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 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. …
1. Fuel injector failed causing the engine to misfire and operate on only 5 out of 6 cylinders. 2. In the same cylinder (#6) rod broke, causing engine to blow and need replacement at only 42,000 miles. 3. Power steering pump almost fell off the vehicle. (most likely due to improper installation after engine rebuild). 4. Brakes constantly squeak or make grinding noise when pressure is applied. When temperatures are below 50 degrees, a high pitched whinning noise is heard from underneath the vehicle. Can only be heard when traveling under 45 MPH - due to road noise masking the sound. (multiple dealers have not been able to determine what the problem is nor be able to fix it, so constantly whines). 5. Fuel gauge fluctuates when 3/4 full (drops to empty and fuel light turns on, then returns to normal reading. Will continue to do this until tank is 1/4 full). …
While driving at different speeds and making slight turns the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will vibrate and bounce. The steering wheel will begin to pull and the front right tire feels like it is coming off or bouncing. I have taken it to the dealer and three independent shops for this problem over a 2 year period. All of have felt the problem and have no idea where it is coming from. I have so far replaced the entire front brake system, all front bushings, shocks, tires, front u bolts, and had the whole system inspected by at least 10 different mechanics. Also the brakes feel like they are riding on a warped rotor. When breaking the pedal pushes back at the driver and makes it very difficult to control the breaking. This problem has also been looked at by the dealer and the aforementioned shops. To date no solution has been found and the problem keeps getting worse. …
I purchased a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee in July 2002 with 30000 miles with an extended warranty. I have two problems to report. Problem 1-- my Jeep only has 44000 miles on it now and my brake rotors are warped. Problem 2--this May sound funny but its true. The 1998 Jeep Grand I have has its spare tire inside compartment above fuel tank. This past winter I tried to remove my spare and found that due to condensation it was frozen to the compartment. Although I did not need it at that time I thought that was strange. Well it just so happens I had to use my spare tire on 5/16/03, when I removed the spare from the compartment there was about 1 gallon of water sitting around the spare. I have no leaks and would like to know if it is a design defect or what can I do to get rid of the condensation build up.
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
When the consumer attempted to brake, the pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. There was numerous repairs that the vehicle needed; the windshield wipers, gas cap(s), new keyless remote and the temperature gauge did not work. Recall# 02V053000. The consumer discovered there was a recall regarding the power assist, the consumer was original told there would be no charge and then later was told the charge would be $400.00.
While making a left turn right front brake hub came off the rotor. The resulted in consumer losing control of the vehicle. Consumer had to continuously pump the brake pedal until the front left brake stopped the vehicle. Dealership replaced the front brake rotors, and hub plate. This occurred due to the defect described in the front brake rotor recall 00V136000, but consumer didn't live in the recall states listed. Separation due to corrosion.
I parked my Jeep in front of the grocery store and left it running. I got out walked around the front to go into the store when I heard a noise. I turned back to the car, opened the passenger door, the car was rolling backward. It knocked me down, and the right front tire ran over my left foot and leg and the toes of my right foot. The car proceded across the street, entered the parking lot of the court house and hit another parked car.
While slowly backing up with trailer attached vehicle suddenly accelerated. Trailer jack knifed and crashed into metal building. Consumer had brakes applied. Then, shifted to drive. Vehicle accelerated to 35-40 MPH ,and headed towards a lake. Consumer shut off engine to stop vehicle. Damage to vehicle was $ 5000.00, damage to building unknown. No injuries.
The transmission is leaking and has a high probability of failing in the next 30 days according to the repair facility. The front disc rotors were just replaced because of warping and shuddering while stopping while stopping at speed over 30 MPH. Ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768318
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 Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 161 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 16% of the model year's 1,028 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (87 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Grand 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 Grand Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 10 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.