Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was a sudden acceleration and the brake pedal failed to respond as a result the contact crashed into a tree. A police report was filed and the contact sustained no injuries. The vehicle was towed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Car amost ran over me, struck another vehicle. Was placed in park and jumped out. Did a moderate amt of damage to the other vehicle. I drove immediately to the dealership. They told me nothing was wrong and it was not the car it was me the driver. Told me the Jeep passed inspection and that I just thought I put it in park. This also happened on 7/1/01 again, however the Jeep was stopped before striking another vehicle. All of this infromation can be verified by a police report and insurance information. This caused a moderate amt of damage. If someone was behind the car, it could have crushed them. I had minor scrapes from trying to get back in vehicle and stop it to avoid a collision. This has cost me an increase in insurance premiums and also a wreck on my record. I have never had any type of accident. This was a very scary incident. …
When shifting forward one position to overdrive without thumb button pressed, shift lever went forward to reverse, causing vehicle to lose control at high speed which resulted in a crash with injuries sustained. This is the second time this happened to the driver. The first incident was aprx 2 months prior and was not reported because driver thought she May have had thumb button pressed in. She changed the way she was shifting to overdrive so that thumb was not resting on button and thought that would solve the problem. Apparently it did not. Vehicle rolled twice as a result of crash. May also be related to intermittent problem of key being stuck in ignition. Solution was to repeatedly press thumb button on shift lever until key would finally release. Please advise owner of any findings.
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 -
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 vehicle was turned on in park; while in park for less than 2 minutes the vehicle went from park to reverse; vehicle was stopped by hitting a tree. Now my trunk is damaged, and my power locks don't work; if I understand correctly there is a federal investigation going on with my particular brand of Jeep; the dealer said they will not fix my Jeep; so what I am suppose to do.
Consumer stopped vehicle and put transmission pawl in park, then she got out of vehicle to close the gas tank door and started rolling on a level surface, and ran over her foot. Also vehicle crashed into another vehicle on the second time that pawl jumped out of park. Dealer was contacted.
While driving at 60 to 65 MPH on wet pavement consumer saw smoke and pulled over. Popped the hood and saw fire coming from the engine. Fire department stated tthat he transmission line popped, causing oil to leak down on the engine and started a fire.
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. .
Vehicle was parked/ running, and the gear slipped into reverse. Started running down road, driver's side door was opened, and door hit a tree and stopped. Dealership was aware of problem.
Transmission complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, 16% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.