RoadVitals

1998 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
34
Latest Feb 23, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
9%
of 398 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 34 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 34, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Feb 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AREA OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE, THE CHECK ENGINE, MULTIPLE GAUGES, AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED RANDOMLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD INSPECT AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10956533
Incident
Feb 16, 2017
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2015

MY JEEP IS LOSING SPEED AND STALLING .I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED SENORS AS WELL SPARK PLUGS WIRES AND ROTOR CAP BUTTON ETC IT IS STILLSTALLING OUT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10705281
Incident
Apr 6, 2015
Mileage
13,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN DECREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND ALL OF THE GAUGES REGISTERED AT ZERO. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. UPDATED 4/13/15*CN THE BCM WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. UPDATED 04/21/15*JB

NHTSA ID
10684141
Incident
Jan 7, 2015
Mileage
300,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

NHTSA ID
10631070
Incident
May 14, 2013
Mileage
146,000 mi
Body & structureEngineFuel system+1 more
Filed Apr 19, 2012

I JUST FOUND OUT I HAVE A CRACKED MANIFOLD, MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS BROKEN PUT A NEW PART IN IT AND NOW THAT IS BROKEN,I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN IT WITH ONLY 148,000.00 MILES. IN 2006 I HAD TO FIX THE GAS TANK BECAUSE IT WAS BROKEN TOO. IS THIS NOT A RECALL PROBLEM????? ANY OF THESE, I HAVE HAD THE JEEP SINCE 2000 AND I BOUGHT IT WHEN IT HAD 20,000 MILES ON IT. PLEASE HELP BECAUSE THIS IS 2012 AND I ONLY HAVE 156,000 MILES ON IT NOW. THANK YOU. *JS

NHTSA ID
10455791
Incident
Apr 12, 2012
Mileage
156,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 20, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE COIL WIRE AND THE PCM MODULE WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE IS BEING DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,000.

NHTSA ID
10289146
Incident
Oct 8, 2009
Mileage
94,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2008

MY 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE 4.0 LITER 6 CYLINDER ENGINE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN OIL PRESSURE DROPS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR WARMS UP. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED AND THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER UNIT REPLACED AS A PRECAUTION. MY MECHANICS ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. LOOKING TO THE INTERNET FOR HELP, I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AT HIGH SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE FAILURE CAUSING A FIRE OR ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10239090
Incident
Aug 20, 2008
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE IS IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND THE RPM'S INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO BACKFIRE. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD LOSE POWER, BUT REMAINED RUNNING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 98V023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 101,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
10193840
Incident
Jan 13, 2006
Mileage
70,000 mi
EngineTransmission
Filed Oct 16, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, A RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN 04/06. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN 05/06. A RECALL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WAS RECEIVED ON 09/09/06, WHICH PERTAINED TO THE POWER TRAIN: CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) AND INSPECTION OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ON 09/11/06, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS MADE PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, AND THE REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM WAS DENIED. UPDATED 10/31/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10170945
Incident
May 5, 2006
Mileage
121,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2003

MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN EXHAUST MANIFOLDS INSTALLED IN THE LATE 90'S TO 4.0 LITER ENGINES ON JEEP PRODUCTS.*MR *CB THE CONSUMERS SECOND VEHICLE A JEEP WRANGLER HAD THE SAME EXHAUST MANIFOLD PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10037871
Incident
Mar 4, 2002
Mileage
64,099 mi
AirbagsEngineInterior & seats
Filed Aug 22, 2003

INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY LIKE THE SPEEDOMETER. ALSO, GASOLINE/OIL PRESSURE GAUGE ARE NOT WORKING, AND AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10034412
Incident
Aug 22, 2003
Mileage
106,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2003
Fire reported

WHILE IN THE HOUSE FOR TEN MINUTES THE JEEP CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENGINE. THE HEAT WAS SORT OF INTENSE WHICH MELTED THE PAINT TO THE HOOD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE HOOD BY THE MECHANIC. *AK

NHTSA ID
10031476
Incident
Jul 28, 2003
Mileage
80,000 mi
EngineTransmission
Filed May 27, 2003

THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BECAUSE THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD TO BE CHANGED. UPON LEAVING WITH THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE PUT INTO ANY GEAR WITHOUT PRESSING ANY BUTTON ON SHIFTER. *NLM .*AK

NHTSA ID
10021652
Incident
May 26, 2003
Mileage
117,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2002

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOST OF POWER STEERING. TS

NHTSA ID
8023062
Incident
Oct 20, 2002
Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AN AVERAGE OF 100 MILES AT 70-75 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL MISS AND THEN STALL, AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES IT WILL RESTART, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *SLC

NHTSA ID
786425
BrakesEngineSteering+1 more
Filed Jul 10, 2002

CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE EROTORS REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMPLETING THE WORK, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (00V136000) IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE ROTORS. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR MONIES PAID. *JG

NHTSA ID
566602
Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2000

PLEASE NOTE AT THE PRESENT TIME TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS NOT WORKING AFTER APPROX 6 .GASKET CHANGE WATER HOSE ETC

NHTSA ID
733684
Incident
Sep 1, 1999
AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2000

CONSUMER HAD RECALL 00V10500 PERFORMED ON 6-15-00 FOR AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG BEFORE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. ON SEPT.6 2000, CONSUMER NOTICED AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY, CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD ONLY AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WAS FOR SEPT 19,2000. ON SEPT 18,2000, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF RPM'S/SPEEDOMETER, AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON. *AK

NHTSA ID
870810
Body & structureBrakesHeating & air conditioning+3 more
Filed Jul 31, 2000

TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE QUICK CONNECT FITTING FAILED CAUSING LEAKAGE. *MJS

NHTSA ID
553325
Incident
Jul 6, 2000
ElectricalEngineInterior & seats+4 more
Filed Feb 24, 2000

TRANSMISSION CLUNCKS SEVERELY WHILE SHIFTING GEAR. YH

NHTSA ID
551041
Engine
Filed Dec 27, 1999

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SHUTDOWN ON A HIGHWAY WITH SPEED OF 70MPH AND HEAVY TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALES.; DEALER ONE INFORMD CONSUMER THAT ENGINE, PRIMARILY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. BUT PROBLEM REOCCURRED AND ALMOST COMMENCED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION WITH WHOLE FAMILY IN VEHICLE. DEALER TWO CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ID
854431
Incident
Dec 13, 1998
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 1999

THERE IS A TAPPING NOSE NEAR THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. MAY POSSIBLY WEAR OUT THE CAMSHAFT. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE, AND SAID IT WAS NORMAL.*AK

NHTSA ID
852862
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 8, 1999

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. EMISSIONS SYSTEM--VACUUM LINES AND CANISTER.

NHTSA ID
609607
Incident
Dec 4, 1998
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 1999

SUPPORT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE ENGINE HAVE SHEARED OFF. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
841819
BrakesEngineInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Apr 15, 1999

AT 11,029 FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED, SWAY-BAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED, EXHAUST HANGER WAS REPLACED, DRIVERS SEAT SQUEEKED (FIXED UNDER RECALL), AND EXTERIOR DOOR BUTTON BROKE. NOW, AT 27,098 ROTORS AND PADS NEED REPLACED AGAIN, TRANSFER CASE AND FRONT DIFFERENTAL INPUT SHAFT LEAKED AND REPAIRED.

NHTSA ID
705664
Incident
Jun 17, 1998

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .