1998 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,402miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 3% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,402 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Dt: the contact stated the right front wheel locked in april 2004. Had to replaced the calipers on 6-22-04. On 9-15-04 had to replace the rotors, the calipers, the seals and the bra because they were burned out. On 9-15-05 the contact was having the same problems. She took vehicle to dealer and they told her the spindle was bad. The service dealership told her if she did not have the spindle replaced she would have the same problems as before. This repair will not be covered under the warranty. Updated 11/4/2005.”
NHTSA complaint #10138381, filed 2005-10, 82,805 miles“Recall 00v136000 repairs have not corrected the recall problem. Rotors have been replaced 3 times since first taken into dealer for recall. Battery failed and was replaced. Dash gauges malfunctioned due to cluster harness failure. The air bag light stays on. Fog lamp switch failed. The front pinion seal was leaking. The buckle for rear middle seat belt broke.”
NHTSA complaint #8011077, filed 2002-06“The car wanders, and loses the ability to steer. The problem is intermittent, and has been for 5000 miles. The vehicle has been back to the dealership 3 times, and repaired twice. It was in an accident, due to the problem, and was inspected, but they found no problems at the time. It's intermittent, they know that but don't care. The dealership/manufacturer refused to work on the car, and the problem still exists to this day. …”
NHTSA complaint #715026, filed 1999-11“While pulling into a parking space steering wheel locked up, and wheels were stuck in direction of parking space. Vehicle was towed to mechanic. They replaced steering gear box.”
NHTSA complaint #8005342, filed 2002-03“While turning left the steering wheel locks prohibiting me from turning. Brought to dealer and after investigating for less than 1/2 hour determined there was no problem. The problem has happened again since service.”
NHTSA complaint #705659, filed 1999-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 6% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 22 | 7% |
| 2019 | 120 | 7% |
| 2018 | 30 | 4% |
| 2017 | 45 | 3% |
| 2016 | 54 | 4% |
| 2015 | 59 | 3% |
| 2014 | 119 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 7% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 37 | 8% |
| 1995 | 22 | 4% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 18 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 7 | 12% |
| 1986 | 2 | 10% |
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 29, 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