1989 Jeep Wrangler Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 31%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 1989 Jeep Wrangler, 31% of the 62 complaints for this model year. 8 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 2001-02“Iternal slave cylinder failed 4 times in 3 1/2 years. This is a problem that is known though out the Jeep community. To add to this problem in order to change this part one must remove the transmission. This is a major job and cost about $600 to do.”
NHTSA complaint #711764, filed 1999-09“Marquette park Jeep in chicago il refused to do recall for fuel sending unit gasket until mechanics complete acquaintances/friends. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #962265, filed 1995-03“Fuel tank sending unit gasket cracked, causing fuel/fuel vapor to leak, resulting in a fire prior to recall. Received recall letter on 95-03-10 (94v-106).”
NHTSA complaint #961854, filed 1995-03Related recalls
- 94V106000Jun 9, 1994Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1994
- 90V168000Sep 20, 1990In a rear impact collission, fuel tank may leak fuel in excess of amount allowed by fmvss 301 because of misbuilt fuel tank skid plates.Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1989
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 25% |
| 2025 | 24 | 33% |
| 2024 | 195 | 26% |
| 2023 | 67 | 18% |
| 2022 | 73 | 18% |
| 2021 | 142 | 15% |
| 2020 | 43 | 7% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 21 | 1% |
| 2017 | 15 | 5% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 15 | 3% |
| 2014 | 19 | 3% |
| 2013 | 33 | 5% |
| 2012 | 45 | 5% |
| 2011 | 99 | 20% |
| 2010 | 228 | 33% |
| 2009 | 80 | 22% |
| 2008 | 140 | 16% |
| 2007 | 114 | 20% |
| 2006 | 479 | 66% |
| 2005 | 448 | 69% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 11% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 3% |
| 1998 | 20 | 8% |
| 1997 | 58 | 14% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 38 | 25% |
| 1993 | 32 | 30% |
| 1992 | 25 | 32% |
| 1991 | 18 | 24% |
| 1990 | 20 | 25% |
| 1989 | 19 | 31% |
| 1988 | 16 | 32% |
| 1987 | 14 | 37% |
Other parts of the 1989 Jeep Wrangler
12 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