1998 Jeep Wrangler Problems
- Complaints
- 265filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,990miles, 76 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 15 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about this model year are dominated by two long-running themes: intermittent instrument-cluster failure (gauges dropping out, airbag light staying on) and frame rust starting inside the boxed frame rails. Cooling-system parts (water pump, radiator), a cracking 4.0L exhaust manifold, refueling that spits fuel back out, and seat belts that do not retract come up repeatedly as well, usually on high-mileage, older vehicles.
- Electrical system
Gauges drop out, airbag light stays on
- 71 complaints (27%)
- median 63,950 mi at 8.4 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 16 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2021
Owners describe the speedometer, tachometer and other gauges falling to zero while driving, often together with the airbag warning light coming on. Some say hitting the dash, restarting the engine or honking restores them for a while. Complaints mention bumpy roads and damp or hot weather as triggers, and dealers variously reported corrosion on the instrument cluster, a short wiring harness, or replaced the ignition switch or turn-signal switch without a lasting fix. Reported from very low mileage up past 100,000 miles, often recurring intermittently over years.
What to check: Drive it over rough pavement and watch whether the gauges flicker or the airbag lamp lights; ask whether the cluster or wiring harness has already been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Intermittently airbag light comes on RPM and speedometer gauges fail sometimes all gauges fail.... Sometimes when I honk my horn they come back up ... This has been going on for years... Very dangerous because I do not know how fast I am going... Took it to the mechanic replaced my ignition switch...2 days ago and last night the problem appeared again.. Doesn't matter what speed I am going gauges will fail.”
NHTSA complaint #10389864, filed 2011-03, 120,000 miles“My gauges on the dashboard consistently go to 0 while driving my 1998 Jeep Wrangler. My speedometer,tachometer, battery status, oil, and engine temp all go to the left and the red airbag light comes on. This especially occurs while driving over bumps. It is a huge safety concern because I never know how fast I am going, when I need gas, or if my air bag will deploy in my face or if it will deploy in the event of an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162936, filed 2006-07, 90,000 miles - Body and structure
Frame rusting through from inside out
Mentioned in 16 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the boxed frame rotting through, particularly around the rear control-arm mounts and the section ahead of the rear axle, with owners reporting holes and crumbling metal. Several say the rust starts inside because water and dirt get in and cannot drain away, and some report the vehicle failing state safety inspection or needing a frame repair or replacement. Repair-shop and dealer opinions cited in the complaints range from patch work to recommending a frame swap. Mostly reported on vehicles past 70,000 miles, often described as visible only after years of use, including low-mileage garage-kept examples.
What to check: Inspect the frame rails closely with a light and pick, especially around the rear control-arm brackets and any drain holes; ask whether the frame has been patched, coated or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Noticed a noise while driving home the other day thought it may have been my exhaust rattling around, so I got under vehicle to inspect the noise, and what I found was that the rear part of the frame has rusted away and the brackets for the rear trailing arms had detached from the frame allowing the arms to drop, and on this particular side the brake lines are attached to this control arm. …”
NHTSA complaint #10573095, filed 2014-03, 112,000 miles“Due to excessive rot that is common on this vehicle, while traveling I hit a bump and snapped my driver side control arm. This consequently made for a dangerous ride. While attempting to repair it I noticed how bad the frame was rotted, but unlike normal circumstances where the outside and inside would have equal corrosion. The inside was rotted much worse, and parts of the frame easily crumbled.”
NHTSA complaint #10713501, filed 2015-04, 99,945 miles - Body and structure
Seat belts don't retract or lock
- 9 complaints (3%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2016
Complaints describe front seat belts that fail to retract, get caught in the door and fray, or retract too far and will not pull out. Some owners report the belt does not catch when pulled quickly. One complaint notes the shoulder turning loop getting wedged between the door frame and seat; dealers in the sample said the repair would be at the owner's expense. Reported from very low mileage up to about 120,000 miles, in one case most noticeable in cold weather.
What to check: Pull each belt out fully and let it retract, and give it a quick tug to confirm it locks; ask whether the shoulder-loop anchor recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Gen3 seatbelts in my 1998 Jeep Wrangler do not retract properly. Either they don't retract enough, causing them to be caught in the door (thus fraying the belt), or they retract too much and won't release, preventing me from using the belt. This is an ongoing problem which I have noticed from the day I bought the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10000757, filed 2003-01, 27,500 miles“Passenger seat belt fails to retract, also gets caught in door jam.. Exhaust manifold cracked. Water leaks inside onto passenger floor board. Gauges fail/airbag light comes on. Catylist converter failed. Throtle postioning sensor failed. These incidents have appeared over the past 6-12 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10058808, filed 2004-02, 75,000 miles - Engine cooling
Cracked exhaust manifold / snapping bolts
- 22 complaints (8%)
- median 50,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2012
Owners report a cracked exhaust manifold, often at the weld joining the pipes, producing a ticking or rushing-air noise and some loss of power. Some also describe exhaust manifold bolts snapping off in the cylinder head. Complaints mention manifold replacement, sometimes repeated, and note the noise is heard at idle or while parked. Reported from about 26,000 to 87,000 miles, with one owner noting trouble beginning around 30,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for a ticking or hiss from the engine bay at cold start and look for soot streaks at the manifold; ask whether the manifold or its bolts have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1998 4.0 Jeep Wrangler (49k mi) with cracked exhaust manifold. Have replaced manifold twice, once with oem and the last time with banks header w/lifetime guaranty. Most 4.0 I know have had to replace the header within the first 100k mi. Design sucks...”
