1989 Jeep Wrangler Problems
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 15 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Jeep Wrangler (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe parking brakes that release on their own after being set, leaving the vehicle to roll, and fuel-system problems such as leaks around the fuel tank sending unit gasket. Reports also cover brake hose damage, stalling and rough running, and seat belt retractor or buckle trouble. Most sampled complaints carry no mileage, but the ones that do range from a few thousand to well over 100,000 miles, so this is largely an older-vehicle pattern.
- Brakes
Parking brake releases by itself
- 7 complaints (11%)
- median 79,000 mi at 14.4 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe setting the parking brake, leaving the vehicle, and finding it has released on its own, letting the vehicle roll backward down a driveway or slope. Several complaints say the vehicle rolled into another car, a tree, or a hill, and note that a later recall for the same parking brake symptom did not cover this model year. Owners report the dealer told them their vehicle was not included. Reported across a wide mileage range, including vehicles around 53,000 and 83,000 miles, and often described as happening while parked on an incline.
What to check: Set the parking brake on a slope and confirm it holds and does not release; ask whether any parking brake work has been done and inspect the lever and release mechanism.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I received a recall notice for my 1993 Jeep Wrangler for a problem with the emergency brake release. We have a 89 Wrangler and this happens frequently. Why isn't it covered under the recall if it's the same brake system? It was released on may and rolled down a steep hill and hit a tree. This is dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10041685, filed 2003-10“The consumer set the parking brake and exited vehicle. Without warning the parking brake released which caused the vehicle to roll backward which resulted in a collision. There was a related recall 02v041000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10017647, filed 2003-07, 83,000 miles - Engine cooling
Stalling, rough idle, and no restart when warm
- 11 complaints (18%)
- typically at 6.8 yrs old
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the engine stalling, idling roughly, and failing to restart for a period after being shut off. Complaints mention repeated carburetor work and diagnostics that did not resolve the problem, with dealers and independent shops unable to pinpoint a cause. Described as ongoing over long periods of ownership rather than tied to a specific mileage.
What to check: Start the vehicle from cold and again after a warm shutdown to check restart behavior, and ask about any carburetor or fuel delivery work already done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle tends to stall and not want to start for at least another 20 minutes I wondered if any of the recalls had not been performed on this vehicle, that would at least give me something to go on as far as trying to fix it, alsohow long are recalls good for after the recall is announced?”
NHTSA complaint #740942, filed 2001-02“In 1993 my car engine caught fire, allegedly due to an unknown reason. I have continually had carburetor problems and have had 2 rebuilt ones and a catalytic converter replaced. I now need a fourth carburetor. Something is wrong and I am concerned that the car will catch fire again.”
NHTSA complaint #700826, filed 1998-11
Buying note. Check the parking brake holding on a slope and inspect the front brake hoses and fuel tank area before buying, and confirm which open recalls for this year were actually completed. Budget for sorting out drivability and fuel delivery on a vehicle of this age, since several owners report unresolved stalling and carburetor work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 24 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jeep Wrangler. 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Fuel system19 31%
- Brakes12 19%
- Engine cooling10 16%
- Electrical system7 11%
- Seats5 8.1%
- Seat belts4 6.5%
- Other or unknown2 3.2%
- Tires2 3.2%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Exterior lighting (1), Body and structure (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Carburator was running too much fuel to exhaust system which caused exhaust system to become cherry red & catch on fire in back. Underbody paint had burned. Rubber mounting had also burned. Consumer feels there was an electronic malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #881649, filed 2001-02Brakes: “The vehicle experienced the same defect with the parking brake as stated in recall number 02v041000, however the vehicle identification number was not inlcuded in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10009078, filed 2003-02, 53,300 milesEngine cooling: “Tail pipe makes contact with gasoline tank due to failure of the pipe supports, consumer feels the supports were poorly designed, the exhaust pipe is a few inches from contact with gasoline tank which burned a hole and resulted in a gasoline spill.”
NHTSA complaint #559011, filed 2001-01Electrical system: “While vehicle was parked it caught on fire . This happened about (10) minutes after driving the vehicle. Fire believed to have started in the engine. Vehicle was totalled. The vehicle also caught on fire in july, 96 in the engine because of distributor cap.”
NHTSA complaint #809493, filed 1997-03Mileage when problems were reported
20% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,300 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Jeep Wrangler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
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
- 94V106000Jun 9, 1994Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1994
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.
- 93V150000Sep 13, 1993Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1989
Windshield frame metal may crack at the wiper arm pivot mountings due to metal stress during wiper operation.
- 92V148000Oct 14, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1992
On 1987 through early 1990 models, both front brake hoses can wear due to direct contact with the wheel opening splash shields. On the late 1990 through 1992 models, periodic rubbing contact of the left front brake hose can occur due to movement of the…
- 90V168000Sep 20, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › StorageCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1989
In a rear impact collission, fuel tank may leak fuel in excess of amount allowed by fmvss 301 because of misbuilt fuel tank skid plates.
Recall details for the 1989 Jeep Wrangler → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ97016FUEL LEAKAGEClosed · Oct 27, 1997
- PE95020Seat back failureClosed · Mar 27, 1995
- EA94031Seat belt buckle failureClosed · Aug 30, 1994
- PE94037Seat belt buckle failureClosed · Apr 26, 1994
- EA93031Sending unit gasket failsClosed · Dec 15, 1993
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10175510Mar 4, 2020Equipment. DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
Other model years of the Jeep Wrangler
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 1,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 73 | 300 | 4 | — | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 752 | 14,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 373 | 13,000 | 14 | — | 20 | 51 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 411 | 18,300 | 15 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 957 | 20,000 | 15 | — | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 618 | 2,500 | 12 | — | 20 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 747 | 4,500 | 9 | — | 20 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 1,827 | 6,200 | 14 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 312 | 23,700 | 5 | — | 18 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 462 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 479 | 37,476 | 3 | — | 18 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 658 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 18 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 657 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 836 | 42,000 | 9 | — | 18 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 485 | 50,510 | 10 | — | 17 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 686 | 45,699 | 10 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 372 | 51,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 873 | 62,000 | 7 | — | 18 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 558 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 730 | 36,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 650 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 192 | 46,192 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 98 | 26,898 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 108 | 60,499 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 170 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 251 | 91,912 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 64,425 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 265 | 73,990 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 401 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 202 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 151 | 121,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 108 | 96,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 77 | 137,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 76 | 110,500 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 79 | 110,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1988 | 50 | 98,261 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 246,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Jeep Wrangler model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Jeep Wrangler?
Owners of this model year most often describe parking brakes that release on their own after being set, leaving the vehicle to roll, and fuel-system problems such as leaks around the fuel tank sending unit gasket. The issues reported most often: Parking brake releases by itself; Stalling, rough idle, and no restart when warm.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jeep Wrangler as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Jeep Wrangler is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 19 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes with 12.
Has the 1989 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 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 Wrangler get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 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 Wrangler reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 53,300 and 83,000 miles; 20% 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.