Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
During normal driving down a mountain road, break pedal went to the floor. Attempts make to pump break with no effect. Emergency brake was pulled with no effect. Vehicle slammed into rock wall and then landed into a 10+ foot ravine. Was informed by mechanic the master cylinder failed which caused a near fatal accident with 5 people in the vehicle. I recently found out there was a recall on a replacement master cylinder for that make a model but cannot verify if this was a replacement part or not. I cannot not find any information with casting numbers of effected parts. Re: the recalled master cylinders it reports the part was affected in cold weather but this happened on a warm summer day. The recall I am referring to was initially reported in 2006. All that happened and the airbags did not deploy. …
Tl* the driver owned a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control engaged when he lost consciousness. As a result, the vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags did not deploy. The driver was killed during the failure and the vehicle was destroyed. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V176000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 74,000. Ma 10/2 the VIN provided is for a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Updated 10/06/15
Consumer's vehicle was hit on the driver side at 45 MPH. The front end of the vehicle was severely damaged yet the air bags did not deploy. When consumer's vehicle was hit on the driver's side, it went off road and hit a tree head-on. Consumer suffered injuries on the neck, shoulder, knee and back.
The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving at 25 MPH. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries to his wrist. Also the consumer suffered injuries to his right knee and side.
While driving vehicle hit a tree at approximately 25 MPH. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The consumer almost went through the windshield as the passenger seat belt came off of its base.
The airbag light started coming on in my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee so I took it to the dealership where I purchased the Jeep.they told me that the airbag module has gone bad . How can that be when I never had to use it? To get that fix it cost $500. I began looking up on the internet to see the cost of it.I looked at autozone website to see how much the part cost upon that I came across a recall for my Jeep. It's for the air bag light on/accidental deployment. I called daimlerchrysler as stated on the recall .they have given me the run around about the recall. I hope someone in your department look into this as soon as possible because this is not very safe. I know im not the only person to complain about the airbag light in this type of Jeep. Please help us before someone get hurt or die. When it's time for the airbag to really work it probably want. …
Our 1998 Grand Cherokee was involved in a head-on crash into a telephone pole on 11/15/98. The vehicle was traveling at a speed of 35-40 MPH. The damage was extensive, resulting in the car being totaled by the insurance company. Both driver's and passenger's air bags failed to deploy. Chrysler was contacted concerning the crash, and would appear to have conducted an investigation. The only contact received was a short letter stating that the vehicle's air bags functioned properly and that the "..threshold for air bag deployment was not met." Chrysler would not provide clarification as to exactly what the threshold for air bag deployment is. It should be noted that police officers, insurance adjuster, and a mr. Perry moore researcher for the usdot, all inspected the vehicle and were completely amazed that the air bags failed to deploy. Pictures can be provided at your request.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH in rainy weather, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guard rail. The contact stated that the anti lock braking system and the air bags failed. The contact also stated that once she crashed, the fuel tank cracked and gasoline spilled all over the highway. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they stated that they could not determine the cause of the brake and air bag failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact called the manufacturer which sent a representative to examine the wrecked vehicle. Lh..updated 10/30/13 updated 10/31/2013
Vehicle was parked at curve, consumer turned engine on, and vehicle was still in park. Vehicle took off backwards, then dashed forward. Vehicle hit a tree ,and almost a pedestrian. Consumers leg was injured.dealer was contacted. Please provide any further information. Upon impacting the tree both the driver and passenger air bags deployed, the driver's side air bag exploded from the force of the driver's impact, the driver sustained serious right hip and right femur fractures. Nlm
Airbag complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 1,028 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 4 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 Grand Cherokee airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 22 crashes, 0 fires and 15 injuries and 1 death to air bags 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.