1981 Jeep Wagoneer
Only 0 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 0 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 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 13 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
No complaint components on file for this model year.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE TRANSMISSION THROTTLE CONTROL ROD SPRING MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS MAY CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO CLOSE MORE SLOWLY THAN NORMAL. VEHICLES MAY RETURN TO IDLE SLOWLY.
Remedy: EACH END OF THE SPRING WILL BE INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, IF NECESSARY, TO ENSURE CORRECT POSITIONING.
Campaign 81V015000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Jeep Wagoneer — pre-purchase inspection
- Verify recall 81V015000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V178000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
How many recalls does the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.