1979 Jeep Wagoneer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALONG WITH SEALS, RETAINER RINGS AND PLATES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1979 WAGONEER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V023000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALONG WITH SEALS, RETAINER RINGS AND PLATES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES AND TRUCKS.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; WHEEL BEARINGS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL,WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: THE DAMAGE TO THE REAR WHEEL BEARING MAY BE PRECEDED BY A NOISE EVIDENTTO THE VEHICLE DRIVER. HIGH SPEED DRIVING, HARD CORNERING AND HEAVY LOADINGSHOULD BE AVOIDED UNTIL AXLE SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED.
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 1979 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
12/05/2000 · Wheels / tires
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 215/75R15 *JG
12/05/2000 · Wheels / tires
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 215/75R15 *JG