Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — 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.
6
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 33% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 17% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 17% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 17% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 17% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
Consequence
WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONSTANTLY BURNS OUT, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS/RUNNING LIGHTS/DASH AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO BURN OUT, AND THE TRUCK CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT. *AK”
“BOLT THAT HOLDS STEERING WHEEL HAS LOOSENED, REPLACED BOLT ON STEERING WHEEL. TT THE PIVOT BOLT IN LOWER COLUMN BACKED OUT. *YH”
“AUTO-TRAN: GAS PEDAL STUCK; ENGINE ACCELERATED IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE MANNER; APPLIED BRAKES; SHUT OFF ENGINE TO STOP VEHICLE; NO PRIOR WARNING. TT”
“AUTO-TRAN: GAS PEDAL STUCK; ENGINE ACCELERATED IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE MANNER; APPLIED BRAKES; SHUT OFF ENGINE TO STOP VEHICLE; NO PRIOR WARNING. TT”
The record is thin — 6 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 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. 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 complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Wagoneer years to avoid are 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Grand Wagoneer years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.