Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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. …
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
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.
Liquid fuel blows out of fuel filler pipe while refuelling/cannot properly refuel vehicle. Concern happens every time while refuelling and at any refuelling station. I cannot refuel this vehicle without getting fuel sprayed on me or my clothing; very dangerous.
My Jeep spews out gasoline every time I fill up at the pump. The gas comes from the top of the gas tank, and is a very dangerous hazard. I am still not able to prevent it from happening after numerous tries.
Consumer stated the fuel tank had a cracked which caused fluid to leak out. The dealer was notified. The fuel tank had leaked since the owner purchased the vehicle at 39K miles. The fuel tank overflowed when filled in hot weather. Both the fuel tank nut replacement tank were difficult to obtain due to shortage. The tachometer and speedometer had become inoperative. The service dealer found a poor connection behind the cluster. The throttle sensor did not have a good seal in which moisture had gotten into it. The fuel tank corroded badly and the new tank nut was useless. The consumer replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, and the gas tank. The consumer requested reimbursement. Also the water pump serpentine belt, and battery were replaced.
In November of 2003 my husband bought me a 1998 Jeep Wrangler and about 2 weeks after driving it I discovered that the gas gauge only works when it wants to. So I started doing a little research on line and found out that 98 wranglers had been recalled in the uk for bad gas gauges but not in the us . I was wondering why that is. And apparently there are many electrical problems with the 98s. A bad sending unit might not be a problem to other people but I work construction and spent many nights driving to work in snow storms. When they call you in to shovel snow at 2 am theres not many gas stations open.
Whenever the fuel tank is filled it leaks down off the top of the tank onto the skid plate. With the muffler next to the gas tank this poses a serious fire hazard. The gauges work intermittently, includes: tach, speedometer, temp, oil pressure, fuel, and amp meter. When they stop working the airbag light comes on. Also the cruise control willn't work. The odometer lights up but no mileage is registered.
While traveling at 60 MPH driver felt the engine running real rough and making noise. Driver pulled over, and noticed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Vehicle was towed to dealer for repairs. The fuel pump had only been on the vehicle for 3 week when it failed. The consumer believes napa is manufacturing faulty fuel pumps.
Consumer experiencing ongoing problems with varous parts: 1. Cracked intake manifold; 2. Muffler failed/ replaced;, 3. Water leaking through front windshield moulding; 4. Instrument lights would intermittently go out, and 5. Fuel gauge/sender would not register properly.
Fuel System complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of the model year's 265 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Wrangler fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.