1998 Jeep Wrangler Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 265 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 2% of the 265 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 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.
“I have had numerous times that my gauges just stop working and then one day I went to drive it and I had no turn signals or brake lights. It is in the mechanic shop as we speak. They have found the electrical connector under the left side of the dash has completely melted and all the wires have fused together. I was very lucky that it didn't catch on fire. Now the other problem is finding the part my mechanic has tried everywhere to fin it. So now my Jeep is just sitting in the shop going on three days now until a part can be found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10487420, filed 2012-12, 138,000 miles“Vehicle was experiencing an erratic instrument cluster, and air bag light operation. Intermittently while driving instrument cluster, speedometer and tachometer rolled back to zero, and the air bag warning light came on. Also, at 82,000 miles left turn signal engaged when the brake pedal was depressed, and at 78,000 miles when driver's side door was opened while the truck was still running the defroster light came on. Dealership had not been contacted. Consumer took vehicle to two Jeep dealers and said that they're aware of the problem and many customers have experienced the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10061182, filed 2004-04, 78,000 miles“The contact stated the following components failed intermittently, the airbag light illuminated, the speedometer and the tachometer showed no reading. The vehicle does not have to be in motion for the problem to occur. The contact believes the problem may be related to the clock spring, although the vehicle has not been inspected by a local dealer. The turn siganl would not cnacel, the dealer repalced the turn signal switch. Uypdated 03/28/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10149515, filed 2006-02, 60,000 miles“2/10/98 - 1046 miles: rear window leaked, and both brakelight housings leaked. The radio also stopped working. 7/30/98 8988 miles: the air bag light came on, and the speedometer, odometer, and tachometer stopped working. 12/30/98 15,000 miles - front drivers side seatbelt stopped retracting.”
NHTSA complaint #701768, filed 1998-12Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 9 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 9 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 10 | 2% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 2% |
| 2010 | 25 | 4% |
| 2009 | 9 | 2% |
| 2008 | 20 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
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