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Vehicle safety record

1998 Jeep Laredo Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Laredo with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (15) and the engine & cooling (4). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 1997 has 38 and the 1999 has 60.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical Laredo year, for its age

#110 most complained-about 1998 vehicle

Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Crashes
9
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

Most common 1998 Jeep Laredo problems

Share of all 33 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

No recalls for the 1998 Jeep Laredo

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Jeep Laredo. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.

What owners say

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33 complaints about the 1998 Jeep Laredo

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Fuel system

Jeep stalls out at any given time. Having to replace gas tank. Inside line for tank has eroded away and plastic flakes clog the line and causes vehicle to dead stop run.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11193435
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep laredo. The contact stated that the driver side door latch fractured and allowed the door to open while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact replaced the latch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10885489
Engine & coolingElectrical systemFire

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, put a new a computer, basically fixed everything, then today it caught on fire . *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10679317
Transmission & drivetrainLights

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jeep laredo. While driving 5 mph, the low beam headlights failed to operate. Whenever the contact attempted to turn on the vehicle, he had to shift into neutral. When parked on a hill, the vehicle rolled intermittently. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 206,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10631864
Electrical system

I had just purchased a lifted 1998 jeep grand cherokee laredo from a private party. When I test drove the vehicle there were no problems. However, on my way home with my new purchase, the vehicle stalled while driving, causing steering and brake failure. I thought maybe it was a fluke but then it happened repeatedly over the next several months. I began switching parts hoping to fix the problem, but to no avail. This is a huge safety concern as my children sometime ride in the vehicle. After hearing of similar...

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instances happening I believe that chrysler has a big problem on their hands. The product has faults and should be addressed by the manufacturer before a costly/ lawsuit/death occurs. I love my jeep, and would like to know what a solution is to fix an inferior product. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10562883
Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

Yesterday afternoon my wife was preparing to run errands when she backed over something in our garage. She pulled the jeep forward, put it in park. She left it running as she got out, and took a couple of steps to the back to find what she ran over. She told me she heard the car rev briefly, then suddenly accelerate towards her. She couldn't jump out of the way and grabbed the door. In a few seconds, she was dragged down the driveway, across the street, across a neighbor's driveway and into his lawn. When she reached ground she dropped and the jeep continued until it reversed into a tree, smashing the rear. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10402013
Steering

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AT 70 MPH. *TR

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10399948
Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

After parking the jeep in my garage, I left it running to check for clearance. After ensuring the vehicle was stopped and in park I exited the car. The car started moving very quickly and the door was bent backwards and then proceeded to hit me and travel about an eighth of a mile before crashing. *Jb

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10150076
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Dt contact stated while driving the speedometer stopped. He took vehicle to a mechanic shop, they stated the computer's dashboard cluster failed, a short was found in the wiring to the speedometer, but the cluster has to be replaced. The dashboard cluster controlled the speedometer, amp gauge, fuel gauge, and oil pressure indicator lights. There was no forewarning. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10141636
Seats & seat belts

Dt: the caller stated driver's seat broke on the left side. When he bought the vehicle whoever had it before held it down with some kind of strap. He was using a coat hanger wrapped through the hole in the bracket and around the bar that moved the seat to hold it down. The hole in the bracket on the floor got bigger and the bolt was able to fit through it. Dealer said he needed to get another seat. Manufacturer said they have not heard anything about the problem. The strap that held the seat when he first bought it lasted until last month. *Ak

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 10134611
Fuel system

Fuel indicator gauge fluctuates between fuel supply and empty, and low fuel alarm activates even when fuel tank is full. Attempted to track actual fuel supply by overhead console display, but that display fluctuates with fuel indicator gauge also. While driving, even with full tank, fuel indicator gauge and low fuel alarm keeps activating. The only time it is possible to be sure of fuel supply is when fuel tank is refueled. Told dealership service department of problem while in for service, but they stated...

