FaultScore

FaultScore report

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Owners have filed 1,349 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between 1997 and 2024. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 34 worst.

D

FaultScore 61/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,349

Complaints

194

Crashes reported

18

Fires reported

116

Injuries reported

9 complaints report a death.

105,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

7%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 57 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 12 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 57
Against the median year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1998 compares with every other Jeep Grand Cherokee

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

126 crashes, 2 fires · median 77,000 mi

Brakes 188 13.9%

12 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,800 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 173 12.8%

8 crashes, 6 fires · median 105,000 mi

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 150,000 mi

3 crashes, 2 fires · median 140,000 mi

2 crashes, 3 fires · median 116,000 mi

Steering 41 3.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 123,000 mi

12 crashes, 0 fires · median 139,375 mi

Airbags 36 2.7%

22 crashes, 0 fires · median 98,245 mi

Median failure at 81,350 miles

Suspension 33 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 124,994 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 114,350 mi

Median failure at 72,500 miles

Median failure at 90,200 miles

Lights 18 1.3%

Median failure at 124,450 miles

Seat Belts 17 1.3%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,547 mi

Tires 14 1.0%

Median failure at 96,500 miles

Seats 9 0.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 113,364 mi

Wheels 6 0.4%

Median failure at 150,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 3 0.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 180,000 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch 286 49.1%
Rotor 87 14.9%
Automatic Transmission 67 11.5%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 40 6.9%
Tank Assembly 30 5.2%
Differential Unit 28 4.8%
Body 23 4.0%
Disc 21 3.6%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 0.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 0.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 6 2.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 28 10.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 39 14.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 43 16.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 70 26.3%
150,000+ miles 77 28.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 1997 peak 78 Mar 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA12005 Opened 12 Jun 2012 Closed 14 Nov 2014 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires

ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and...

PE10031 Opened 23 Aug 2010 Closed 14 Jun 2012 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires

NHTSA has conducted extensive analysis of the data regarding fuel tank integrity for the model year (MY) 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC). As a result of that work, the agency has decided to upgrade its safety defect investigation to an Engineering Analysis and to expand the scope of vehicles included in the investigation. NHTSA's assessment of the data collected during this investigation indicates that rear-impact-related tank failures and vehicle fires are more prevalent in the JGC than in the non-Jeep peer vehicles. In addition, the agency's analysis of its FARS data for the peer vehicle...

DP09005 Opened 6 Nov 2009 Closed 23 Aug 2010 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires

In a letter dated October 2, 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.CAS alleged that the subject vehicles have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard in crashes. CAS alleged that the plastic fuel tank's placement behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper, and the lack of adequate shielding, make it more vulnerable to rupture or leakage from a rear-impact by another vehicle (including damage from other components located on the Grand Cherokee), or in the case of roll...

EA02029 Opened 16 Oct 2002 Closed 10 Feb 2004 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

HOOD LATCH FAILURE

ODI OPENED EA02-029 TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND EXISTED IN THE MY 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES.DURING EA02-029, THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC FAILURE MECHANISM IDENTIFIED THAT COULD DIFFERENTIATE THE MY 1997 VEHICLES FROM OTHER VEHICLES CONTAINING THIS SAME HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY OR COULD ACCOUNT FOR THEIR HIGHER COMPLAINT RATE.AS A RESULT, ODI EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES.IN PERFORMING EA02-029, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SOME OF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES IN THE SUBJEC...

PE02045 Opened 17 May 2002 Closed 16 Oct 2002 STRUCTURE

HOOD LATCH

EA01017 Opened 1 Nov 2001 Closed 18 Dec 2002 POWER TRAIN

ROLL-AWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED

DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS RECALLED THE ZJ MODELS TO INCORPORATE A SECONDARY DETENT SPRING INTO THE SHIFTER.EVEN THOUGH THE WJ 6 CYL. VEHICLES USE THE SAME MANUAL DETENT LEVER THAT AS THE VEHICLES IN THE RECALL POPULATION, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE WJ REDESIGNED SHIFTER, WHICH IMPROVES FLOOR SHIFTER FUNCTIONALITY AND ERGONOMICS, HELPS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO THE DRIVER TO INDICATE WHETHER ?PARK? HAS OR HAS NOT BEEN ACHIEVED.ALTHOUGH THE INVESTIGATOR WAS ABLE TO INDUCE A ?FALSE PARK? IN THE WJ PLATFORM FOR 6 CYL. VEHICLES, THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY WAS GREATER THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR ALL ZJ MODELS, AND THE CO...

