1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4 recalls, 1028 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V023000 · 1998 · 8,900 vehicles
What's wrong: The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
Why it matters: This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V136000 · 2000 · 589,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V053000 · 2002 · 1,620,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
The 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.
Body & structure, Fuel system Vehicle recall #13V252000 · 2013 · 1,560,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The 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…
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E011000 · 2006 · 7,291 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2006.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #07E104000 · 2007 · 1,657 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) May be seriously injured by shattered glass.
The 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…
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 13 mention a fire, 112 injuries and 24 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (425): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (92), noise or vibration (58).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (152): the most common themes are noise or vibration (30), brake failure / soft pedal (14).
- Fuel system (99): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22), leaks (6), fire / smoke (5).
- Engine & cooling (69): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (31), electrical failure (10), noise or vibration (9).
The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 1028 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 37 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 786). Complaints peaked in 2001 (283 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 105,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (991 complaints, 5 recalls), 1999 (1638 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 1028 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (425), brakes (hydraulic) (152), fuel system (99).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.