Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 3 MPH, the rear driver side axle fractured causing the contact to crash into a ditch and then a telephone pole. The rear passenger side axle fractured and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and the right shoulder that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Was driving on freeway at 70 MPH, hit a big bump in road and vehicle started to shake violently, at first thought it was a flat tire but after slowing down, the vehicle stopped shaking and could drive normally. That was first incident, since then I've had 8 incidents where the same thing happens between 55 and 70 MPH. It always happens when I hit a bump in road. I looked on line to see if any one else had experienced this death wobble on the Jeep Grand Cherokee larado and found a lot of people have experienced this extremely dangerous and mind numbing experience. Updated 11/12/15
It has happened twice in the last 2 weeks. I go over a small bump and it begins to shake very violently. I let off the gas and it settles down. This is very violent shaking.like the vehicle is coming apart.
The problems that are being recalled on the Dodge durango are the exact same problems that I experienced with my 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee with only 55,770 miles on it. The steering was so sloppy and the vehicle leaned very hard and easily that on a turn, it felt very very dangerous. I got quotes at the dealership which were astronomical, so I decided to look elsewhere. Fearing roll over dangers on this vehicle, I decided to get some front and rear addco sway bars, which at the time were the strongest sway bars. After getting the sway bars via courier, I priced around and took them to four wheel parts located at 2500 marine ave. #1, redondo beach, ca 90278. I explained the problems to them. I explained that I wanted safer shocks and I didn't want the vehicle to roll-over, so they took things apart and found that the tie rods were junk. …
I bought the car from a private seller who cautioned me about a supposed 'death wobble' as I now know it when the car goes over a bump at highway speeds. On my first take on the highway, I hit a small bump going 65 and the car began to shake so violently I thought it was going to break up into pieces. Traffic swerved around me as I veered my car to my left into the grassy median. Luckily there was no accident. I have had several experts observe the front end and replace parts and suggest other parts to replace in order to remedy the situation but no fix has resolved the 'death wobble.' many of these experts have seen this problem before and even told me not to bother spending any more money trying to fix it because I would be, 'throwing money into a bottomless pit.' people have been complaining about this for almost 20 years now and not a thing has been done about it! …
Vehicle makes a knocking noise. Noise appears to be coming from area of front passenger tire area....my mechanic has replaced the shocks, control arm bushings and transmission mount strap and track bar bushings....this has not solved the problem. The Jeep dealership in north charleston, sc has replaced the sway bar links and basically rebuilt the rear end....still knocking persists. Jeep advises noise is normal...I disagree. Jeep worked on this vehicle about 2 years ago...my mechanic in January of 2003. Knocking only occurs over light bumps, roughness in road...or on dirt roads. Knocking especially loud when turning a corner. Would really appreciate any information on this. Also, in mornings especially when cold outside when you put Jeep into reverse a loud whining noise coming from rear. Have had transmission fluid changed, but did not help.
Eletrical, air condition, body noise over all unhappy with vicial evaporator core $1000.00 to repair lights and dash gages do not fuction properly suspicion sqeaks had oiled helped for a day brakes were very quick will not line up if you let go of the wheel it goes straight off the road radio can not be truned up door paniles vibrate left turn light stays on on the dash at all times fuel gage reeds emepty even when full an light is on .
Death wobble: steering wheel and entire front of car shakes or oscillates very badly when traveling between 25 and 50 MPH and hitting a bump or rut in the road. This violent shaking continues until the speed is reduced. This incident has happened to me about 20 times in the last 3 months. According to many reports on the internet, the bad components are the front track arm or bar and the steering damper.
The vehicle was placed in park (or so I thought) and idled backwards over a medican in a parking lot with my two young children in their seats. Fortunately, I caught up to the vehicle, jumped in and put my hand on the brake. I received a letter in March from the manufacturer stating they were aware of the problem and would be recalling the Jeep when the parts were made available. After this incident happened, I contacted the manufacturer and the nearest Jeep dealer and neither were helpful in guiding me to getting this already identified problem. The parts are not available and the vehicle hasn't been formally recalled, I was told. The problem is, my vehicle did roll backwards with two children in it and for a terrible accident to occur is obviously preventable if someone would make the parts accessible and the dealer would provide the service. I am unable to get anywhere on my own. …
Vibration, roaring & rear end noise five weeks after purchasing vehicle. Drive shaft was replaced at 4941 miles. The problem reappeared and the axle assembly was replaced at 13947 miles. Rear assembly replaced again two months later at 16387 miles. Rear end / scraping noise and roaring reappeared. Metal found inside rear differential pan and side berring race damaged. The entire rear end unit was replaced at 28844 miles. Prior to the Jeep being repaired on the previous dates indicated, it was also brought in for similar type problems on 11/12/99 at 25775 miles and 1/24/00 at 28323 miles but was not repaired. The last time it was repaired on 2/9/00, the Jeep was at the dealership for three days and they said there was nothing wrong. However, after demanding that the rear end be checked, they found metal inside the rear differential pan and that the side berring race was damaged.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 1,028 complaints. The component named most often is front (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.