1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 161about this part
- Share
- 16%of 1,028 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,150miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 161 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 16% of the 1,028 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,150 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During normal driving down a mountain road, break pedal went to the floor. Attempts make to pump break with no effect. Emergency brake was pulled with no effect. Vehicle slammed into rock wall and then landed into a 10+ foot ravine. Was informed by mechanic the master cylinder failed which caused a near fatal accident with 5 people in the vehicle. I recently found out there was a recall on a replacement master cylinder for that make a model but cannot verify if this was a replacement part or not. I cannot not find any information with casting numbers of effected parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10895469, filed 2016-08, 200,000 miles“While driving at different speeds and making slight turns the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will vibrate and bounce. The steering wheel will begin to pull and the front right tire feels like it is coming off or bouncing. I have taken it to the dealer and three independent shops for this problem over a 2 year period. All of have felt the problem and have no idea where it is coming from. I have so far replaced the entire front brake system, all front bushings, shocks, tires, front u bolts, and had the whole system inspected by at least 10 different mechanics. …”
NHTSA complaint #10185148, filed 2007-03, 60,000 miles“I purchased a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee in july 2002 with 30000 miles with an extended warranty. I have two problems to report. Problem 1-- my Jeep only has 44000 miles on it now and my brake rotors are warped. Problem 2--this may sound funny but its true. The 1998 Jeep grand I have has its spare tire inside compartment above fuel tank. This past winter I tried to remove my spare and found that due to condensation it was frozen to the compartment. Although I did not need it at that time I thought that was strange. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018879, filed 2003-05, 40,000 miles“The transmission is leaking and has a high probability of failing in the next 30 days according to the repair facility. The front disc rotors were just replaced because of warping and shuddering while stopping while stopping at speed over 30 MPH. Ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768318”
NHTSA complaint #10007473, filed 2002-10, 59,800 miles“When the consumer attempted to brake, the pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. There was numerous repairs that the vehicle needed; the windshield wipers, gas cap(s), new keyless remote and the temperature gauge did not work. Recall# 02v053000. The consumer discovered there was a recall regarding the power assist, the consumer was original told there would be no charge and then later was told the charge would be $400.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10079733, filed 2004-07, 60,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V136000May 10, 2000Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine…Covers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1996–1998, Cherokee 1996–1999
- 98V023000Feb 10, 1998Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.Covers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1998, Cherokee 1998, Wrangler 1998
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 13% |
| 2025 | 8 | 10% |
| 2024 | 17 | 7% |
| 2023 | 28 | 7% |
| 2022 | 14 | 5% |
| 2021 | 32 | 8% |
| 2020 | 13 | 5% |
| 2019 | 116 | 31% |
| 2018 | 62 | 7% |
| 2017 | 29 | 8% |
| 2016 | 25 | 8% |
| 2015 | 40 | 3% |
| 2014 | 260 | 11% |
| 2013 | 146 | 18% |
| 2012 | 289 | 18% |
| 2011 | 331 | 20% |
| 2010 | 12 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 24 | 3% |
| 2007 | 40 | 4% |
| 2006 | 71 | 6% |
| 2005 | 96 | 5% |
| 2004 | 159 | 12% |
| 2003 | 71 | 9% |
| 2002 | 179 | 12% |
| 2001 | 208 | 24% |
| 2000 | 438 | 30% |
| 1999 | 622 | 38% |
| 1998 | 161 | 16% |
| 1997 | 173 | 17% |
| 1996 | 118 | 13% |
| 1995 | 113 | 16% |
| 1994 | 132 | 22% |
| 1993 | 156 | 28% |
| 1991 | 3 | 50% |
| 1990 | 3 | 60% |
| 1989 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
426 complaintsFuel system
166 complaintsEngine cooling
69 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Jeep Grand 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