NHTSA complaint #10064338, filed 2004-04, 43,000 miles“Exhaust manifold bolts are snapping off in the block of Jeep 2.5 4 cyl engine. This problem is documented by chrysler as a design fault problem but they will not cover it. The problem has not been repaired yet because chrysler will not cover it and it is a very expensive fix that can't be afforded at this time. The problem is also a safety problem due to the fact that the exhaust is leaking from between the manifold and head and could get into the vehicle. The problem was first noticed in about jan 02. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069936, filed 2004-01, 45,000 miles
Buying note. Check the frame for rust before anything else, and confirm the gauges and airbag light behave on a test drive. Ask for records on the instrument cluster, exhaust manifold and seat belts, since these are the items owners most often report.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 265 consumer complaints for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler. 76 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,990 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 16 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 18 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system58 22%
- Engine cooling53 20%
- Air bags46 17%
- Suspension26 9.8%
- Body and structure25 9.4%
- Fuel system20 7.5%
- Brakes19 7.2%
- Seat belts17 6.4%
- Other or unknown16 6.0%
Also reported: Steering (16), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (16), Vehicle speed control (11), Equipment (8), Exterior lighting (5), Tires (4), Wheels (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I was driving and running the heater and noticed a burning smell. I immediately shut down the HVAC unit and smell subsided. I pulled the HVAC head unit out and had a vacuum line and it's insulation melted. This could have caused a fire. The heat and AC now only work on the highest setting.”
NHTSA complaint #10663274, filed 2014-12, 125,000 milesEngine cooling: “I have a 98 tj Jeep 2.5lt with on it 57,000 now. What I experienced was a major power loss in the while getting on the freeway. The symptoms were as follows. The engine would rev up but the rpms & speed would rise slowly. I though maybe the clutch was slipping and pulled off the freeway and drove it back home . I noticed it got worse and the engine was running poorly at idle and if you gave it gas it would bog down and die. I also noticed strong exhaust fumes and very little pressure from the exhaust pipe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073203, filed 2004-05, 56,000 milesAir bags: “Airbag light stays on while driving and the tachometer/ speedometer dropped to zero... All other gauges display properly and I had no power loss.....it was really tense because I did not know how fast I was going down the freeway.... I cannot get this repaired because there is not a code to check (check engine light does not come on) this has happen 5 times since october 2007.... After researching I found that I am not the only one having this problem.....”
NHTSA complaint #10215169, filed 2008-01, 92,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Rear drive shaft sheared in two at a weld joint located between the shaft main tube body and universal joint part. The failure appears to be associated with an improper weld seam (weld on apparently a third of the circumference of the shaft tube appears not to have been completed). I don't know if the welding process was done manually or by machine and if by machine how many other shafts are similarly affected. I will mail a more complete copy of a write-up of the incident as well as photographs (I sent chrysler. …”
NHTSA complaint #10563546, filed 2014-02, 145,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
26% of the 76 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 106,132 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Jeep Wrangler version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 98V048000Mar 12, 1998Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1998, Cherokee 1998
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The front seat belt shoulder turning loop anchors were not properly heat treated and are not properly hardened.
- 98V023000Feb 10, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1998, Cherokee 1998, Grand Cherokee 1998
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
Recall details for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 18 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10175510Mar 4, 2020Equipment. DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Jeep Wrangler
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 1,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 73 | 300 | 4 | — | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 749 | 14,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 372 | 13,000 | 14 | — | 20 | 51 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 409 | 17,650 | 15 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 957 | 20,000 | 15 | — | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 617 | 2,500 | 12 | — | 20 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 746 | 4,500 | 9 | — | 20 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 1,827 | 6,200 | 14 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 311 | 23,700 | 5 | — | 18 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 462 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 479 | 37,476 | 3 | — | 18 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 658 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 18 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 656 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 836 | 42,000 | 9 | — | 18 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 485 | 50,510 | 10 | — | 17 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 686 | 45,699 | 10 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 372 | 51,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 873 | 62,000 | 7 | — | 18 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 558 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 730 | 36,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 650 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 192 | 46,192 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 98 | 26,898 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 108 | 60,499 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 170 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 251 | 91,912 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 64,425 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 265 | 73,990 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 401 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 202 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 151 | 121,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 108 | 96,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 77 | 137,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 76 | 110,500 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 79 | 110,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1988 | 50 | 98,261 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 246,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Jeep Wrangler model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Jeep Wrangler?
Complaints about this model year are dominated by two long-running themes: intermittent instrument-cluster failure (gauges dropping out, airbag light staying on) and frame rust starting inside the boxed frame rails. The issues reported most often: Gauges drop out, airbag light stays on; Frame rusting through from inside out; Seat belts don't retract or lock.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA recorded 265 consumer complaints for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 58 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 53.
Has the 1998 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Jeep Wrangler get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Jeep Wrangler reported?
Among the 76 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,990 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 106,132 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.