1998 Jeep Cherokee Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 13%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,124miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 13% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,124 miles. 15 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11292524, filed 2020-01, 230,000 miles“Got in the vehicle to go to an appointment, and the airbag warning light was illuminated. Also, I no longer have cruise control, or the use of the horn. I was told by chrysler that there may be a future recall on the clockspring mechanism that controls these items. I was also told that while it is highly unlikely, there is a chance that the airbag could inadvertently be deployed for no reason. I am still waiting for a recall to begin. The part to repair the car is over $250. I am still driving the car as I am on social security and can't afford the parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721233, filed 2015-05, 189,500 miles“I was on my way to work headed south on I-69 in fort wayne, indiana. I had just passed the indiana state road 14 underpass when a semi truck tire and rim (the whole thing) came off a semi truck and rolled across three lanes of traffic where my Jeep hit it. It hit the front passenger side of my Jeep. Directly in the front but the right half of the bumper/front end. The tire then went under my car where it forced me to slide in to the cement median in the middle of the highway hitting my driver side front bumper at about 35 miles an hour or so. My airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10671740, filed 2015-01, 231,000 miles“Instrument panel does not work properly like the speedometer. Also, gasoline/oil pressure gauge are not working, and air bag light is on. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10034412, filed 2003-08, 106,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10919288, filed 2016-10, 198,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V105000Apr 11, 2000Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Water and/or road salt in the proximity of the air bag control module could lead to corrosion.Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1997–1999
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 6% |
| 2021 | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 | 7 | 2% |
| 2019 | 42 | 3% |
| 2018 | 16 | 2% |
| 2017 | 26 | 2% |
| 2016 | 31 | 2% |
| 2015 | 41 | 2% |
| 2014 | 49 | 2% |
| 2001 | 21 | 9% |
| 2000 | 26 | 7% |
| 1999 | 38 | 10% |
| 1998 | 52 | 13% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 26 | 6% |
| 1995 | 41 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 2% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTires
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology