1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 33 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
AUTO-TRAN: GAS PEDAL STUCK; ENGINE ACCELERATED IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE MANNER; APPLIED BRAKES; SHUT OFF ENGINE TO STOP VEHICLE; NO PRIOR WARNING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950119
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
BOLT THAT HOLDS STEERING WHEEL HAS LOOSENED, REPLACED BOLT ON STEERING WHEEL. TT THE PIVOT BOLT IN LOWER COLUMN BACKED OUT. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 19951027
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing switch.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ELEC. REAR WINDOW
THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
Campaign 87V178000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V178000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.