Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1979 Jeep 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 100% | ▼ down |
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
THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. A DAMAGED BEARING COULD RESULT IN AXLE AND WHEEL DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALONG WITH SEALS, RETAINER RINGS AND PLATES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER NOTICED SHAKING AND WOBBLING OF THE VEHICLE, TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED, TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, ON ANOTHER OCCASSION THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A DIFFERENT TIRE, TIRES DO NOT KEEP AIR PRESSURE AND THEY MAKE THE VEHICLE SHAKE. (FIRESTONE ATX TIRES…”
The record is thin — 2 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 1979 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.