1989 Jeep Wagoneer
Only 11 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 11 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
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE ABS PUMP HAD NOT OUTPUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061106
2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE IN REVERSE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WHICH CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20010807
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: seats.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF PARKING GEAR INTO REVERSE, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960910
SAFETY TIMELINE
FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES
THERE MAY BE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATION FROM CONDENSATION FORMATION THAT CAN PLUG THE ABS BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP FILTER; STRESS CORROSION OF THE MASTER CYLINDER SNAP RING HAS BEEN TRACED TO CHLORINE LE
Remedy: REPLACE ABS LOW PRESSURE HOSE; REBUILD MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER; INSPECT, SERVICE INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS, AND REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 91V003000 — check if this car was fixed
MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Campaign 90V177000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR WHICH COULD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ABS AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PU
Campaign 96V260000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Jeep Wagoneer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V003000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V177000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V260000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 Jeep 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 1989 Jeep Wagoneer?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.