PE01021 Opened 28 Jun 2001 Closed 1 Nov 2001 POWER TRAIN

INADVERTENT ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE PARK

Recalls on the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

13V252000

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.

09E025000

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.

09E012000

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.

07E104000

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.

06E026000

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.

06E022000

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.

06E011000

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.

02V053000

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2013220 167,318 units in Canada

Structure

Chrysler Canada has determined that an opportunity to incrementally improve performance in certain types of low-speed impacts may exist in certain vehicles. The company will carry out a voluntary customer satisfaction campaign to offer a structural improvement to mitigate the risks of fuel leakage in certain low-speed collisions. Chrysler will inspect the affected vehicles and install a Chrysler trailer hitch if appropriate. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Recall 2002067 100,000 units in Canada

Other

As a Customer Satisfaction Campaign DaimlerChrysler has initiated the following action: With certain Grand Cherokees, 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. Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly.

Recall 2000143 47,393 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles originally retailed in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, the composite front disc brake rotors may fail due to corrosion. The cast iron wear surface may separate from the hub reducing the braking effectiveness of the vehicle. Correction: Front brake rotors will be replaced with rotors that utilize a stainless steel hub section.

Recall 1998036 602 units in Canada

Brakes

THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR DIAPHRAGM MAY SPLIT OR TEAR. A RUPTURED DIAPHRAGM CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: POWER BRAKE BOOSTER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 200,000 miles Middletown, NY 5 injured

AIR BAGS

DURING NORMAL DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD, BREAK PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ATTEMPTS MAKE TO PUMP BREAK WITH NO EFFECT. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED WITH NO EFFECT. VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO ROCK WALL AND THEN LANDED INTO A 10+ FOOT RAVINE. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED WHICH CAUSED A NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT WITH 5 PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON A REPLACEMENT MASTER CYLINDER FOR THAT MAKE A MODEL BUT CANNOT VERIFY IF THIS WAS A REPLACEMENT PART OR NOT. I CANNOT NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION WITH CASTING NUMBERS OF EFFECTED PARTS. RE: THE RECALLED MASTER CYLINDERS IT REPORTS THE PART WAS AFFECTED IN COLD WEATHER BUT THIS HAPPENED ON A WARM SUMMER DAY. THE RECALL I AM REFERRING TO WAS INITIALLY REPORTED IN 2006. ALL THAT HAPPENED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE MASTER CYLINDER AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION RE THE ACCIDENT REPORTS, I AM HAVING A HARD TIME UPLOADING THEM

NHTSA complaint #10895469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Middletown, NY 5 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

DURING NORMAL DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD, BREAK PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ATTEMPTS MAKE TO PUMP BREAK WITH NO EFFECT. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED WITH NO EFFECT. VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO ROCK WALL AND THEN LANDED INTO A 10+ FOOT RAVINE. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED WHICH CAUSED A NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT WITH 5 PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON A REPLACEMENT MASTER CYLINDER FOR THAT MAKE A MODEL BUT CANNOT VERIFY IF THIS WAS A REPLACEMENT PART OR NOT. I CANNOT NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION WITH CASTING NUMBERS OF EFFECTED PARTS. RE: THE RECALLED MASTER CYLINDERS IT REPORTS THE PART WAS AFFECTED IN COLD WEATHER BUT THIS HAPPENED ON A WARM SUMMER DAY. THE RECALL I AM REFERRING TO WAS INITIALLY REPORTED IN 2006. ALL THAT HAPPENED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE MASTER CYLINDER AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION RE THE ACCIDENT REPORTS, I AM HAVING A HARD TIME UPLOADING THEM

NHTSA complaint #10895469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Clarkson, KY Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH AND THEN A TELEPHONE POLE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND THE RIGHT SHOULDER THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10758792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,728 miles Whittier, CA Fire

