1998 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 1% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off and restarted independently as the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The repairs were unknown but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10631070, filed 2014-09, 146,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a sudden decrease in engine rpms and all of the gauges registered at zero. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. Updated 4/13/15 the bcm was replaced. However, the problem continued. Updated 04/21/15”
NHTSA complaint #10684141, filed 2015-02, 300,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10956533, filed 2017-02Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2022 | 8 | 15% |
| 2021 | 28 | 16% |
| 2020 | 46 | 14% |
| 2019 | 459 | 27% |
| 2018 | 155 | 23% |
| 2017 | 260 | 19% |
| 2016 | 314 | 22% |
| 2015 | 364 | 20% |
| 2014 | 516 | 19% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 6 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsAir bags
52 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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