Defect
TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110.
Remedy
INSTALL PROPER LABEL.
1986 Jeep Wagoneer problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
3
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1986 compare to other Wagoneer years?
What are the most common 1986 Jeep Wagoneer problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 20% | new |
Does the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Consequence
THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy
REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Defect
STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS REMAINED IN ACID ETCHING BATH TOO LONG. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COUPLERS COULD BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNMENT WITH EVENTUAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
Defect
ACCELERATOR CABLE BUSHING COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE ACCELERATOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL WITH ENGINE RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy
REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
Defect
JEEPS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED FUEL LINE FITTING WHICH COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE GASOLINE TO BE SPILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, SPILLS GASOLINE AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
Remedy
RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW I LOST CONTROLL AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE WITH MY TWO CHILDERN WITH ME.( DOT NUMBER: W1HL TIRE SIZE: 9235/75R15 )”
“SEATBELTS IN REAR OF VEHICLE ARE DEFECTIVE. SEATBELT RETRACTORS ARE FAULTY. THEY STICK AND JAM. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED WITH MANUAL SEATBELTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
1986 Jeep Wagoneer — common questions
Is the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer reliable?
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.