's top complaint areas—service brakes, power train, engine cooling, and structure—combined with 62 crash complaints and 27 fire complaints, highlight persistent safety-related concerns. Compared to the trajectory from 1993–1995 and the sharp escalation in 1997, the 1996 model represents a relative lull in recorded incidents, but it offers no guarantee of superior reliability relative to its siblings in this generation.

10
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
50
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
500
Owner complaints
62 involved a crash · 27 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’99’00’01’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 500 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic81
Power Train58
Engine & Engine Cooling44
Structure39
Electrical System34
Steering28
Suspension23
Air Bags22

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V056000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 06/02/2008

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING 107 MY 1994-1998 RIGHT HAND DRIVE, 4-WHEEL DRIVE JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, 'CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;' NO. 108, 'LAMPS… Remedy: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL MAKE ALL THE REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS. A REPRESENTATIVE WILL TRAVEL TO THE CUSTOMER'S LOCATION AND MAKE THE MODIFICATIONS ON SITE. THE RECALL WILL BE PERFORMED…

11V279000Exterior Lighting:Brake LightsReported 06/05/2011

U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1994-1996 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES IMPORTED FROM JANUARY 2007, THROUGH APRIL 2011 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS… Remedy: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND MAIL KITS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OF THEIR CHOICE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 50 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
08-049-202020-04-22Electrical SystemCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
31005192019-11-20StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
31006192019-11-20StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…
31003192019-11-20StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
31-006-192019-11-20StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Cherokee. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 58 batteryVehicles taking 6 qt w/ filterXJ-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 05281090ABEngine air filter 53004383ACFuel filter 33000076Spark plug 68304020AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 Cherokee 4.0L L6 take?

6 qt w/ filter of ABOVE 0 degrees F: 10W-30 API, BELOW 60 degrees F: 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 Cherokee have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 4.0L L6 get?

EPA figures are 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined mpg.