1998 Jeep Wrangler

265 federal complaints (401 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 73 service bulletins
See all 41 model years of the Jeep Wrangler →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD
EPA economy
15 city / 17 hwy
Federal complaints
265
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
60
Engine & cooling
58
Air bags
46
Power train
35
Suspension
27
Body & structure
25
Brakes
23
Fuel system
21
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 57 complaints01 years old: 24 complaints2 years old: 19 complaints3 years old: 24 complaints4 years old: 23 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 14 complaints7 years old: 2 complaints8 years old: 6 complaints9 years old: 4 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 6 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 6 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 6 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 230 of 265 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 4 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 9 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 16 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 11 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 75 of 265 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

60 complaint records6 fire reports
"NO GAUGES ARE WORKING AND AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON CONTACTED DEALER SAID THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THREE OTHER JEEPS ALREADY!*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

58 complaint records
"AIR-CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILURE AIR-CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR COIL FAILURE AIR-CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT LEAKS AND ODORS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Air bags

46 complaint records13 crash reports
"THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. ALL THE OTHER DASHBOARD INDICATORS DO NOT WORK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
98V048000Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE. THE FRONT SEAT BELT SHOULDER TURNING LOOP ANCHORS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND ARE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED.Normally free
98V023000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR DIAPHRAGM CAN SPLIT OR TEAR.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, 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.
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
D-20-02 Rev. A
Mar 2020
EquipmentDIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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 parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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 parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002849
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
1900306
Aug 2006
SteeringSTEERING SHIMMY. *TT
22
Aug 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingREPROGRAM PCM AND INSPECT CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *KB
2301006
Feb 2006
StructurePRIMARY DOOR WEATHERSTRIP WATER LEAK AT A-PILLAR BELT LINE. *TT
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0901004
Oct 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDIRT AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AT REAR MAIN SEAL. *TT
2300504
Mar 2004
StructureSOFT TOP ZIPPER CLEANER AND LUBRICANT - FOR DIFFICULT TO OPERATE WINDOW ZIPPERS. *TT
2400703
Aug 2003
EquipmentHVAC DRIVE WATER LEAKS UNDER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT CARPET. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
2401201
Sep 2001
VisibilityCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE HVAC DRAIN WATER LEAKS UNDER PASSENGER SIDE CARPET. *TT
2302501
Sep 2001
StructureSOFT TOP ZIPPER CLEANER AND LUBRICANT - FOR DIFFICULT TO OPERATE WINDOW ZIPPERS. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
2500401
May 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
180100
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
234199
Oct 1999
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING THE IMPROVED DOOR WEATHER STRIP. *MJS
242199
Oct 1999
VisibilityVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE WATER DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE EVAPORATOR DRAIN TUBE AND ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING WET CARPET OR WATER ON THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR. *MJS
021299
Aug 1999
SuspensionTHIS BULLETIN PERTAINS TO FRONT END ALIGNMENT - ADJUSTABLE / OFFSET BALL JOINTS. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
081599
May 1999
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ERRATIC, INTERMITTENT CLUSTER OPERATION / INTERMITTENT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. *TT
081499
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH VEHICLE START AND STALL OR VEHICLE NO-START. *TT
180799
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherEXHIBITING ERRONEOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE $A8 (P1763) GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR VOLTS TOO HIGH. *TT
210899
Apr 1999
Power TrainVEHICLES EXHIBITING BUZZ, WHINING, OR MOANING LIKE NOISE FROM COLD TRANSMISSION WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS SELECTED. *TT
230999
Mar 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON WATER LEAK DIAGNOSTIC / REPAIR PROCEDURES. *TT
080799
Mar 1999
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) SERVICE. *TT
180399
Feb 1999
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING ERRONEOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE $24 (PO107). *TT
081798
Dec 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
110798
Dec 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingOUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE/BREAK. *AK
210998
Oct 1998
Power TrainA THUMPING OR CREAKING NOISE MAY BE HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL AREA ON ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS. *YC
250298
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC
183298
Sep 1998
StructureSUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC
050398
Aug 1998
Service BrakesEXHIBITING MINOR BRAKE PEDAL PULSTION WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY ROUGH DISC ROTORS. *AK
182898
Aug 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingERRONEOUS MIL WITH DTC $71(PO441) -EVAP PURGE FLOW MONITOR FAILURE DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS DURING THE TEST SEQUENCE. *AK
233698
Aug 1998
StructureINFORMATION TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING WATER LEAK ENTRY POINTS BY HIGHLIGHTING AREAS WHERE LEAKS ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VEHICLE. *YC
030598
Jul 1998
Power TrainA CLICKING NOISE MAY BE PRESENT WHEN CHANGING FROM A FORWARD GEAR TO REVERSE DUE TO POOR FITTING UNIVERSAL JOINT RETAINING STRAPS. *AK
110798
Jul 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingTHE OUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK. *YC
233198
Jul 1998
StructureA SQUEAK OR BUZZ COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. *YC
083398
Jul 1998
Air BagsINFORMATION ON PASSENGER'S AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH WHICH IS LOCATED ON FORWARD END OF FLOOR CONSOLE, AND ALLOWS PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH TO BE DISABLED WHEN CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT DEVICES ARE USED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEATING POSITION. *AK
190498
Jul 1998
SteeringA SQUAWKING OR SCRAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH MAY BE CONFUSED WITH CLOCK SPRING OR STEERING COLUMN BEARING NOISE. *YC
182298
Jun 1998
Exterior LightingINFORMATION ON THE OBD II MISFIRE MONTIOR. *YC
980320240398
Jun 1998
VisibilityA SQUEAKING NOISE MAY BE HEARD WHEN THE SYSTEM MODE IS CHANGED FROM FLOOR TO PANEL OR DEFROST. *YC
182198
Jun 1998
Electrical SystemSERVICE CAUTION ON POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE ( PCM ). *YC
232198
May 1998
SeatsA SQUEAKING NOISE HEARD IN THE FRONT SEAT. *YC

Showing 60 of 73 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Jeep Wrangler →