1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Grand Wagoneer years?

Grand Wagoneer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Wagoneer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	3	60%	▲ up
Airbags	1	20%	— flat
Electrical System	1	20%	▼ down

Does the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V053000TransmissionFebruary 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 2004

“WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPONIMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 4, 1999 · crash

“WHEN GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, DRIVER WILL GET AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK, AND WHEN TOUCHING ANY METAL PART IN THE VEHICLE CAN GET SHOCKED, AS WELL AS WHEN TAKING THE KEY OUT. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 12, 1998

1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — common questions

Is the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Grand Wagoneer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Wagoneer years to avoid are 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Grand Wagoneer years belongs to 2026.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Grand Wagoneer years?

What are the most common 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer problems?

Does the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — common questions

Is the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer reliable?

Does the 1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

Which Jeep Grand Wagoneer years should you avoid?

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