Most common 1998 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of the 265 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Wrangler complaints by model year
Best Wrangler years: 2017, 2015. Years to avoid: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2019. Compare all years →
1998 Jeep Wrangler recalls (2)
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The front seat belt shoulder turning loop anchors were not properly heat treated and are not properly hardened.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat shoulder belt turning loop on these vehicles.
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.
What 1998 Jeep Wrangler owners say
Electrical system all 58 →
Purchased my Jeep new in 1998 and I only drove it about 5000 miles per year..in about 2009 I began to have some trouble with the gauges/speedometer..they would stop functioning for periods of time...in about 2010 I there was an odor coming from the vents when I used my heater or ac..each time I took it to the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and the last time I had it checked was the end of September 2011. On November 21, 2011 I was driving to the grocery store with the heater on and smoke started coming out of the vents..I turned off the heater & blower & then saw fire coming out from under the dash on the passenger side. I stopped & tried to put out the flames with my jacket. A lady stopped to help & called 911. …
Wiring harness for dash, both hazard-blinker-headlights, burning plastic smell, could not locate, ended with smoke rolling out of steering column when when we started the engine, luckily, we pulled the fuse that powered it out of fuse box to enable us to return home--70 miles away, with no lights, blinkers, etc. Called dealer, wanted $400.00+ to look at it, and asked about the erratic dash odometer activity. We took it to a local repair shop, and was told that it would have damaged the complete electrical system in dash had we not removed the power to the harness. Melted harness nearly completely. Erratic gauge operation still a problem, if you hit a bump they come back on. They still want 400+ dollars to look at it at the dealer. …
Engine & cooling all 53 →
I have a 98 tj Jeep 2.5lt with on it 57,000 now. What I experienced was a major power loss in the while getting on the freeway. The symptoms were as follows. The engine would rev up but the rpms & speed would rise slowly. I though maybe the clutch was slipping and pulled off the freeway and drove it back home . I noticed it got worse and the engine was running poorly at idle and if you gave it gas it would bog down and die. I also noticed strong exhaust fumes and very little pressure from the exhaust pipe. So I took it to the muffler shop for a new catalytic converter and they informed me that I should take it to the Jeep dealer. Because in ca there's a federal recall law that states that the dealer must replace the catalytic converter at no cost to the owner if it fails before 80,000 miles regardless if you bought it new or not and mine had 56,000. …
Many problems with this vehicle. Water pump leaked - fixed under warranty, gas tank seal leaked - fixed under warranty, seats ripped - fixed under warranty, suction cup marks on window - fixed under warranty, front stabilizer shock leaked - fixed under warranty, rear window seal leaked - repaired under warranty two times and still leaks, instrument panel fails - out of warranty not repaired, radiator failed - out of warranty fixed at my cost, stabilizer arm failed both sides twice - fixed under warranty once and the out of warranty fixed at my cost, exhaust manifold failed - out of warranty - fixed at my cost, clutch fork failed - out of warranty fixed at my cost, leak under the dash board passenger side - fixed under warranty. Of all the problems above... Loss of instrument panel needs to be fixed by the manufacturer regardless of in or out of warranty. …
Air bags all 46 →
I own a 1998 Jeep Wrangler VIN number [redacted] I purchased new on apr 10, 1998 since feb. 1, 2003 the instrument panel has off and on not been working properly . This included all the gauges and air bag indicator. I have take my vehicle to a authorized dealer service shop for repair on 2-6-2003, 10-16-2003 and 5-19-2004. The first two times they said the the instrument panel had corrosion and they sprayed it. The last time they said it was to much corrosion and that I had to pay for replaceing it about $900.00 this vehicle as of this date has only 16076 miles on it. This is very dangerous because I have driven this vehicle when instructment and air bag indicator has stop working. Updated 07/25/2012 * js
Vehicle was experiencing an erratic instrument cluster, and air bag light operation. Intermittently while driving instrument cluster, speedometer and tachometer rolled back to zero, and the air bag warning light came on. Also, at 82,000 miles left turn signal engaged when the brake pedal was depressed, and at 78,000 miles when driver's side door was opened while the truck was still running the defroster light came on. Dealership had not been contacted. Consumer took vehicle to two Jeep dealers and said that they're aware of the problem and many customers have experienced the same problem. Also, they said that it was a defective electrical connector.
1998 Jeep Wrangler engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 18 / 17 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Jeep Wrangler a good car?
Based on 265 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Wrangler rates better than average: 45% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Wrangler at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Jeep Wrangler?
The electrical system — 58 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › interior/under dash. Next are the engine & cooling (53) and air bags (46).
How many recalls does the 1998 Jeep Wrangler have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, the most recent from March 12, 1998 (anchorage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Wrangler?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2019. See the full Jeep Wrangler years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Jeep Wrangler problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.