VIN REPORT

1J4FJ28S5WL2688611998 JEEP CherokeeSE

12of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
11
11 campaigns found
Safety Grade
F
57/100 composite
Complaints
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
28 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

1998 JEEP Cherokee was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 11 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1998 JEEP Cherokee

1998 JEEP Cherokee was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 11 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

  • 11 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
  • High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
12
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
11 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
JEEP
Model
Cherokee
Year
1998
Trim / Series
SE
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 4L
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FCA US LLC
Assembly
TOLEDO, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: TOLEDO, OHIO

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 TOLEDO, OHIO

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

F
Score: 57/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety7/30
Complaint History30/30
75/100Critical
  • Airbag system recall
  • Brake system recall
  • Fuel system recall
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 2 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
High
  • 2 recalls on same component: Fuel System
  • 4 recalls on same component: Electrical
  • 3 recalls on same component: Brakes
  • 2 recalls on same component: Safety Systems

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recalls11

NHTSA Safety Recalls

11 RECALLS
11found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 11 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 11 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

66%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

JEEP Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
82%Poor

JEEP has a below-average recall completion rate (82%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~23 months). Verify completion before purchase.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~23 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
23mo
#08V056000
Jun 2008

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

SummaryU.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING 107 MY 1994-1998 RIGHT HAND DRIVE, 4-WHEEL DRIVE JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, 'CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;' NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;' NO. 111, 'REARVIEW MIRROR;' NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION;' NO. 115, 'VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER;' NO. 118, 'POWER WINDOW SYSTEM;' NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS;' NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION;' AND NO. 301, 'FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.'
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#09E025000
Nov 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SummaryDOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Read full details...
ConsequenceDECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E065000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SummaryCERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#09E012000
Jul 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SummarySABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Read full details...
ConsequenceDECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E022000
Invalid Date

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SummaryCERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E026000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Read full details...
ConsequenceWITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E011000
Jan 2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

SummaryCERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#00V136000
Oct 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

SummaryVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#00V105000
Nov 2000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

SummaryVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. WATER AND/OR ROAD SALT IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD LEAD TO CORROSION.
Read full details...
ConsequenceSUCH CORROSION CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR COULD ALLOW INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#98V023000
Oct 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

SummaryVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR DIAPHRAGM CAN SPLIT OR TEAR.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHIS CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#98V048000
Dec 1998

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SummaryVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE. THE FRONT SEAT BELT SHOULDER TURNING LOOP ANCHORS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND ARE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.
Est. Repair Completion~58%

~42% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
27.8yr open
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
27.7yr open
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
25.8yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
25.8yr open
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
20.6yr open
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
18.2yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

01/02/2006
11 total campaigns
Fuel SystemElectricalBrakesSafety SystemsExterior/Other
6
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
3
Buyback/Refund
3
High-Effort Repairs
8 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

CriticalEGR issue detected

Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$34,354
~$573/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$8,740
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,354 (~$573/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

11 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$5,500
8 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$3,200
Total recommended deduction−$8,700

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 1998 JEEP Cherokee — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS has been repaired
Recall on record for: U.S. DRIVE RIGHT IS RECALLING 107 MY 1994-1998 RIGHT HAND DRIVE, 4-WHEEL DRIVE JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES F
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS has been repaired
Recall on record for: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFT
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBI
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING has been repaired
Recall on record for: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFT
HIGH
Verify recall SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSL
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1J4FJ28S5WL268861. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,380–$1,750/yr
~$115–$146/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
Moderate theft risk: +8% to comprehensive premium 28-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Market & Background Signals

Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance

Moderate
2.1× national average · 23/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:64%of stolen JEEP Cherokees are recovered

JEEP Cherokee has a moderately elevated theft risk (2.1× average).

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

JEEP has been fined $105M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns.

2015$105MFailure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1J4FJ28S5WL268861
Model Year1998
MakeJEEP
ModelCherokee
TrimSE
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)4

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFCA US LLC
Assembly CityTOLEDO
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1J4
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)W
Plant Code (Char 11)L
Sequence (Chars 12–17)268861

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count11
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

1
1
J
2
4
3
F
4
J
5
2
6
8
7
S
8
5
9
W
10
L
11
2
12
6
13
8
14
8
15
6
16
1
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
J
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
FJ28S
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
W
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
268861
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"W" → 1998
Could also be 2028
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 1:52:58 PM.