Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: consumer was driving on two lane road at about 20 MPH. Vehicle in front of consumer stopped, when consumer attempted to stop vehicle brakes did not respond, consumer 's vehicle hit other vehicle in the rear. After accident consumer drove home but still had no brakes, had to use emergency brake to stop. Consumer had mechanic come to her house to examine vehicle. Mechanic found that brake rotors where separated. Consumer done research on internet to find that there was recall 00V136000 on make/ model and year, but manufacture told consumer this vehicle was not included in recall .. Consumer was having problem fixed by replacing rotors. Vehicle was serviced regularly. Consumer believed rotors were original equipment.
Brakes failed at 20 MPH. Rear-ended Volvo station wagon. Was told by mechanic that I needed brakes and rotors replaced. Cherokee had less than 14,000 miles on it. Five months later Jeep recalled rotors. Because I did not have original OEM parts (ie. Rotors) they would not assist me in disputing insurance rate increase or cost of rotor/brake replacements. ***note*** Jeep is on third set of rotors and is in need of yet another as these are warped. And Jeep is not at the 100,000 mile mark yet!
I think my Jeep is remotely bugged somehow, ABS light comes on and my brakes work, ABS light goes out and my brakes make noise and pedal goes down further like I have no brakes. Also, temperature gauge is steady then suddenly it goes up and down. I have checked fluids, had brakes inspected (replaced pads and front rotors) I went to police said they had no way of testing for bugs.
I was traveling on a straight road heading east, I glance off to the left only a glance and as I looked in front of me I could see two cars in front of me one came to a stop to turn and the other notice the unsual stop and stopped. I was behind and had about thirty feet space in front of me to stop. I placed both feet on the brakes and pulled up the hand brakes to stop my Jeep, but it would stop and glided into the rear of the car in front of me who in term hit the car in front of him. Both cars are OK, the first car I hit had a tire on the rear with burst my radiator. The car in front of that car had a little dent on the trunk. I think that this accident could have been avoided because I stud on the brakes and also used the hand brakes. Please advise..
The first incident happen around nov of 2002, while driving on a wet road in tampa, fl, speed about 35 MPH. I was attempting to stop at a stop sign. When I apply my brakes, the rear brakes locked up and I slid through the stop sign, missing two cars. The rear brakes lock up at odd times. The brakes have been replaced and the housing has been cleaned, both drums have been turned. Fluid has been drained from system and replaced with new dot 3 brake fluid. No improvement, brakes still lock up.
The button and spring popped out of the emergency brake lever upon application of the brake. It appears there might have been many similar incidents and possible NHTSA incident number applied for earlier model years. That number 95rv172000 was obtained via internet search of Jeep owner websites and commercial automotive magazine information. The emergency brake is inoperable without the release button, however, at this time the brake is in the released position and vehicle is drivable.
While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer swirled in order to avoid a pedestrian and animal. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a ditch. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. A medical technician was on duty from the ambulance, and examined the driver, who was okay. The vehicle was towed, and totaled by the insurance company.
When it rains brakes become defective and itharder to slow down, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has had a car crash due to faulty brakes. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.
As I have reported, I have had numerous serious issues with this vehicle and I do not feel it is a safe car. This vehicle has also been recalled twice, for front brake rotors and defective air bag module, (replaced and moved from under the passanger seat front to under the console). I have contacted Chrysler corp. With this same information and my feelings that this vehicle is not safe and am awaiting a reply. I do not expect any monetary or new vehicle etc., I'm just reporting the safety problems I have had with this vehicle to any and all agencies to have something on record. I wish to state also that the dealership I bought this vehicle from have been very accomodating and there has never been a problem with them at any time.
Brakes lock up when wet or cold. I have had the master cylinder and proportioning valve replaced in June. 3 weeks later the car was back at a dealership in petoskey, michigan because the brakes locked up again 4 times. They replaced the shoes and turned the drum on the right rear wheel. The warranty service department told the dealership they have had many complaints about this, "tell her to get a heated garage and live with it." any problems you know of with the brakes locking up on Jeep cherokees? I dont' feel safe in this vehicle and if the brakes lock up while traveling at a faster speed in city traffic or on the highway, I dont' think my chances of survival are very good.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
Brake complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 22% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Cherokee brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-136 (rotor, May 10, 2000); NHTSA recall 98V-023 (vacuum, Feb 10, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Jeep Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.