SEATS

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, UNOCCUPIED AND LOCKED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE SEAT HEATER SYSTEM THAT CAUSED THE SEAT TO CATCH FIRE. INTERESTINGLY, NO FUSES WERE FOUND TO BE BLOWN. THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. IT CONTINUED UP THE DOOR PANEL AND SPREAD TO THE DOOR TRIM, HEADLINER & VISOR. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR WAS SMOKE DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED QUICKLY SO THAT'S WHY THE DAMAGE WAS NOT WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #10722827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 298,000 miles Villa Rica, GA Fire

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DOWNHILL, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 298,000.....UPDATED 07/05/16

NHTSA complaint #10714639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake, MS Crash Fire

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH UP AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND THEN FLIPPED OVER. THE DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10706254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

El Prado, NM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car stalls sometimes at a light. Also stops when driving in traffic and everything goes dead. Then starts up again. Diagnostic check shows everything ok. Mechanic put different sensors in but did not solve problem. It did not stall when mechanic drove it. Has been happening off and on for a couple of months.

NHTSA complaint #11574963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Meeker, CO

STEERING

The contact owns a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front tires started shaking violently to the right and left while the steering wheel followed the rapid jerking movements from right to left. The contact slowed the vehicle to 40 MPH and was able to proceed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local independent mechanic who determined that burned lower track arm bearings on the steering arms left and right needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure still occurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to a second independent mechanic but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11476350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Mclean, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WITHIN THREE WEEKS OF INSTALLING A SET (4) OF THE HANKOOK OPTIMO 724 TIRES, I HAD EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT ~ 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. I AM CERTAIN I AM EXPERIENCED NO HAZARD FOR IT WAS MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE THAT FAILED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE LEFT, REAR TIRE FAILURE ESSENTIALLY FELL APART, HAVING SEPARATED FROM THE OUTER/INNER WALLS. NO PLAUSIBLE REASON OTHER THAN EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY. HANKOOK REPRESENTATIVE COULD ONLY OFFER 50% CREDIT TOWARDS MY NEXT PURCHASE, BUT IT REQUIRED AN HANKOOK AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH WAS INCONVENIENTLY LOCATED. I UTILIZED WALMART'S 100% GUARANTEE, RETURNED THEM, AND REPLACED THEM WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RADIAL P235/75R15 105S OWL HIGHWAY TIRES WHICH HAVE PERFORMED SUPERBLY THUS FAR.

NHTSA complaint #11210683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Johnston, RI

WHEELS

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD GRANDCHILD IN THE BACK WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO DIE! IT LITERALLY FELT LIKE THE WHEELS AND THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL WERE GOING TO ALL FALL OFF! I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE SCARED IN MY LIFE. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SLOW IT DOWN AND PULL OVER TO A BREAKDOWN LANE SO I COULD STOP . I WAS EVEN GOING UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THIS HAPPENED

NHTSA complaint #11204239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Johnston, RI

STEERING

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD GRANDCHILD IN THE BACK WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO DIE! IT LITERALLY FELT LIKE THE WHEELS AND THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL WERE GOING TO ALL FALL OFF! I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE SCARED IN MY LIFE. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SLOW IT DOWN AND PULL OVER TO A BREAKDOWN LANE SO I COULD STOP . I WAS EVEN GOING UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THIS HAPPENED

NHTSA complaint #11204239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,145 miles Longview, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STALLING WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOTICED IT STALLS AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP. SOMETIMES IT STARTS BACK UP, BUT SOMETIMES IT HAS TO SIT A WHILE.

NHTSA complaint #11102578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,200 miles Stevens Point, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED. PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR FIXES THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NO ERROR CODES ARE BEING GENERATED . REPLACED O2 SENSORS AND THIS REMAINS AN ISSUE. LOOKING ONLINE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11102239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,200 miles Stevens Point, WI

ENGINE

VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED. PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR FIXES THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NO ERROR CODES ARE BEING GENERATED . REPLACED O2 SENSORS AND THIS REMAINS AN ISSUE. LOOKING ONLINE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11102239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,200 miles Stevens Point, WI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED. PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR FIXES THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NO ERROR CODES ARE BEING GENERATED . REPLACED O2 SENSORS AND THIS REMAINS AN ISSUE. LOOKING ONLINE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11102239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,778 miles Rogersville, TN

