1989 Jeep Wrangler Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 19%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Jeep Wrangler, 19% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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“I had a flat on the tire that was on the vehicle and had to use the temporary tire that came with the Jeep. I was traveling along the road when all of the sudden I had to stop at a red light but the Jeep had no brakes to stop. The temporary tire had rubbed a hole in the brake line ont the drivers side front. I had no brakes so I had to get a taxi to take me home. I had to buy a new brake line and assembly for the Jeep and have a mechanic replace the line along with having to have the vehicle towed to the shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #736375, filed 2000-11“Shoulder/lap belt retractor fails to retrieve belt, resulting in door shutting on belt. This on happened occasionally on passenger side. Problem repaired once under warranty; also, the emergency brake releases by itself when the vehicle is parked.”
NHTSA complaint #800653, filed 1996-09Related recalls
- 92V148000Oct 14, 1992On 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…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1992
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 21 | 3% |
| 2023 | 7 | 2% |
| 2022 | 14 | 3% |
| 2021 | 27 | 3% |
| 2020 | 13 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 4% |
| 2018 | 68 | 4% |
| 2017 | 78 | 25% |
| 2016 | 137 | 30% |
| 2015 | 136 | 28% |
| 2014 | 75 | 11% |
| 2013 | 67 | 10% |
| 2012 | 52 | 6% |
| 2011 | 30 | 6% |
| 2010 | 41 | 6% |
| 2009 | 14 | 4% |
| 2008 | 52 | 6% |
| 2007 | 41 | 7% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 13 | 2% |
| 2004 | 18 | 9% |
| 2003 | 10 | 10% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 6% |
| 1999 | 14 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 7% |
| 1997 | 27 | 7% |
| 1995 | 70 | 35% |
| 1994 | 29 | 19% |
| 1993 | 20 | 19% |
| 1992 | 12 | 16% |
| 1991 | 20 | 26% |
| 1990 | 28 | 35% |
| 1989 | 12 | 19% |
| 1988 | 9 | 18% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1989 Jeep Wrangler
19 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology