Three problems related to automatic transmission park/neutral start switch have been reported for the 1998 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Car was in park with emergency brake partially on. Engine was running. Passenger got out and car rolled backwards crashing into a buidling smashing the walls and windows.
While vehicle was in park it jumped out of gear, during idling and started accelerating in reverse, vehicle moved 20 feet before consumer was able to stop all movement. No determination has been made as to the cause of this problem. Consumer stated the vehicle was parked, and she stepped out briefly with door opened, there was a popping sound and vehicle accelerated into reverse at high idle.
The Jeep was in park when I got out to mail a letter. I left my drivers side door open. The Jeep slipped out of park and knocked me down. Next , the open door smashed our mailbox into me. The Jeep proceeded up the street, where I collected myself and ran after it. Fortunately, I was able to jump in and stop it, and no one was behind me. The door was completely wrapped around to the quarter panel because of hitting the mailbox.