1998 Jeep Wrangler Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 265 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 3% of the 265 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 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.
“Instrument panel gauges and lights go off intermittently when using turn signal. Blower power failed altogether (mechanic found burned out wiring harness under dashboard.) air conditioner failed --evaporator and compressor. Water leaks on passenger side from front windshield (windshield was replaced twice at dealer but failed to fix problem.) rear center break light wire failed. Hood latch broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #10018850, filed 2003-05, 72,046 miles“On my Jeep Wrangler, the HVAC evaporator drain tube has repeatly clogged up, causing condensed water to overflow the HVAC housing, and drain onto the passenger side floor.”
NHTSA complaint #10081095, filed 2004-07, 32,000 miles“1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0l, exhaust manifold crack at 30,000 miles. Jeep/chrysler refused to fix, stating only catalytic converter covered under warranty. Crack occurred in a weld joining the two pipe, almost 3/4 of the way around the pipe, causing cosiderable noise, and loss of power. Guages fail periodically, but come back on there own, after a few minutes. Air conditioner drains onto floor inside vehicle on long drives and can even short out the radio. The steering column also sqeals like an old door when its cold outside.”
NHTSA complaint #10029193, filed 2003-07, 30,000 miles“Chrysler has been contacted about the water leakage. Water will leak into the car on the passenger side when it rains and when you wash it. Also the air conditioning is leaking water under the carpet on the passenger side. I'm thinking it's not draining properly. Chrysler's service dept. Wants nothing to do to help me with these repairs. It has gone to them 4 times for the water leak and it will be going back for a second time for the air conditioner. The electrical problem which was caused by the one dealer I went was fixed by another dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #710749, filed 1999-08“Purchased replacement front ball joints for Jeep Wrangler(1985-1998) from autozone. Noticed that the two parts were different, but the box had the same part number. One fit perfectly, but the other could only be installed in a way that could cause future suspension failure. I went to another autozone store and found the same two different parts marked with the same part number, so it was not an isolated problem. The part number is fa1633.”
NHTSA complaint #10226978, filed 2008-05Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10175510Mar 4, 2020DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use 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, 2019Use 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…
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10016603Aug 4, 2005Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 0% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
58 complaintsEngine cooling
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
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