1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems: 4 Known Issues
1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear-Mounted Fuel Tank Rupture and Fire Risk in Rear Impacts (Recall 13V-252 / Campaign N45) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls27 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
AIR BAGS
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY). THE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS COULD OVERHEAT.
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: Rear-Mounted Fuel Tank Rupture and Fire Risk in Rear Impacts (Recall 13V-252 / Campaign N45), Body/Unibody Rust-Through — Rocker Panels, Rear Wheel Arches and Floor Pans, 4.0L Oil Filter Adapter Housing O-Ring Leak (Frequently Misdiagnosed as Rear Main Seal). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear-Mounted Fuel Tank Rupture and Fire Risk in Rear Impacts (Recall 13V-252 / Campaign N45). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Grand Cherokee issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear-Mounted Fuel Tank Rupture and Fire Risk in Rear Impacts (Recall 13V-252 / Campaign N45), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rear-Mounted Fuel Tank Rupture and Fire Risk in Rear Impacts (Recall 13V-252 / Campaign N45)?
For the ZJ (1993-1998) Grand Cherokee, Chrysler mounted the plastic fuel tank behind the rear axle with little rear-structure protection. NHTSA and the Center for Auto Safety documented that these vehicles were far more likely to suffer a fatal post-crash fire in rear impacts. Re… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Body/Unibody Rust-Through — Rocker Panels, Rear Wheel Arches and Floor Pans?
ZJ (1993-1998) and especially WJ (1999-2004) Grand Cherokees in salt/rust-belt climates are notorious for corrosion of the rocker panels, rear quarter/wheel-arch lips, floor pans and rear cargo area. Because these are unibody structures, the rot is both cosmetic and structural, a… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1994-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L Oil Filter Adapter Housing O-Ring Leak (Frequently Misdiagnosed as Rear Main Seal)?
The 4.0L inline-six routes oil through an aluminum oil-filter adapter housing bolted to the block; its O-rings harden and leak with age, dripping oil down the rear/side of the block. Because the oil migrates rearward, it is very commonly misdiagnosed as a rear main seal or oil-pa… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 1994-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Blower Motor Resistor Failure — HVAC Fan Works Only on High Speed?
The HVAC blower-motor resistor on 1994-1998 ZJ and 1999-2004 WJ Grand Cherokees commonly burns out, leaving the fan working only on the highest setting (which bypasses the resistor). A worn blower motor drawing excess amperage cooks the resistor, and the connector often overheats… Repairs typically run $40-$250. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.