The air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The interior gauges for the dashboard lights appeared on and remained on as well. The gasoline gauge and the speedometer were inoperable. This caused poor visibility to the driver. The consumer drove to the dealer and after inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic informed the consumer that the dashboard panel needed to be replaced and the clock spring for the air bag. Please provide additional information.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Vehicle was experiencing an erratic instrument cluster, and air bag light operation. Intermittently while driving instrument cluster, speedometer and tachometer rolled back to zero, and the air bag warning light came on. Also, at 82,000 miles left turn signal engaged when the brake pedal was depressed, and at 78,000 miles when driver's side door was opened while the truck was still running the defroster light came on. Dealership had not been contacted. Consumer took vehicle to two Jeep dealers and said that they're aware of the problem and many customers have experienced the same problem. Also, they said that it was a defective electrical connector.

- Charleston, SC, USA

1998 Jeep Wrangler, 4.0L. These two issues are on service bulletins, but should be recalls. The first issue occurred as my wife was driving when the valve springs snapped, stopping the car in the middle of the interstate. Discussed in detail on service bulletin 182298, initially issued before I even purchased my car. It was very frustrating to find out that Jeep was aware of such a dangerous issue and did nothing to prevent such failures from occurring. The second is a very widespread and documented problem when the main instrument cluster spontaneously stops working, including the speedometer, odometer, air bag indicator, fuel gage, oil gage, etc... discussed on service bulletins, 081599 I believe. You cannot tell your speed, how much gas you have, etc... another implication is that the odometer is incorrect on many Jeep.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

While driving at any speed operating instruments on the dashboard do not work. Also, air bag warning light stays on all the time, and speedometer is inoperable. Manufacturer and dealer had been informed of the problem. While this condition persist the odometer does not record mileage and the air bags may be inoperative in a crash.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

Periodically the dashboard gauges cut out and do not function. At the same time the air bag light goes on. Per discussion with a dealer, if the airbag light is on the airbag will not properly function.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

Dashboard instrument panel failure.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

Wiring harness for dash, both hazard-blinker-headlights, burning plastic smell, could not locate, ended with smoke rolling out of steering column when when we started the engine, luckily, we pulled the fuse that powered it out of fuse box to enable us to return home--70 miles away, with no lights, blinkers, etc. Called dealer, wanted $400+ to look at it, and asked about the erratic dash odometer activity. We took it to a local repair shop, and was told that it would have damaged the complete electrical system in dash had we not removed the power to the harness. Melted harness nearly completely. Erratic gauge operation still a problem, if you hit a bump they come back on. They still want 400+ dollars to look at it at the dealer. This is only one of many problems (converter replaced by dealer 2 times already in 1 and half year, brakes don't engage properly-had brake lines checked repeatedly, etc).

- Clarksville, TN, USA

All dash gauges are malfunctioning, including speedometer and tackometer, causing engine to cut off.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

Problem 1: instrument panel shuts down and airbag light comes on. Problem 2: when turning the steering wheel it makes a sqeaking or grinding like noise.

- San Clemente, CA, USA

No gauges are working and air bag light comes on contacted dealer said they had the same problem with three other Jeep already!

- Big Lake, MN, USA

As I have read mentioned by others at this website, about a year after I bought the Jeep, my dash gauges would go down to zero and the airbag light would go on. This problem is a winter and wet-whether related problem. If I pound on the dashboard with my fist, sometimes the gauges will recover temporarily. If they do recover, they almost immediately go back down to zero. I spoke with a dealership about the problem. They acted surprised. I see from other peoples comments that their are numerous other occasions of this problem. I thought I was alone with this problem until earlier today when a mechanic friend of a friend mentioned someone else with the 1998 Jeep Wrangler has the exact same problem. I need a response from the government. Has there been a recall issued on this? I have also had my catalytic converter "crumble to pieces" according to a local garage. He seemd to think that there was a recall on the catalytic converters. I am at a loss as to how to find out if there indeed has been a recall. Please contact me.

- Long Valley, NJ, USA

Since date of purchase instrument panel becomes inoperable, and airbag light comes on intermittently. Dealer has been contacted.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

Failure of instrument cluster (dealer says due to faulty design of harness. Manufacturer has noticed and redesigned for new vehicles, service bulletin issued by manufacturer. However, since my vehicle is out of warrenty (>3yrs ownership) I will have to pay for replacement of wiring harness (despite fact that manufacturer has admitted harness failure was due to improper design) - I am not very happy about this and intend to follow-up.

- Evergreen, CO, USA

Control panel instrumentation system components sporadically shut down and air bag light comes on while driving.

- Amelia, OH, USA

Gauges on insterment panel will go out and then the air bag light will come on. This have happened repeteadly.

- Fort Gordon, GA, USA

Brake rotors had to be re-finished after only 8000 miles. I question the quality of materials Chrysler is using. Steering wheel rubbing: Steering column would make a rubbing noise every time it was turned. Did this even on the initial test drive new off the lot. They said it was a simple lubrication issue. 2 weeks later, the noise was back. I brought it in a total of 6 times before the problem was finally resolved, apparently with some new super slick polymer and only after I personally called the factory to get advice. Other issues: Driver's seat creaks like an old tractor. They couldn't fix it. I had the problem with the gauges on my dash going off. They knew what that was and dixed it. Exhaust manifold went after only 12,000 miles (more substandard parts used by Chrysler). This is why I hesitate to buy american.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Greenville, TX, USA

The vehicle has developed an odor associated with leaking anitfreeze. 3 different trips to make repairs, no action on first trip, second trip, dealer replaced thermostat housing, third trip, dealer replaced radiator. Vehicle still has odor at different times. Seat belts have been replaced 3 times on right hand side and once on left hand side due to belts getting pinched in hardtop doors and damaging belts. Belt on right hand has had failure of seat belt inertia lock during hard stop. Electrical system: Airbag light illuminated at various times, and at the same time the speedometer and tachometer failed momentarily. Fix was to clean and grease connectors. System is starting to repeat same problem, and dealer cannot find a problem. Steering column lower bushing has developed noise, after rain or onset of cold weather. Dealer states fix is to lube bushing, but problem persists after 4 dealer visits. Rear axle seals on left hand and right hand were leaking, resulting in rear wheel lockup with moderate brake application on damp pavement or sandy road surfaces. Dealer replaced both seals, but nothing was said about possible brake lining contamination or cleaning. Vehicle has had repeated water leakage from around windshield on left and right hand sides, right hand hardtop door hinge attach bolts, thru seals on cowl and around doors. Dealer has replaced all seals, rtv'd gaps, and installed updated door seals, but vehicle still leaks. Also, carpets were water damaged in front passenger area due to water leakage from vehicle body and airconditioning system. Vehicle has been kept for up to two days on two different occasions for water leaks and multiple repair complaints.

- Greenville, TX, USA

Waterleaks on passenger side, dealer can not fix.....gears grind going from 1st to 2nd...airbag light comes on, intsrument panel fails, dealer has fixed once

- Raleigh, NC, USA

In damp conditions, this car is unsafe, will loose power on highway after rain and even from evening dampness the electrical system will shut down

- Swampscott, MA, USA