1998 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

Filed Feb 21, 2012 · Engine · 87,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep wrangler. While parked, the contact heard an abnormal sound from the side of the engine, as if air was escaping through the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that the exhaust manifold was fractured and would have to be replaced. The failure recurred after the repair. The vehicle was repaired a second time. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 95,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact heard a loud rattling noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the catalytic converter was replaced. Recently, the contact discovered a voluntary recall issued by the manufacturer pertaining to the power train control module. The contact was displeased to know the VIN was not included in the recall and ineligible for reimbursement for the prior repair. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. The consumer stated the exhaust manifold cracked on two separate occasions and had to be replaced.

Filed Sep 26, 2007 · Body, Electrical · 25,000 miles · SC

Many problems with this vehicle. Water pump leaked - fixed under warranty, gas tank seal leaked - fixed under warranty, seats ripped - fixed under warranty, suction cup marks on window - fixed under warranty, front stabilizer shock leaked - fixed under warranty, rear window seal leaked - repaired under warranty two times and still leaks, instrument panel fails - out of warranty not repaired, radiator failed - out of warranty fixed at my cost, stabilizer arm failed both sides twice - fixed under warranty once and the out of warranty fixed at my cost, exhaust manifold failed - out of warranty - fixed at my cost, clutch fork failed - out of warranty fixed at my cost, leak under the dash board passenger side - fixed under warranty. Of all the problems above... Loss of instrument panel needs to be fixed by the manufacturer regardless of in or out of warranty. Loss of gauges is a driving distraction and can result in an accident. Jeep needs to address this manufacturing defect as long as this vehicle is on the road.

Filed Aug 11, 2007 · Engine · 78,000 miles · OR · 1 injury

Main exhaust header flange at the collector cracked leading to exhaust gases entering the car.

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Engine · NY

1998 jeep wrangler exhaust manifold cracked. Contacted dealer to check about recall info after repair shop said this was common in 1997 and 1998 wranglers. No such luck. Had it welded at my expense and have since spoken to many other folks having the same problem. Should be investigated.

Filed May 26, 2004 · Engine · 56,000 miles · CA

I have a 98 tj jeep 2.5lt with on it 57,000 now. What I experienced was a major power loss in the while getting on the freeway. The symptoms were as follows. The engine would rev up but the rpms & speed would rise slowly. I though maybe the clutch was slipping and pulled off the freeway and drove it back home . I noticed it got worse and the engine was running poorly at idle and if you gave it gas it would bog down and die. I also noticed strong exhaust fumes and very little pressure from the exhaust pipe. So I took it to the muffler shop for a new catalytic converter and they informed me that I should take it to the jeep dealer. Because in ca there's a federal recall law that states that the dealer must replace the catalytic converter at no cost to the owner if it fails before 80,000 miles regardless if you bought it new or not and mine had 56,000. So I took it to the dealer and they installed a brand new catalytic converter free of charge and labor. The jeeps runs great and the dealership was very nice .they said they have had problems on this with certain models. Hope this helps. Oh if you really want to know if that's the problem just disconnect the exhaust pipe going up to the exhaust manifold real quick and fire it up if it starts right up and has power then you know that's it. But hook it back up don't drive it like that. You might damage the engine. You'll need a 14mm deep socket and some wd40 to removed the 2 nuts on the studs. That's it.

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Engine · 43,000 miles · TN

1998 4.0 jeep wrangler (49k mi) with cracked exhaust manifold. Have replaced manifold twice, once with oem and the last time with banks header w/lifetime guaranty. Most 4.0 I know have had to replace the header within the first 100k mi. Design sucks...

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Engine · 58,000 miles · NC

Intake manifold cracked.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 45,000 miles · ND

Exhaust manifold bolts are snapping off in the block of jeep 2.5 4 cyl engine. This problem is documented by chrysler as a design fault problem but they will not cover it. The problem has not been repaired yet because chrysler will not cover it and it is a very expensive fix that can't be afforded at this time. The problem is also a safety problem due to the fact that the exhaust is leaking from between the manifold and head and could get into the vehicle. The problem was first noticed in about jan 02. The vehicle currently has 54000 miles on it. This vehicle also had a total catalytic converter failure that was covered under the emissions warranty. I feel that this problem with the exhaust manifold should be covered under, the same warranty, especially considering the fact that it was a faulty part design and not wear an tear. Catalytic converter "imploded" all the interior components came loose and began to rattle. It was replaced under the 8 year 80,000 emissions warranty. Supposedly a common problem

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Engine · 50,000 miles · TN

Exhaust manifold cracked in 3 places. The first manifold was replaced by dealer at approximately 35,000 miles. Second manifold is cracked. This seems to be a common defect with jeep wrangler 4.0l years 1997-1998.