Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — 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.
18
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 22% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 11% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 6% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 6% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 6% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
Consequence
INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE MODULE, AS NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE INDICATOR MAKES IT APPEAR THAT THE GAS TANK HAS MORE GAS THAN IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL, CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK”
The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 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.