POWER TRAIN

TAKATA RECALL. SINCE OWNING MY 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4.0, I'VE REPLACED NEARLY EVERY SINGLE PART ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED JUST TRYING TO DRIVE IT. THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE FINE 1 MINUTE, THE NEXT IT IS PUTTING ITSELF IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE AND I'VE NEARLY DIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOW, THE JEEP IS CODING MORE CODES THAN EVER. ALSO, AS OF FEW DAYS AGO, I HAVE NO REVERSE IN IT. I NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A SPACE AT THE HOSPITAL WHEN REVERSE DECIDED TO NO LONGER WORK. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THESE ISSUES AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT'S HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE MODELS. ALSO, MY BACK PASSENGER DOORS HAVE DECIDED THEY WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN ONLY OPEN THEM FROM INSIDE. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND I WAS TRAPPED, NOBODY COULD GET IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER BACK 2 DOORS BECAUSE THEY WON'T OPEN. AS FAR AS TRANSMISSION, MAYBE I'LL LIVE THROUGH ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH TRANSMISSION CHANGING GEARS ON IT'S OWN, BUT MAYBE I WON'T EITHER. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11091735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,778 miles Rogersville, TN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TAKATA RECALL. SINCE OWNING MY 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4.0, I'VE REPLACED NEARLY EVERY SINGLE PART ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED JUST TRYING TO DRIVE IT. THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE FINE 1 MINUTE, THE NEXT IT IS PUTTING ITSELF IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE AND I'VE NEARLY DIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOW, THE JEEP IS CODING MORE CODES THAN EVER. ALSO, AS OF FEW DAYS AGO, I HAVE NO REVERSE IN IT. I NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A SPACE AT THE HOSPITAL WHEN REVERSE DECIDED TO NO LONGER WORK. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THESE ISSUES AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT'S HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE MODELS. ALSO, MY BACK PASSENGER DOORS HAVE DECIDED THEY WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN ONLY OPEN THEM FROM INSIDE. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND I WAS TRAPPED, NOBODY COULD GET IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER BACK 2 DOORS BECAUSE THEY WON'T OPEN. AS FAR AS TRANSMISSION, MAYBE I'LL LIVE THROUGH ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH TRANSMISSION CHANGING GEARS ON IT'S OWN, BUT MAYBE I WON'T EITHER. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11091735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,778 miles Rogersville, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY

TAKATA RECALL. SINCE OWNING MY 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4.0, I'VE REPLACED NEARLY EVERY SINGLE PART ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED JUST TRYING TO DRIVE IT. THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE FINE 1 MINUTE, THE NEXT IT IS PUTTING ITSELF IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE AND I'VE NEARLY DIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOW, THE JEEP IS CODING MORE CODES THAN EVER. ALSO, AS OF FEW DAYS AGO, I HAVE NO REVERSE IN IT. I NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A SPACE AT THE HOSPITAL WHEN REVERSE DECIDED TO NO LONGER WORK. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THESE ISSUES AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT'S HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE MODELS. ALSO, MY BACK PASSENGER DOORS HAVE DECIDED THEY WON'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN ONLY OPEN THEM FROM INSIDE. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND I WAS TRAPPED, NOBODY COULD GET IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER BACK 2 DOORS BECAUSE THEY WON'T OPEN. AS FAR AS TRANSMISSION, MAYBE I'LL LIVE THROUGH ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH TRANSMISSION CHANGING GEARS ON IT'S OWN, BUT MAYBE I WON'T EITHER. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11091735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anchorage, AK

TRAILER HITCHES

1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECEIVER TRAILER HITCH SAFETY RECALL. *LD

NHTSA complaint #11056454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles EL Paso, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE WILL STALL AND LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. CAN OCCUR AT SLOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. ONLINE FORUMS HAVE MENTIONED A POSSIBILITY OF FAULTY PCMS.

NHTSA complaint #11023902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles EL Paso, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE WILL STALL AND LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. CAN OCCUR AT SLOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. ONLINE FORUMS HAVE MENTIONED A POSSIBILITY OF FAULTY PCMS.

NHTSA complaint #11023902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles EL Paso, TX

ENGINE

VEHICLE WILL STALL AND LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. CAN OCCUR AT SLOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. ONLINE FORUMS HAVE MENTIONED A POSSIBILITY OF FAULTY PCMS.

