Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1986 AM General M998 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE MILITARY NATO SLAVE RECEPTACLE IS NOT WATERPROOF AND WHEN SUBMERGED IN WATER A CURRENT PATH IS CREATED.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A DIRECT ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUITAND THE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OF THE NATO SLAVE RECEPTACLE.
Remedy
DISCONNECT NATO SLAVE RECEPTACLE TO PREVENT FIRE HAZARD.
Defect
WELDS THAT ATTACH THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM TO THE CROSS SHAFT MAY NOT WITHSTAND A PANIC STOP AND/OR FATIGUE LOAD INPUTS.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Remedy
REPLACE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH NEW ASSEMBLY.
Defect
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH MAY BECOME PERMANENTLY CLOSED, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO BE STARTED IN ANY GEAR.
Consequence
LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT.
Remedy
INSTALL DECAL WARNING DRIVER TO ENGAGE PARK BRAKE AND TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL PRIOR TO STARTING ENGINE. ALSO, INSTALL A WATERPROOF SAFETY SWITCH TO REPLACE NEUTRAL SWITCH.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I AM A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF MANY SOLDIERS, IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT MANY OF THE MILITARY HUMVEE VEHICLES THAT WE DRIVE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE ROADS ARE NOT EQUIPPED FOR SUCH USE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN THE DOT KNEW THIS…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1986 AM General M998. 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.