Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1982 American Motors Spirit — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ORIGINAL PRODUCTION TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT USED IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LUBRICATION TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION"S FIRST GEAR.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION LUBRICANT WITH AN EXTREME PRESSURE LUBRICANT AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Defect
THE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS AND VENTILATING HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. MISROUTING MAY CAUSE CHAFING BETWEEN THE HARNESS AND VARIOUS OTHER COMPONENTS, RESULTING IN SHORT CIRCUITS AND MALFUNCTION OF ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES. THE SWITCH WHICH ACTIVATES THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT MAY NOT FUNCTION. THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE MAY BE TOO CLOSE TO THE AIR INJECTION MANIFOLD TUBE AND COULD BE DAMAGED IF ENGINE OVERHEATS.
Remedy
UPON INSPECTION, DEALER WILL REPAIR ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS, REROUTE THE HOSE, AND REPLACE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 American Motors Spirit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.