The contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Radial A/S, Tire Size: 275/75/R15, DOT Number: 1PJHLFNWR. The contact stated that he had purchased two tires from Walmart that were installed in the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle started wobbling. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly as he continued driving, causing him to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to Walmart, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the rear tires were out of round and the tread had separated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he needed to drive to the nearest Goodyear dealer for the tire replacements; however, the nearest Goodyear was 100 miles away. The tires were not replaced. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The tire failure mileage was approximately 200. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The worst 1998 Jeep Cherokee problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes88
- Transmission65
- Fuel system61
- Airbags51
- Electrical47
- Engine34
- Body27
- Suspension18
- Seat belts17
- Visibility16
- Lights13
- Tires13
- Seats12
- Steering12
- Acceleration11
- Locks6
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
Airbag light 28Fuel gauge 25Stalling 13Headlights 11No deployment 8Brake failure 7Slipping 6Tire blowout 6Grinding brakes 5Fuel pump 5Loss of power 5
Recalls 5
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- 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, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no. 115, 'vehicle identification number;' no. 118, 'power window system;' no. 120, 'tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars;' no. 208, 'occupant crash protection;' and no. 301, 'fuel system integrity.'
- Risk
- These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
- 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 on a regional basis beginning march 2008. Owners may contact u.s. Drive right at 1‑888‑632‑5936.
Recall number 08V056000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 00V136000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Water and/or road salt in the proximity of the air bag control module could lead to corrosion.
- Risk
- Such corrosion can lead to illumination of the air bag warning light or could allow inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air bag control module and locate the new module on the top of the transmission tunnel.
Recall number 00V105000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The front seat belt shoulder turning loop anchors were not properly heat treated and are not properly hardened.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the front seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of serious injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front seat shoulder belt turning loop on these vehicles.
Recall number 98V048000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 98V023000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
Defect investigations
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise the federal safety agency might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V‑252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.the federal safety agency's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
EA12005
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee 80
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Valve Body
- Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation
- Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve
- Reprogram PCM and inspect catalytic converter
- Flash programming failure recovery
1998 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 16-18 | 20-23 | 18-20 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-16 | 19-21 | 16-18 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 18 | 17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 19 | 16 |
What 1998 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air bag light is on, we find a recall that is open and active. Bright vehicle to yaklin for repair and they declined the repair because the part has been discontinued.
Jeep developed communication issues, dash displayed "no bus." one morning I started the jeep and went to shift to gear and the passenger air bag deployed. Took it up the road and back thinking I had a communication issue to diagnose, the drivers air bag deployed turning on my road. Seemed to happen when pressing the brake.I learned about the recall corrosion in air bag module may lead to inadvertent deployment. I dropped my vehicle off to nye dodge jeep ram in oneida ny. Repair order was made nov 14th 2019. I was given a 1-800 number to call, placed 4 calls before my case was escalated correctly. Made numerous calls to the 800 number and eventually on 12/5 maybe 12/6 an inspector came and inspected my vehicle. With basically no progress after a month and a half I picked up my vehicle. With a couple more calls to the 800 number and being told were "on hold" with chryslers end my vehicle is still not fixed and the 800 number calls all end with well leave a message for whoever is in charge with your case to call you, they have yet to call going on 3 weeks. I was told the airbags are not available from chrysler. Looking for a solution or to at least get the module installed in the right location and ill source airbags. It has been an absolutely ridiculous amount of time to not have any answers and my recall not completed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the front area of the vehicle and the suspension was unstable, the check engine, multiple gauges, and various warning indicators illuminated randomly. The dealer was notified of the failures and the contact was waiting for a response to determine if they could inspect and diagnose the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. While driving at any speed, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated for an extended period of time and the instrument cluster failed to work due to the gauges not functioning properly. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 00v105000 (air bags). The contact was unable to pass a vehicle inspection due to the failure. The vehicle was to be taken to a dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle's computer software had a defect that caused the vehicle to stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 198,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the fuel tank was exposed due to the trailer hitch being removed and could not be replaced due to excessive rust on the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Nothing I tried to call dealer and they were not very helpful. I think they feel if they ignore people they won't have to fix our cars.
Compare the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
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Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200620142015201620172018201920202021202220232026
Questions about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 1998 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Owners have filed 398 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, fewer than a typical Cherokee model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Jeep Cherokee?
Brakes, with 88 complaints, typically around 112,750 miles. Next is transmission (65).
How many recalls does the 1998 Jeep Cherokee have?
5 recalls, covering electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Jeep Cherokee brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 00V136000, 98V023000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Cherokee have bad brakes?
The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most brakes complaints are 2014 (211 complaints), 1991 (163 complaints) and 1990 (152 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Jeep Cherokee get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee range from 16 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 20-23 highway.
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Check its historyJeep Cherokee in the news
- Jeep extends warranty coverage on 2014-2023 Cherokee (power train)
- Jeep recalls 2024-2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Cherokee and 2024-2025 Wagoneer and other models over pressure monitoring and regulating systems problem (201,975 vehicles)
- Jeep recalls 2026 Grand Cherokee, 2026 Wrangler and 2026 Cherokee and other models over back over prevention camera problem (844,028 vehicles)