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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

1998 Jeep Wrangler Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
6%of 265 total for the year
Median mileage
52,023miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 6% of the 265 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,023 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Many problems with this vehicle. Water pump leaked - fixed under warranty, gas tank seal leaked - fixed under warranty, seats ripped - fixed under warranty, suction cup marks on window - fixed under warranty, front stabilizer shock leaked - fixed under warranty, rear window seal leaked - repaired under warranty two times and still leaks, instrument panel fails - out of warranty not repaired, radiator failed - out of warranty fixed at my cost, stabilizer arm failed both sides twice - fixed under warranty once and the out of warranty fixed at my cost, exhaust manifold failed - out of warranty…”

NHTSA complaint #10204168, filed 2007-09, 25,000 miles

“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

“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

“Each time I am on the highway and anywhere within any vicinity behind a truck and any size of debris is thrown up on my windshield....it causes a break. Each time it has broken....this size of rock or debris has been hardly visible to the eye. The very last time was a tiny piece of asphalt and it left the biggest break of all. There is obviously some type of default in the windshield for it to break so easily. I am curious as if there are any other individuals having the same problems. I have spoken with many individuals with jeeps and none have expierenced this type of difficulty.”

NHTSA complaint #706753, filed 1999-05

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
202545%
202461%
202392%
202272%
2021202%
2020335%
2019304%
2018432%
201793%
201661%
201531%
2014132%
2013396%
2012415%
2011143%
2010132%
200982%
2008243%
2007153%
200671%
200551%
200495%
200322%
200233%
2001138%
200062%
1999136%
1998166%
1997215%
199594%
199464%
199366%
199223%
199111%
199034%
198946%
198836%
198738%

Other parts of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler

Electrical system
58 complaints
Engine cooling
53 complaints
Air bags
46 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
33 complaints
Suspension
26 complaints
Body and structure
25 complaints
Fuel system
20 complaints
Brakes
19 complaints
Seat belts
17 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Steering
16 complaints
Vehicle 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 29, 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