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1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: complete transmission failure

9 of the 1,027 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
9
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed May 5, 2003 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · MD

Heard a noise coming from the rear of the car took it into the shop and was told that it was the rear differential, and I was also informed that my transmission was slipping in 1st & 2nd gear. I had the differential repaired and the transmission serviced. We got snow this year where you would need the 4 wheel drive, well being I never had the need to use the 4 wheel drive mode I was surprised to find out that mine didn't work. Took it into the shop and was told that the transfer casing and transmission need to be replaced. So I took it to the dealer I bought the jeep from. I let them repair my transfer casing and was told because I didn't have the exact same tires on the vehicle that is what caused the transfer casing to fail. The tires were the same size on the front and rear just different brands. They told me that I didn't have a problem with the transmission. I then picked the jeep up and the roaring sound came back so I took it to the dealer to see what they thought the noise was I was told at that time that my front differential was bad and needed to be repaired and that the rear differential was also bad, but being I had that work done at a independent shop I had to take it back to them to fix the rear and then took the jeep back to the dealer to have them do the work on the front. I am in the process of taking the jeep back to the dealership because my jeep is now pulling to the right. I was able to drive my jeep for a week. I really have not had my jeep since january I really think that daimler chrysler knows there is a problem with the 1998 jeep grand cherokee and I hope that something will be done about.

Filed Aug 4, 2001 · Transmission · CA

The transmission in my jeep began making noises when decelerating. The dealer found bearing parts, and bearing casings in the transmission pan, and told me the transmission needs to be replaced. This isn't necessarily a safety issue, but I see so many reports of 1998 jeep transmission problems, how do I know mine is not defective as well ? I have consulted an independant transmission specialist. His opinion states that this trasnmission should not have failed like this with at 43000 miles.

Filed Jan 22, 2000 · Transmission · GA

Automatic transmission failed at 50k. Rebuilt. Still slips. Serviced 2nd time.

Filed Dec 18, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Exhaust manifold has a leak in it, transmission was replaced last month and is slipping all over again. Dealership had my truck for three days and did not fix I'm in the process of bring it to another dealership.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Engine · NC

Vehicle has experienced continued engine/electrical/transmission failure on several occasions, repairs on four occasions did not rectified failure. (attorney for consumer) mjs

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed. Yh

Filed Jun 23, 1998 · Transmission · MI

Drove vehicle on a few errands, next day went to drive the vehicle and found there was no reverse, replace transmission.

Filed May 6, 1998 · Transmission · IN

Was trying to reverse vehicle but gear did not engage due to defect in a part within transmission, causing erractic operation. No warning was given of defect. Dealer will replace transmission.

Filed May 5, 1998 · Transmission · IN

Transmission failed to go into reverse.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported February 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.
Risk
Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. Daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on march 22, 2002. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V053000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

9 of 1,027 owner complaints about the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (1%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Stalling 67Fuel gauge 47Slipping 18Premature wear 17Grinding brakes 16No deployment 15Fire or smoke 15Rollaway 15Brake failure 13Fuel pump 13Jerking 13Whining noise 13Loss of power 9Sudden acceleration 9Check engine light 8Tire blowout 8ABS 7Engine failure 7Knocking 7Headlights 7Adaptive cruise 6Airbag light 6Door locks 6Steering lock-up 6Fuel leak 5Pulling 5Wipers 5Won't start 5

All model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

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