1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. CERTAIN OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM WHERE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: FLUSH AND REFILL BRAKE SYSTEM WITH NEW HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 GRAND WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V140000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
Summary: CERTAIN OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM WHERE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: FLUSH AND REFILL BRAKE SYSTEM WITH NEW HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKE FLUID. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: JEEPS AND TRUCKS.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. THE KEY OPERATED TAILGATE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE IF THE SPRING LOADED KEY DOES NOT RETURN TO OFF POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
What could happen: WINDOW COULD CLOSE ON A CHILD OR OTHERS RESULTING INPERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: OWNERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE KEY IN TAILGATE OF UNATTENDED VEHICLE. REPAIR MECHANISM TO ASSURE PROPER KEY RETURN OPERATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 GRAND WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V178000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: TAILGATE WINDOWVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER TAILGATEWINDOW.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Engine (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Body / structure (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/14/1999 · Engine
THE WHOLE CRANKCASE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICE FAILED, CAUSING A COMPLETE MELTDOWN OF ALL ENGINE PARTS. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING - THE VEHICLE JUST STARTED LOSING POWER WITH SMOKE AND FOWL ODOR COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AREA. THE JEEP DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DAMAGED ENGINE COMPONENTS FOR AROUND $12…
06/08/1998 · Electrical system · fire
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE DASHBOARD.
02/14/1996 · Seat belts
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES HAVE BROKEN, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. TT
10/12/1995 · Equipment
COOLANT LEAKED INTO HEATER/AC HOUSING, AC IS NO LONG WORKING. TT