Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2002 to Dec 2002
The most reported issue is power train problems (459 complaints). 213 complaints involved crashes. 18 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V252000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E026000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E022000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
NHTSA Campaign: 07E104000
Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E011000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
NHTSA Campaign: 00V136000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Risk: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
NHTSA Campaign: 02V053000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
Risk: INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 98V023000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR DIAPHRAGM CAN SPLIT OR TEAR.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE BOOSTER DATE CODE AND ANY BOOSTERS WITH THE SUSPECT MANUFACTURING DATE RANGE WILL BE REPLACED.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1558)
Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Within three weeks of installing new Hankook Optimo 724 tires, your driver's side rear tire failed catastrophically at 60 mph on the interstate. The tire's inner and outer walls separated, causing it to fall apart while driving. The tire manufacturer offered only 50% credit toward a replacement, but you were able to return the tires to Walmart under their guarantee and replace them with Goodyear tires instead.
Parts you may need:
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Your Jeep sometimes stalls at traffic lights and occasionally stops completely while driving, causing all electrical systems to go dead before restarting on its own. A diagnostic check showed no error codes, and replacing various sensors hasn't resolved the issue, though the problem hasn't occurred when the mechanic test-drove it. This intermittent stalling has been happening on and off for a couple of months. The fix will likely involve further electrical diagnostics to identify a connection, battery, or alternator issue that's not being detected by standard diagnostic equipment.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →2 issues
Your rear tires became out of round and separated from the tread after only about 200 miles of use, causing your vehicle to wobble increasingly while driving. When you took your vehicle to Walmart where the tires were purchased, they confirmed the tires were defective. The manufacturer directed you to a Goodyear dealer 100 miles away for replacement, but the tires haven't been replaced yet. The fix will involve replacing both rear tires with new ones.
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You purchased Antares Comfort A5 tires (235/70/R16) from Walmart in June 2016, but they arrived already completely bald with the wear indicator bar exposed. Despite the tires having a 60,000-mile warranty, Walmart refused to replace them. The tires failed at around 11,000 miles on your vehicle, which had 113,000 miles at the time.
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your Jeep stalls while driving on the highway, especially after the engine warms up. Sometimes it restarts immediately, but other times you need to wait a while before it will start again. This electrical issue is causing your engine to shut off unexpectedly while you're driving. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the electrical system to find what's causing the stalling, which may include checking the ignition system, fuel pump relay, or engine sensors.
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Your vehicle suddenly shut off while driving at various speeds. A mechanic diagnosed that the main PCM (the car's computer control module located on the firewall) is faulty and needs replacement. Without this repair, your car may continue to stall unexpectedly while you're driving. The fix will require replacing the PCM module.
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your airbag warning light is on, and there's an open recall for your vehicle. You brought it to a dealer for repair, but they refused to fix it because the required part has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This means your airbags may not deploy properly in a crash.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,air Bags →1 issue
Your Jeep's airbags deployed unexpectedly while driving—the passenger airbag deployed when you shifted into gear, and the driver's airbag deployed when you pressed the brake. Your dashboard also displayed a "NO BUS" message, indicating a communication problem. This issue is related to a known recall for corrosion in the airbag module that can cause unintended deployment. The repair has stalled for months with no resolution, and Chrysler says replacement airbags are unavailable.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,wheels →1 issue
While driving on the highway at a normal speed, your Jeep started shaking violently, making it feel like the wheels and steering wheel might fall off. The shaking made it difficult to slow down and pull over safely. This type of severe vibration typically indicates a wheel balance, alignment, or suspension problem that needs immediate inspection.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,structure,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your transmission is shifting between gears on its own without you engaging the shifter, causing it to unexpectedly move into Neutral or Drive while driving—which has put you in dangerous situations. Most recently, your Reverse gear has stopped working entirely. Additionally, your rear passenger doors won't open from the outside, only from inside the vehicle. The transmission issue poses a serious safety risk and should be inspected by a transmission specialist, while the door locks may need repair or replacement of the exterior door latch mechanisms.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel System, Gasoline,engine →1 issue
Your Jeep is stalling at red lights and stop signs, then restarting unexpectedly, and it struggles to slow down smoothly—issues the dealer believes are related to the timing belt and crankshaft sensor. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and you've had to have someone else transport it to the dealership. The timing belt and crankshaft sensor may need replacement or the engine control computer may need to be reprogrammed to properly read the timing signals.
Parts you may need:
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Steering →1 issue
While driving at 70 mph, your front tires shake violently side to side and your steering wheel jerks rapidly with them. Slowing to 40 mph allows you to continue driving. A mechanic found burned lower track arm bearings on both sides of the steering arms and replaced them, but the shaking still happens intermittently. The fix involves replacing the worn steering arm bearings and possibly inspecting related suspension components.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your Jeep stalls out without warning while you're driving at any speed, but it restarts fine once you pull over. This has been happening for years, and replacing the oxygen sensors hasn't fixed it. No error codes show up to help diagnose the problem. The issue likely involves the fuel system, engine control system, or ignition components that need professional diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Trailer Hitches →1 issue
Your 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a safety recall affecting the receiver trailer hitch. This is a known issue that Jeep needs to address to ensure safe towing operation. The manufacturer should contact you about getting this repaired or replaced at no cost.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your vehicle stalls and loses power while driving, which can happen at both slow and high speeds. The issue may be related to a faulty engine control module (PCM), which manages your engine's operation. Getting the PCM diagnosed and potentially replaced should resolve the stalling problem.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →1 issue
When you go over small bumps, your vehicle suddenly shakes very violently, as if it's coming apart. Letting off the gas causes the shaking to settle down. This has happened twice in the last two weeks. The issue likely involves worn suspension components that need inspection and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee shakes and stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds or even when stopped, forcing you to restart the engine to get it running again. Both a certified mechanic and the dealer were unable to find what's causing the problem. The manufacturer won't cover repairs under warranty due to the vehicle's high mileage (197,843 miles). A mechanic will need to diagnose the cause—which could be anything from ignition system components to fuel delivery issues.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel System, Gasoline,structure →1 issue
You own a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was subject to a fuel system safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 13V252000). You tried to participate in Chrysler's buyback program but were unable to complete it because the manufacturer refused and the campaign had expired. You weren't given a case number by any of the representatives you spoke with. The issue may involve a fuel system structural component that could require replacement or repair.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your Jeep is making a loud noise from the front and the suspension feels unstable. Your check engine light, dashboard gauges, and various warning indicators are turning on and off randomly. You've reported these issues to the dealer and manufacturer and are waiting for them to diagnose what's causing these problems. The dealer will likely need to inspect the suspension components, check the engine diagnostic codes, and test the electrical system to find the root cause.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your alarm may go off randomly when the vehicle is parked with the alarm activated. Additionally, your headlights or exterior lights may flicker or turn off while you're driving. This suggests an electrical connection issue between your alarm system and lighting circuits. A mechanic will need to inspect the alarm wiring, battery connections, and light circuits to identify and repair the fault.
Parts you may need:
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