1985 Jeep Wagoneer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT ON STEERING SHAFT ALLOWS THE CONNECTOR ON THE SHAFT TO SLIP. STEERING MOVEMENTS WILL NOT BE TRANSMITTED TO THE GEAR BOX.
What could happen:
The fix: THE VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE UPPER PINCH BOLT WILL BE TIGHTENED IF NECESSARY AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V122000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT ON STEERING SHAFT ALLOWS THE CONNECTOR ON THE SHAFT TO SLIP. STEERING MOVEMENTS WILL NOT BE TRANSMITTED TO THE GEAR BOX.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE UPPER PINCH BOLT WILL BE TIGHTENED IF NECESSARY AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBO DIESELENGINES.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING SHAFT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROLWITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
2. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL HAVE THE MODULE PROPERLY SECURED IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V138000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL HAVE THE MODULE PROPERLY SECURED IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V-6 ENGINES.SYSTEM: ACCELERATOR; PEDAL ASSEMBLY.DECRIPTION OF DEFECT: VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY SECURED PLASTIC MODULE (ECELL TIMER) THAT COULD DROP DOWN AND BECOME JAMMED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDALASSEMBLY PREVENTING THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULDOCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
What could happen: THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
The fix: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V106000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Consequence: THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER BRAKES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.1 LITER TURBO DIESEL ENGINE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1985 Jeep Wagoneer owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
05/05/1999 · Fuel system
FUEL SENDING UNIT WHICH IS ATTACHEED TO TOP OF THE GAS TANK DOES NOT REGISTER ON THE DASH. SENDING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, JEEP/CHRYSLER CANNOT LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART. ON THE INTERNET THERE WERE TWO LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT HAD IT LISTED. WHEN CALLED, THEY DID NOT HAVE IT IN STOCK. THERE ARE NO AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS FOR FUEL SENDING UNIT,…