1998 Jeep Cherokee Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 12%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 12% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,000 miles. 2 a fire, 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“It started with the lights turning off when I hit a bump. The whole Jeep would go dark. Instrument panel, overhead lights, driving lights, all of them! Then after parking the Jeep, day or night, the alarm system would go off all by itself. The door switches locking and unlocking while I was driving down the road. Then there was the radio that would turn on and off by itself. Then the windows decided to stop going up and down. When I would start the Jeep the instrument panel gauges wouldn't move, turn on. So, I would turn off the Jeep and restart it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746163, filed 2015-08, 120,000 miles“I own a 1998 Jeep Cherokee sport. I noticed recently a wiring problem to both the front door speakers. I called the dealer and they told me it was common for there to be shorts in the wires that go from the body into the door. They said they usually see the failures in the door lock wiring or the power window wiring. The speaker wiring travels the same route into the door. I realize that the power in a speaker wire wont probably cause a fire, but the power window motor is 25 amps and it could cause a major fire in the wiring if shorted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086085, filed 2004-08, 30,000 miles“Air bag light comes on and all gauges stop working-- pressing hard on the face of the gauge cluster or smacking the top of the dash restores everything.. Owned it for 4 years and previous owner said they experienced it before me.. Now it has started a new additional problem, check gauges light comes on and volt meter pegs to the right at 19 volts. Smacking doesn't help this, it just goes away in a few miles...”
NHTSA complaint #10640634, filed 2014-10, 217,000 miles“While driving at any speed most of the dashboard lights stop functioning. Also, air bag light comes on and stays on. After a few minutes everything will return to normal and work again. Dealer informed consumer that the wiring harness under dash needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10048296, filed 2003-11, 126,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V056000Feb 6, 2008U.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…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1994–1998
Related service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 8 | 15% |
| 2021 | 23 | 13% |
| 2020 | 35 | 10% |
| 2019 | 341 | 20% |
| 2018 | 190 | 28% |
| 2017 | 342 | 26% |
| 2016 | 298 | 21% |
| 2015 | 327 | 18% |
| 2014 | 449 | 17% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 19 | 8% |
| 2000 | 44 | 12% |
| 1999 | 26 | 7% |
| 1998 | 47 | 12% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 43 | 10% |
| 1995 | 40 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 4% |
| 1993 | 35 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 7% |
| 1991 | 9 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 3% |
| 1989 | 13 | 7% |
| 1988 | 16 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsAir bags
52 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 28, 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