Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a sudden decrease in engine rpms and all of the gauges registered at zero. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. Updated 4/13/15 the BCM was replaced. However, the problem continued. Updated 04/21/15
While in the house for ten minutes the Jeep caught on fire. The fire department stated that the fire was associated with the engine. The heat was sort of intense which melted the paint to the hood, making it difficult to open the hood by the mechanic.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal road conditions; the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be towed to an authorized dealer. An authorized technician stated that the failure was contributed to the coil wire and the PCM module which were previously replaced. The vehicle was also towed to an authorized dealer for the identical failure on a separate occasion. The vehicle is being diagnosed for the failure. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 94,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was idling, a rattling sound was heard coming from the catalytic converter in 04/06. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer who replaced the catalytic converter in 05/06. A recall letter from the manufacturer was received on 09/09/06, which pertained to the power train: control module (TCM, PCM) and inspection of the catalytic converter. On 09/11/06, the manufacturer was contacted regarding reimbursement for the repairs made prior to the recall. The manufacturer determined that the recall was not a manufacturer's defect, and the reimbursement claim was denied. Updated 10/31/2006 -
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the front area of the vehicle and the suspension was unstable, the check engine, multiple gauges, and various warning indicators illuminated randomly. The dealer was notified of the failures and the contact was waiting for a response to determine if they could inspect and diagnose the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
I just found out I have a cracked manifold, my driver side door has broken put a new part in it and now that is broken,I have also had to put a new transmission in it with only 148,000.00 miles. In 2006 I had to fix the gas tank because it was broken too. Is this not a recall problem????? Any of these, I have had the Jeep since 2000 and I bought it when it had 20,000 miles on it. Please help because this is 2012 and I only have 156,000 miles on it now. Thank you.
My 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine experiences sudden oil pressure drops. This happens when the car warms up. I've had the vehicle checked and the oil pressure sender unit replaced as a precaution. My mechanics are unable to find anything wrong with the vehicle. Looking to the internet for help, I've found hundreds of people with the same problem. Loss of oil pressure at high speeds could result in engine failure causing a fire or accident.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. When the brake is applied and the vehicle is in idle, the vehicle would jerk and the RPM's increased. The vehicle would also backfire. The vehicle felt as if it would lose power, but remained running. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in recall # 98V023000 (service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum). The current mileage is 101,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off and restarted independently as the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The repairs were unknown but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
The vehicle was serviced because the serpentine belt had to be changed. Upon leaving with the vehicle the consumer noticed that the vehicle could be put into any gear without pressing any button on shifter. .
Engine complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 9% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Cherokee engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Jeep Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.