Jeep›Grand Cherokee›1999›4.0L/jeep/grand-cherokee/1999/4-0l/
WJ platform

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee — 4.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1999 Grand Cherokee 4.0L.

Body SUVEngine 4.0LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV built on the WJ platform and powered by a 4.0L inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined; it holds 6 quarts of oil with filter using either 10W-30 or 5W-30 API-grade viscosity. This model year accumulated 2,113 owner complaints across its lifespan, with service brakes and hydraulic systems emerging as the most frequently cited concern, while the vehicle has been subject to 14 recall campaigns. Compared to the broader complaint history spanning from 1993 through projected 2026 data, the 1999 model year falls within a moderate range—below the peak complaint volume seen in later years like 2014 (2,369 complaints) but elevated relative to the brand's more recent performance metrics, suggesting that while the WJ-generation Grand Cherokee established a reputation for mechanical solidity, this particular model year reflects the typical growing pains of a vehicle platform that would ultimately prove durable over the long term.

Model year200120001999199819971996199519941993

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 economy14/19/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

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

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 625 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter and cabin air filter are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known.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 65 · 625 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225-75R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05281090AB
Engine air filter53007386AB discontinued
Fuel filter68193494AA discontinued
Spark plugSP000ZFR5N alt 68303918AA
BatteryBB65F121AA alt BB34U900AA
Front wiper blades05012611AD
Serpentine belt04854033AC alt 05135745AA
Thermostat52028186AC alt 68174083AA
Cabin air filter68535603AA discontinued

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.5 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height69.3 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3739 lb
Track (front / rear)59.4 / 59.4 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined14 / 19 / 16 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

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, Rear: 9 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 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilRear: 9
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.6 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil10W-30 · API · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity6 qt w/ filter
Power Steering FluidMS-5931

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33-35 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 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

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)200 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.71-.88 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance11,300-13,300 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.040 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND 8 oil
Oil Capacity7.44 oz
Standard BCI Group Number65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance625 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)44-54 psi
Engine Compression120-150 PSI. 30 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure4 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMIdle rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket21-30 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle66-85 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.030 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.95 in / 0.394 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.95 in / 0.394 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 spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 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.

Every 7,500 miBody Fasteners (torque) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 22,500 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBands (adjust) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 51,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

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 1999 Grand Cherokee recorded 2,113 complaints, a sharp jump from 1,558 in 1998 and the peak level for the 1993–2004 period shown. Recalls remained flat at 14, matching both 1998 and 2000, while investigations continued a multiyear decline to 5; however, technical service bulletins rose steeply to 193 from 114 the prior year, indicating more documented service patterns. Across the surrounding 1993–2004 span, complaints generally trended upward into 1999 and then receded, reaching 1,133 in 2001 and 761 in 2003, so the 1999 model lands at the high point of that arc. The top complaint areas were service brakes/hydraulic (591), powertrain (328), visibility (142), and engine/cooling (103), with 171 crash-related and 43 fire complaints recorded, though the data does not specify root causes. Because 1999 carries the highest complaint and TSB load in its immediate era, it is a riskier used purchase than the lower-complaint 2001–2003 models; only buy if the price and condition fully offset that federal-record profile.

14
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
193
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
5
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,113
Owner complaints
171 involved a crash · 43 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,113 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic591
Power Train328
Visibility142
Engine & Engine Cooling103
Air Bags96
Seats96
Suspension52
Electrical System51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06E022000Service Brakes, HydraulicReported 13/03/2006

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… 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…

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 193 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
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…

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 Grand 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 65 batteryVehicles taking 6 qt w/ filterWJ-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 05281090ABEngine air filter 53007386ABFuel filter 68193494AASpark plug SP000ZFR5N

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 1999 Grand Cherokee 4.0L 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 1999 Grand Cherokee have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 4.0L get?

EPA figures are 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg.