1998 Jeep Wrangler Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 9%of 265 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,066miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 9% of the 265 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,066 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“The rust is so bad on the jeeps it's ridiculous it's not safe your going to kill someone when there rear axle shoots out from under them this is a issue you should fix not the consumer I will not be buying this product again if it is my fixed. 98 tj Jeep Wrangler”
NHTSA complaint #10731857, filed 2015-07, 100,000 miles“I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. I've owned my Jeep for 15 years. It has been garage kept. We were changing the shocks a few weeks ago and noticed severe rust damage. The frame is rusting from the inside out. It's severe. Years before I was traveling down a 2 land rd and had to press my brakes harder than I usually would due to a car pulling out in front of me. At that moment I blew a brake line. I could not get my vehicle stopped. Luckily it's a 5 speed. I geared down as fast as I could and managed to pull it off the main road onto a hill to get it stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165433, filed 2019-01, 69,000 miles“Takata recall reporting this in hopes of having the issue resolved by NHTSA or chrysler... I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler and like thousands of others, mine has developed major frame rust. I know this isnt going to be resolved anytime soon, but I need to get mine fixed now. Hopefully if there is ever a recall I can still be apart of it even after mine is repaired. Im going to be having it patched for now as a frame replacement will cost way too much for me at the moment. Myself, along with many others would greatly benifit from this being recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #11005524, filed 2017-07, 176,000 miles“Was told by my mechanic frame is rusting from the inside out, and the frame will fail in the near future. I understand this is a on going problem with Jeep wranglers of multiple years due to the fact there were never drain holes providing drainage for the water, also lack of any rust coating to the inside of frame. In penn. You can not sell a car with frame damage. I'm not sure what I'm going to do.I feel that Jeep should help with the repair or replacement of the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #10489312, filed 2012-12, 72,980 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 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.
- 10220099Nov 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…
- 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 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…
- 10019535Feb 15, 2006Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 7 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 1% |
| 2021 | 18 | 2% |
| 2020 | 17 | 3% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 97 | 5% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 4% |
| 2015 | 22 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 20 | 3% |
| 2012 | 30 | 4% |
| 2011 | 28 | 6% |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 24% |
| 2001 | 38 | 22% |
| 2000 | 56 | 22% |
| 1999 | 21 | 10% |
| 1998 | 25 | 9% |
| 1997 | 29 | 7% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 5 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
58 complaintsEngine cooling
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSuspension
26 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 28, 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