Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1990 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
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTION MECHANISM DOES NOT FULLY RETRACT THE BELT AFTER IT IS EXTENDED, EITHER BY MOVEMENT OF THE UPPER TORSO OR AFTER REMOVAL BY OCCUPANT.
Consequence
SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATEPROTECTION TO OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE THE WASHER BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BOLT AND UPPER MOUNTING BRACKET WITH SMALLER WASHER; THIS WILL ALLOW RETRACTOR TO OPERATE.
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 1990 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.