1998 Jeep Laredo
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 14 |
| 1991 | 10 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 20 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 60 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 70 |
| 2002 | 80 |
| 2003 | 57 |
| 2006 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO PARK POSITION & DRIVER LEFT VEHICLE. IT JUMPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. VEHICLE CROSS HIGHWAY & HIT SOME TREES & WENT INTO A RAVINE. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT TIME THE GEAR JUMPED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990722
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 . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990722
12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20110519
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, 20060213
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980311
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IT FIRST STARTED OUT AS THIS..
NHTSA ODI report, 20150127
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, 20140204
6% of complaints: air bags — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20031103
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Jeep Laredo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Jeep Laredo have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.