VehicleVerdict

1981 Jeep Wagoneer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1981 compare to other Wagoneer years?

Wagoneer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted375 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 2 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 5 complaints1987: 12 complaints1988: 3 complaints1989: 12 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 6 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 3 complaints2022: 375 complaints2023: 163 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 9 complaints
Wagoneer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wagoneer years to avoid →

Does the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

87V178000Visibility & WipersNovember 23, 1987 · 180,000 units

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.

81V015000Speed ControlJanuary 4, 1981 · 1,724 units

Defect

THE TRANSMISSION THROTTLE CONTROL ROD SPRING MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS MAY CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO CLOSE MORE SLOWLY THAN NORMAL. VEHICLES MAY RETURN TO IDLE SLOWLY.

Remedy

EACH END OF THE SPRING WILL BE INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, IF NECESSARY, TO ENSURE CORRECT POSITIONING.

1981 Jeep Wagoneer — common questions

Is the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Wagoneer years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.