Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Rear drive shaft sheared in two at a weld joint located between the shaft main tube body and universal joint part. The failure appears to be associated with an improper weld seam (weld on apparently a third of the circumference of the shaft tube appears not to have been completed). I don't know if the welding process was done manually or by machine and if by machine how many other shafts are similarly affected. I will mail a more complete copy of a write-up of the incident as well as photographs (I sent Chrysler. I contacted Chrysler and they have not followed up on the incident (other than a voice mail acknowledging receipt of a letter from me and they would look into the matter. That has been close to 5 months of no response.
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.
The Jeep was in park when I got out to mail a letter. I left my drivers side door open. The Jeep slipped out of park and knocked me down. Next , the open door smashed our mailbox into me. The Jeep proceeded up the street, where I collected myself and ran after it. Fortunately, I was able to jump in and stop it, and no one was behind me. The door was completely wrapped around to the quarter panel because of hitting the mailbox.
1. The transmission has started jumping in and out of 3rd gear in the 32 to 50 MPH range. Bubbles are present in the fluid indicating a seal is failing. Repair estimate at this time is over $1000. This failure in snowy driving conditions causes vehicle control problems.2. Passenger seat belt retracts intermittently. The passenger will lean forward and back May not notice the seatbelt has not retracted. This can certainly cause serious injury or death in the event of an accident. 3. Sudden acceleration at idle. Vehicle idle will jump from 1.5K to 3K without warning. Obviously a serious safety hazard. 4. Anti-sway bar link failure. This is perhaps the most insidious failure. The stabilizer bar link ball will corrode in the socket and cause it to separate. The rubber boot around it covers the failure. When an emergency turn is required, the Jeep will sway violently. …
Gauges drop off intermittently (sometimes when hit a bump, other times on it's own). Tach and speedometer drop to zero, airbag light comes on. Tapping on panel, lights will go off, then come back on. Very sporadic when it happens--every day for a week or two, then nothing for a couple of days, then for 3 days, etc., etc. Also lose mileage indicator (how many miles were really on it when I purchased it new?!?!?!) seen so many compliants now from consumers, would like a recall!!! Will my airbag work? Don't want to kill anyone to find out!!
First off, my airbag light would come on and then the gauges would shut down. I took the Jeep in once, they said they didn't see any problems and couldn't fix it if they didn't see it. Next, I was driving the Jeep, had stopped to get gas, then started to drive and suddenly, the Jeep no longer would move. There was a horrible smell, and I had to have the vehicle towed at 9 p.m, 6 hours from home. The vehicle is still in the shop, and I don't know when they'll be through with it!!
While vehicle was in park it jumped out of gear, during idling and started accelerating in reverse, vehicle moved 20 feet before consumer was able to stop all movement. No determination has been made as to the cause of this problem. Consumer stated the vehicle was parked, and she stepped out briefly with door opened, there was a popping sound and vehicle accelerated into reverse at high idle.
My wife was shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and the stick shift separated from the transmission. This vehicle has never been driven off road or hard. When we called jim marsh Jeep my wife told them the stick shift came off and the person said "you must have a Wrangler". This has to be more than an isolated incedent. Had we been 4 wheeling some where it could have been a bad accident.
Air bag sensor light illuminated and knocked out digital console readings. Both doors bulked in half due to cold weather, failing to latch shut. Steering box is leaking due to a crack. Last item was replaced three weeks prior to recurring failure. Transmission and torque converter were repaired due to leaking transmission cooler lines.
Consumer was traveling about 70mph and heard loud noise, and back in lifted up. Front had dropped, and driveshaft was defective. Had it towed to dealership, and mechanic told him that crankshaft needed to be replaced. Consumer states drive shaft bounced off of street and hit floor board ripping hole in floor next to driver's foot.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, 12% of the model year's 265 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.