1998 Jeep Wrangler Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 22%of 265 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 22% of the 265 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“Purchased my Jeep new in 1998 and I only drove it about 5000 miles per year..in about 2009 I began to have some trouble with the gauges/speedometer..they would stop functioning for periods of time...in about 2010 I there was an odor coming from the vents when I used my heater or AC..each time I took it to the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and the last time I had it checked was the end of september 2011. …”
NHTSA complaint #10437309, filed 2011-11, 72,000 miles“Ac controls and resistor wiring harness has melted cant get replacement parts from a dealer or salvage yards what am I supposed to do . I think the Jeep Wrangler needs to atleast make a replacement part or fix it on a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10412354, filed 2011-07, 75,000 miles“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 milesRelated 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 | 3 | 25% |
| 2025 | 39 | 53% |
| 2024 | 423 | 56% |
| 2023 | 198 | 53% |
| 2022 | 174 | 42% |
| 2021 | 308 | 32% |
| 2020 | 183 | 30% |
| 2019 | 152 | 20% |
| 2018 | 268 | 15% |
| 2017 | 45 | 14% |
| 2016 | 57 | 12% |
| 2015 | 81 | 17% |
| 2014 | 82 | 12% |
| 2013 | 104 | 16% |
| 2012 | 148 | 18% |
| 2011 | 83 | 17% |
| 2010 | 86 | 13% |
| 2009 | 35 | 9% |
| 2008 | 178 | 20% |
| 2007 | 82 | 15% |
| 2006 | 26 | 4% |
| 2005 | 20 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 9% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 37 | 22% |
| 2000 | 23 | 9% |
| 1999 | 53 | 25% |
| 1998 | 58 | 22% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 6 | 6% |
| 1992 | 6 | 8% |
| 1991 | 7 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 11% |
| 1988 | 4 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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