Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 AM General Fj9 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE IN NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT", DUE TO OMISSION OF REAR REFLEX REFLECTORS.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY REAR REFLEX REFLECTORS, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINER NUT AND BOTH ENDS OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY UNIVERSAL JOINT RETAINING HARDWARE (CONSISTING OF THE PINCH BOLT AND NUTS), MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE NUTS TO LOOSEN AND GRADUALLY BACK OFF.
Remedy
DEALER WILL TIGHTEN ALL SUSPECT NUTS TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". WHEN SUBJECTED TO A 30 M.P.H. FIXED BARRIER COLLISION TEST, THE FRAME SIDE RAILS COLLAPSED AND THE BRACKETRY ATTACHED TO ONE OF THE RAILS SUPPORTING THE FUEL ASSEMBLY RUPTURED OR PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REMOUNT THE FUEL TANK TO THE BODY FLOOR PAN AND STRUCTURE, AND SHIELD THE FRAME REINFORCEMENT TO PREVENT PENETRATION.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 AM General Fj9. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.