1998 Jeep Laredo

▲ Better than typical
1998 Jeep Laredo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:33:54.143Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
33
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 2 complaints 1986 1988: 3 complaints 1989: 4 complaints 1990: 14 complaints 1990 1991: 10 complaints 1992: 6 complaints 1993: 26 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 20 complaints 1996: 47 complaints 1997: 38 complaints 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 1999: 60 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2001: 70 complaints 2002: 80 complaints 2002 2003: 57 complaints 2006: 20 complaints
1986: 2 complaints 1986 1988: 3 complaints 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 14 complaints 1991: 10 complaints 1991 1992: 6 complaints 1993: 26 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 20 complaints 1995 1996: 47 complaints 1997: 38 complaints 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 1999: 60 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2001: 70 complaints 2001 2002: 80 complaints 2003: 57 complaints 2003 2006: 20 complaints
1986: 2 complaints 1986 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 14 complaints 1990 1991: 10 complaints 1991 1992: 6 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 20 complaints 1995 1996: 47 complaints 1996 1997: 38 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 1999: 60 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 70 complaints 2001 2002: 80 complaints 2002 2003: 57 complaints 2003 2006: 20 complaints 2006

1998: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19862
19883
19894
199014
199110
19926
199326
199416
199520
199647
199738
199833
199960
200081
200170
200280
200357
200620

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

45% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing park/neutral start interlock switch and automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-05-19

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-13

Transmission put into park and driver left. It jumped out of park into reverse. Crossed a highway and hit some trees, and ended up in a ravine. No one was in the vehicle at the time .

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-22

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and belts and associated pulleys.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

It first started out as this..

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-27

Also filed under Electrical system

Service brakes

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-04

Exterior lighting

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing switch and high/low beam dimmer switch.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Jeep Laredo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Jeep Laredo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Jeep Laredo is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Jeep Laredo?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Jeep Laredo have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.