NHTSA complaint #11023902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Jefferson Hills, PA

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH ANTARES COMFORT A5 TIRES, SIZE: 235/70/R16 (NA). THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON JUNE 10, 2016 FROM WALMART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE ALREADY COMPLETELY BALD AND THE WEAR BAR WAS SLIGHTLY EXPOSED. THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES HAD A GUARANTEE OF 60,000 MILES. WALMART STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

NHTSA complaint #11010327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles South Jordan, UT

SUSPENSION

IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. I GO OVER A SMALL BUMP AND IT BEGINS TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. I LET OFF THE GAS AND IT SETTLES DOWN. THIS IS VERY VIOLENT SHAKING.LIKE THE VEHICLE IS COMING APART.

NHTSA complaint #10992102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 197,843 miles Albert LEA, MN

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO REGAIN NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND DEALER WHO WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,843.

NHTSA complaint #10986140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 191,000 miles Chattanooga, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MARK III JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN PCM LOCATED ON THE FIREWALL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.

NHTSA complaint #10985759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Park Ridge, NJ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS FOR CHRYSLER'S BUY BACK PROGRAM DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER'S REFUSAL. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COMPLETE THE BUY BACK PROGRAM DUE TO THE CAMPAIGN'S EXPIRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER FROM THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVES WITH WHICH HE SPOKE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10980388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Park Ridge, NJ

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS FOR CHRYSLER'S BUY BACK PROGRAM DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER'S REFUSAL. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COMPLETE THE BUY BACK PROGRAM DUE TO THE CAMPAIGN'S EXPIRATION. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER FROM THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVES WITH WHICH HE SPOKE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10980388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Fernandina BCH, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES AS THE TIMING BELT HAS APPARENT ISSUES THAT MAKE THE MAIN COMPUTER READ IT WRONG FROM WHAT I AM UNDERSTANDING. THE VEHICLE WANTS TO SHUT OFF AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THEN KICKS BACK INTO GEAR. IT SEEMS TO DRIVE BETTER ON A MAIN STRETCH, YET FALTERS AT SLOWING TO A STOP. IT IS AT THE MANUFACTURE NOW AND HAS RECALLS, YET THIS WAS NOT ON THE LIST OF REPAIRS. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE IT IS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITHOUT ME HAVING TO PAY A SERVICE BILL FOR THE AMOUNT THEY ARE WANTING TO CHARGE ME FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE FIXED. THEY MENTIONED THE TIMING BELT AND CRANK SHAFT. IM NO MECHANIC, HOWEVER, THESE ISSUES COULD CAUSE ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. I FEEL IT IS THE MANUFACTURERS OBLIGATION TO SAFETY TO HELP ME TO HAVE THE ISSUES CORRECTED. I HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP FOR ME WITH ME AS PASSENGER. VERY SCARY RIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10944083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Fernandina BCH, FL

ENGINE

BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES AS THE TIMING BELT HAS APPARENT ISSUES THAT MAKE THE MAIN COMPUTER READ IT WRONG FROM WHAT I AM UNDERSTANDING. THE VEHICLE WANTS TO SHUT OFF AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THEN KICKS BACK INTO GEAR. IT SEEMS TO DRIVE BETTER ON A MAIN STRETCH, YET FALTERS AT SLOWING TO A STOP. IT IS AT THE MANUFACTURE NOW AND HAS RECALLS, YET THIS WAS NOT ON THE LIST OF REPAIRS. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE IT IS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITHOUT ME HAVING TO PAY A SERVICE BILL FOR THE AMOUNT THEY ARE WANTING TO CHARGE ME FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE FIXED. THEY MENTIONED THE TIMING BELT AND CRANK SHAFT. IM NO MECHANIC, HOWEVER, THESE ISSUES COULD CAUSE ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. I FEEL IT IS THE MANUFACTURERS OBLIGATION TO SAFETY TO HELP ME TO HAVE THE ISSUES CORRECTED. I HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP FOR ME WITH ME AS PASSENGER. VERY SCARY RIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10944083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1 miles Spokane, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ALARM GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN PARKED IF ALARM SET , LIGHTS GO OUT OR FLASH WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10928938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.