1998 Jeep Wrangler power train problems
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Rear drive shaft sheared in two at a weld joint located between the shaft main tube body and universal joint part. The failure appears to be associated with an improper weld seam (weld on apparently a third of the circumference of the shaft tube appears not to have been completed). I don't know if…”
filed Feb 9, 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 15 mph, the contact heard a loud rattling noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the catalytic converter was replaced. Recently, the contact discovered a voluntary recall issued by the…”
filed Jan 30, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Wrangler years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Wrangler | 11 | 17% |
| 2024 Wrangler | 169 | 24% |
| 2023 Wrangler | 49 | 14% |
| 2022 Wrangler | 63 | 16% |
| 2021 Wrangler | 139 | 15% |
| 2020 Wrangler | 47 | 8% |
| 2019 Wrangler | 78 | 11% |
| 2018 Wrangler | 174 | 10% |
| 2017 Wrangler | 50 | 16% |
| 2016 Wrangler | 74 | 16% |
| 2015 Wrangler | 51 | 11% |
| 2014 Wrangler | 88 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.