1998 Jeep Wrangler: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler: 2 recalls, 265 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #98V048000 · 1998 · 2,427 vehicles
What's wrong: The front seat belt shoulder turning loop anchors were not properly heat treated and are not properly hardened.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the front seat occupant May not be properly restrained increasing the risk of serious injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat shoulder belt turning loop on these vehicles.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #04E041000 · 2004 · 80 vehicles
What's wrong: Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between April 27 and May 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 Jeep wrangler. The cockpit cover May not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. As a result, the cockpit cover May not stay latched to the roof rack and could separate from the roof…
Why it matters: Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. Owner notification began June 16, 2004. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (58): the most common themes are electrical failure (23), fire / smoke (7).
- Engine & cooling (53): the most common themes are leaks (13), noise or vibration (9), stalls / loses power (6).
- Airbags (46): the most common themes are warning light on (9), fails to deploy (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (33): the most common themes are noise or vibration (12), hard / delayed shifting (4).
The 1998 Jeep Wrangler has 265 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 37 Wrangler model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 428). Complaints peaked in 1999 (60 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 73,990 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (401 complaints, 3 recalls), 1999 (213 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 18 | 17 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
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 Wrangler.
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 Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, plus 4 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 Wrangler problems?
Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (58), engine & cooling (53), airbags (46).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Jeep Wrangler get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 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.