1989 Jeep Wagoneer Problems
- Complaints
- 11filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 168,388miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and vehicle speed control (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 168,388 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes4 36%
- Engine cooling3 27%
- Seats1 9.1%
Example complaints
Brakes: “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. There was a recall # 96v260000 pertaining to the ABS problem. The manufacturer determined the recall was already performed on the vehicle. However, the contact did not believe the manufacturer statement was correct. The vehicle was purchased in 1995 and the letter was never received by the contact. The vehicle remained at the mechanic shop because the vehicle was not safe to operate.”
NHTSA complaint #10172755, filed 2006-11, 168,388 milesEngine cooling: “When traveling at any speed the vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Also, there is a TSB on the vehicle due to this problem with the crankshaft. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #824160, filed 1998-06Seats: “Driver's side seat broke - only 1/2 the side is now attached, happened while I was getting out of vehicle. Had I been in an accident, I'm sure I wouldn't be here now. Dealer wants $900 to fix. According to auto-parts store, it's common for the seats to break! If this isn't a safety issue I don't know what is! One expects to have to replace certain parts on a used vehicle, but not a seat! The part that anchors the seat in place either has a design flaw, or the parts are stressed and break. I'm very concerned about what may have happened to others.”
NHTSA complaint #705491, filed 1999-04Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 168,388 and 168,388 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Jeep Wagoneer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagoneer Limited 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V260000Dec 27, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Jeep Wagoneer 1989–1991, Cherokee 1989–1991
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 cause pump-motor deterioration.
- 91V003000Oct 2, 1991Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Jeep Wagoneer 1989–1990, Cherokee 1989–1990
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 leaking from the low pressure hydraulic hose which may cause…
- 90V177000Oct 2, 1990Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Jeep Wagoneer 1989–1990, Comanche 1989–1990, Cherokee 1989–1990
Malfunction of fuel injection system throttle postition sensor could cause intermittent high engine idle speed immediately after starting engine.
Recall details for the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer.
Other model years of the Jeep Wagoneer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 25,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 57 | 33,714 | 8 | 4 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 115 | 32,000 | 9 | 4 | 20 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Too new |
| 2022 | 209 | 32,000 | 10 | — | 18 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 1990 | 13 | 109,435 | 5 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 11 | 168,388 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 10 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Jeep Wagoneer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer have?
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer (Wagoneer Limited 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Jeep Wagoneer reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 168,388 miles and the middle half falls between 168,388 and 168,388 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.