1998 Jeep Laredo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Jeep Laredo sits mid-pack among Laredo years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 34, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (35% of the total).
43
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Laredo years?
What are the most common 1998 Jeep Laredo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 15 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN TRYING TO PUT FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION RUNNING, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AT THE TIME. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED AND THE TRUCK KNOCKED DOWN THE DRIVER, AND THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE FUELING PUMP,…”
“IT FIRST STARTED OUT AS THIS.. THE A/C QUIT WORKING ,WINDOWS DON'T ROLL, CLUSTER QUIT WORKING, COMPUTER QUIT WORKING , NO POWER GOING DOWN THE ROAD, AND NOW THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE MY HUSBAND DID A COMPLETE TUNE UP, FIXED THE A/C, THE WINDOWS, CHANGED ALL FLUIDS,…”
“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING IT SUDDENLY TOOK OFF. LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW IN THE PROCESS.*AK THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V053000 REGARDING THIS CONDITION. PHOTOS ATTACHED. FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE WON'T GO OVER 20 MPH AFTER ENGINE IS WARMED. FUEL PUMP REPLACED.…”
“GAS GAUGE WILL SHOW THAT VEHICLE CAN GO 50 MILES, BUT RUNS OUT OF GAS. DEALER IS LOOKING FOR THE REMEDY.*AK VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF GAS AT 1/4 TANK DUE TO FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILURE. THE 96 AND 97 MODELS HAD RECALL FOR EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM THAT 98 MODEL IS EXPERIENCING. THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS…”
“IT FIRST STARTED OUT AS THIS.. THE A/C QUIT WORKING ,WINDOWS DON'T ROLL, CLUSTER QUIT WORKING, COMPUTER QUIT WORKING , NO POWER GOING DOWN THE ROAD, AND NOW THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE MY HUSBAND DID A COMPLETE TUNE UP, FIXED THE A/C, THE WINDOWS, CHANGED ALL FLUIDS,…”
1998 Jeep Laredo — common questions
Is the 1998 Jeep Laredo reliable?
It is close to typical for the Laredo: 43 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Laredo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (15 complaints), engine (4 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Jeep Laredo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Jeep Laredo.
Which Jeep Laredo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laredo years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 2003, 1997. The cleanest record among Laredo years belongs to 1986.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.