Jeep Wrangler / 1998
1998 Jeep Wrangler problems
Owners have filed 401 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 15% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 14.5%.
Complaints401
Crashes28
Fires9
Injuries19
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 15.0% · 60
Engine and engine cooling 14.5% · 58
Air bags 11.5% · 46
Power train 8.7% · 35
Suspension 6.7% · 27
Structure 6.2% · 25
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.5% · 22
Seat belts 4.2% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 28 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 19 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 35 model years of the Jeep Wrangler in this data, 1998 sits 22nd by complaint volume. 2018 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,300 miles.
In owners' own words
Intermittently airbag light comes on rpm and speedometer gauges fail sometimes all gauges fail.... Sometimes when I honk my horn they "come back up"... This has been going on for years... Very dangerous because I do not know how fast I am going... Took it to the mechanic replaced my ignition switch...2 Days ago and last night the problem appeared again.. Doesn't matter what speed I am going gauges will fail. Electrical system · reported at 120,000 miles
Instrument panel gauges and lights go off intermittently when using turn signal. Blower power failed altogether (mechanic found burned out wiring harness under dashboard.) Air conditioner failed --evaporator and compressor. Water leaks on passenger side from front windshield (windshield was replaced twice at dealer but failed to fix problem.) Rear center break light wire failed. Hood latch broke off. Electrical system · reported at 72,046 miles
While driving at any speed operating instruments on the dashboard do not work. Also, air bag warning light stays on all the time, and speedometer is inoperable. Manufacturer and dealer had been informed of the problem.*Ak while this condition persist the odometer does not record mileage and the air bags may be inoperative in a crash. *Nlm Electrical system · reported at 40,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…