Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 contact owns a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. Since purchasing the vehicle in 2006, the contact has experienced failures with the power windows. The mirrors are supposed to be programmable. In addition, when he sets the exterior mirrors to a certain position, the setting changes when the unlock button is pressed. The mirrors have to be readjusted every time he enters the vehicle. The dealer has been notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 135,000.
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.
In engageing downward, the right front power window began down and then ratically tilted (approx.) 45 degrees out of track. (forward most aspect of the window up). Noticing this, all movement was stopped, then an upward motion was slowly proposed. The window jumped up, out of the window frame, leaped into the (82204493 mopar) visorshade piercing a hole through the visorshade on the exterior center of the window frame.
I am a friend who will describe the problems that celena has encountered with her Grand Cherokee laredo. The first, she noticed a spraying of oily fluid near the top of the radiator more towards the area near the battery. At that point, she noticed that the interior portion of the hood had some dark oily spot. I has suspicion that it had originated from a leaking 3/8 -1/2" fitting attached to the side of the radiator and leading towards the bottom of the transmission. She brought it in the dealership for an inspection. Master mechanic inspected the suspected area. Due to the fact that the transmission fluid line connects to the radiator to allow the oil to cool or something like that. Anyways, they went ahead and placed teflon tape at the area. Problem #2, I notice some oil on the front driver side floor mat. …
Latest failure is the heater blower motor block connector, this item shorted out causing the smell of burning in the vehicle. Automotive technician at the repair facility stated that they have seen this in other Jeep vehicles. He stated the problem is the connector goes from a 14ga wire on the front side(hot) to a 12ga wire to the components of the vehicle. Jeep has stated they cannot tell if the short is a manufacture related problem, and comments by service managers lead me to believe they lean toward it being a customer problem. Customer/technican assistance at the corprate level will not even investigate/inspect unless there is a flame noted, seems a little late to me!
Dealer sold vehicle with leaking rear seals, defective differential. Noticed bumping and whining noise less than 8 hours after purchase. Sun roof leaked causing the headliner to detach from roof of vehicle. Repaired once-said drain tubes were routed properly. Second time replaced roof-said seals did not match. Rear differential replaced. But did not address leakage around transfer case, seals etc in dec 98. Now it's in the shop again! Gas gauge fluctuates to empty when idling. Transmission slips. Driver seat automatiically reclines and heater does not work consistently.
Consumer heard a pop sound while driving and noticed a crack on inside of passenger front windshield. Dealer and manufacturer hav enot been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
While driving 55-60 MPH the sun roof glass blew off and shattered on the road.manufacturer representative inspected the vehicle. The cause of the problem had not been determined.
While driving, the factory installed sunroof and the piece which held the glass flew off the truck. All the windows including the sunroof were shut. Ph
My outside rear view mirror has turned a gold color and you can not see out of it at night safely.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 1,028 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
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.