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they were not aware of any problem with the fuel indicator gauge. Following this, I wrote daimler chrysler corp. In 2002 informing them that I was having this problem with not only my personal jeep cherokee laredo, but also with the fire department's vehicle. I received a telephone call from daimler chrysler concerning my letter, and they also said they were not aware of any problem. Upon speaking to other owners of jeep cherokees, I have learned that there are others experiencing the same problem, which is not only a source of aggravation, but also a distraction when the alarm activates. One individual I spoke to informed me that when she complained of the problem at her dealership, she was told that when she fuel her vehicle to replace the gas cap and turn it until it clicked 3 times, which is ludicrous. *Jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10100349
AirbagsCrash

While driving the vehicle at 45 mph consumer hit a wooden box head on. Upon impact, neither of the front air bags deployed. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership. *Ak

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10046152
Engine & cooling

WELDS BROKE ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10021380
Engine & cooling

Our jeep cherokee laredo (72994 miles as of yesterday 5/6/03) while driving at any speed, pressure is just lost; no matter how much we press on the gas pedal the speed will just drop down to zero. Then it will take a while to get it to move at all. We had taken it to the mechanic, not being able to pinpoint why (because when we got there it was not doing that) they did a few test and a tune up. After a few days, same things have been happening again. Now when it happens it will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to get...

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it to stay started fully (instead of on/off). We took it to a jeep dealer (salerno duane jeep-eagle), they test drive it and tried everything they could not diagnose the problem. It is very dangerous and scary to drive it and frustrating too because no one seems to be able to pinpoint the problem. Maybe with your help we can get to the manufacturer before it gest worse and the problem can be detected and fixed. Any suggestions will be very helpful and appreciated. You can also contact my husband, excellent occean, at work if necessary: 908-918-9547. Regards, kettly m. Occean

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10018370
Transmission & drivetrain

Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will accelerate and it will be hard for the consumer to get control of the vehicle to deaccelerate. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 8022374
Brakes

Emergency brake shoe lining come off do to corrosion causing the rear wheel to lock up at any speed any condtion. Where is your wistle blower site for mechanic's to report these issues with out jumping threw hoops

Filed Parking brakeNHTSA 760624
SuspensionBrakesEngine & coolingFuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

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. Serpentine belt had to be replaced. Front and rear pads were replaced and front and rear rotors resurfaced. *Tt

Filed Incident Suspension · Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power trainNHTSA 8005817
Transmission & drivetrain1 injury

While my jeep was in park and the motor running, I had to get out of the car, it shifted by itself to reverse, and in trying to stop the car from running into my neighbors house the car rolled over my foot. *Ak

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 758408
Transmission & drivetrain1 injury

After putting vehicle into park and without any indication vehicle started rolling backwards. *Ak *jg

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 894309
Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

While putting vehicle in park and getting out noticed vehicle was rolling backward, and on consumers leg. However, consumers leg stopped vehicle from rolling further. *Ak *jg

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 894232
Transmission & drivetrainCrash

While vehicle was idling and in park it jumped into reverse and started moving backwards, hitting a tree. Vehicle then started moving forward and went into a lake. Note: the vehicle was making a "clunking" noise when shifting from park into reverse.*Ak

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 892990
Lights

While driving about 55 mph at night headlights turn off, leaving consumer blind in dark. Dashboard lights were still on. Consumer drove off road, and moved headlight switch, then started working again.*Ak

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 882519
Fuel system

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 investigation. *Yh

Filed Incident Fuel system, otherNHTSA 873239
Transmission & drivetrain

DIFFERENTIAL.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 609802
AirbagsCrash

While driving 45 mph front end collision occurred and driver's airbag did not deploy. Srs light stayed, illuminated before incident occurred. Repairwork was done. Problem still exists. Provide further information. *Ak

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 843935

Jeep Laredo: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200280062BrakesF
200170021Visibility & wipersF
200081031Engine & coolingF
199960041BrakesD
199833091Transmission & drivetrainD
199738040Fuel systemC
199647050Transmission & drivetrainD
199520023AirbagsC
199416011Transmission & drivetrainB
All Laredo years

1998 Jeep Laredo vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1998 Jeep Laredo3309D
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee1,42910208DCompare
1998 Jeep Wrangler265623CCompare
1998 Jeep Grand Wagoneer411CCompare
1998 Jeep Wagoneer301BCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1998 Jeep Laredo

Does the 1998 Jeep Laredo have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Jeep Laredo right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Jeep Laredo?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (15), engine & cooling (4), fuel system (4).

How many complaints has the 1998 Jeep Laredo had?

33 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 11, 1998 and the latest on April 2, 2019. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1998 Jeep Laredo a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Jeep Laredo year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Jeep Laredo years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1998 Jeep Laredo has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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