Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1978 Jeep 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 100% | ▲ up |
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.
“FIRESTONE, FR721, P2357515, DOT#UDHLF71392HOGL.CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE WAS THUMPING AND SOON AFTERWARDS TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, CONSUMER PURCHASED 4 NEW FIRESTONE 721 TIRES, ALL FAILED BY 30,000 MILES, 2 OF THE TIRES HAD PLY SEPARATION, AND THE OTHER 2 HAD SIDEWALL FAILURES, THAT WERE CAUSED…”
The record is thin — 3 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 1978 Jeep Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Wagoneer years to avoid are 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Wagoneer years belongs to 1995.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.