Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Exhaust manifold bolts are snapping off in the block of Jeep 2.5 4 cyl engine. This problem is documented by Chrysler as a design fault problem but they will not cover it. The problem has not been repaired yet because Chrysler will not cover it and it is a very expensive fix that can't be afforded at this time. The problem is also a safety problem due to the fact that the exhaust is leaking from between the manifold and head and could get into the vehicle. The problem was first noticed in about jan 02. The vehicle currently has 54000 miles on it. This vehicle also had a total catalytic converter failure that was covered under the emissions warranty. I feel that this problem with the exhaust manifold should be covered under, the same warranty, especially considering the fact that it was a faulty part design and not wear an tear. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact heard a loud rattling noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the catalytic converter was replaced. Recently, the contact discovered a voluntary recall issued by the manufacturer pertaining to the power train control module. The contact was displeased to know the VIN was not included in the recall and ineligible for reimbursement for the prior repair. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. The consumer stated the exhaust manifold cracked on two separate occasions and had to be replaced.
1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0l, exhaust manifold crack at 30,000 miles. Jeep/Chrysler refused to fix, stating only catalytic converter covered under warranty. Crack occurred in a weld joining the two pipe, almost 3/4 of the way around the pipe, causing cosiderable noise, and loss of power. Guages fail periodically, but come back on there own, after a few minutes. Air conditioner drains onto floor inside vehicle on long drives and can even short out the radio. The steering column also sqeals like an old door when its cold outside.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. While parked, the contact heard an abnormal sound from the side of the engine, as if air was escaping through the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that the exhaust manifold was fractured and would have to be replaced. The failure recurred after the repair. The vehicle was repaired a second time. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
1998 4.0 Jeep Wrangler (49K mi) with cracked exhaust manifold. Have replaced manifold twice, once with OEM and the last time with banks header w/lifetime guaranty. Most 4.0 I know have had to replace the header within the first 100K mi. Design sucks...
Exhaust manifold cracked in 3 places. The first manifold was replaced by dealer at approximately 35,000 miles. Second manifold is cracked. This seems to be a common defect with Jeep Wrangler 4.0l years 1997-1998.
As I have read mentioned by others at this website, about a year after I bought the Jeep, my dash gauges would go down to zero and the airbag light would go on. This problem is a winter and wet-whether related problem. If I pound on the dashboard with my fist, sometimes the gauges will recover temporarily. If they do recover, they almost immediately go back down to zero. I spoke with a dealership about the problem. They acted surprised. I see from other peoples comments that their are numerous other occasions of this problem. I thought I was alone with this problem until earlier today when a mechanic friend of a friend mentioned someone else with the 1998 Jeep Wrangler has the exact same problem. I need a response from the government. Has there been a recall issued on this? I have also had my catalytic converter "crumble to pieces" according to a local garage. …
1998 Jeep Wrangler, 4.0l. These two issues are on service bulletins, but should be recalls. The first issue occurred as my wife was driving when the valve springs snapped, stopping the car in the middle of the interstate. Discussed in detail on service bulletin 182298, initially issued before I even purchased my car. It was very frustrating to find out that Jeep was aware of such a dangerous issue and did nothing to prevent such failures from occurring. The second is a very widespread and documented problem when the main instrument cluster spontaneously stops working, including the speedometer, odometer, air bag indicator, fuel gage, oil gage, etc... Discussed on service bulletins, 081599 I believe. You cannot tell your speed, how much gas you have, etc... Another implication is that the odometer is incorrect on many jeeps.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 20% of the model year's 265 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 2 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 Wrangler engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.