Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 AM General M998 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE NATO SLAVE RECEPTACLE MAY BE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SHELL.
Consequence
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN ABATTERY MELTDOWN, VEHICLE FIRE AND POSSIBLE BATTERY EXPLOSION.
Remedy
REPLACE SLAVE RECEPTACLE AS NECCESSARY.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 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.