1989 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Jeep › Wrangler › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1989 Jeep Wrangler. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between april 27 and may 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 jeep wrangler. the cockpit cover may not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. as a result, the cockpit cover may not…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. owner notification began june 16, 2004. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. the fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel and fuel vapor leaked from the fuel tank can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the fuel tank sending unit gasket.
Windshield frame metal may crack at the wiper arm pivot mountings due to metal stress during wiper operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can cause dislocation and binding of the wipersystem linkage which, in inclement weather, could affect driver visibility andresult in an accident.
Remedy
Retrofit with a windshield frame reinforcement at the wiper pivot locations and install new redesigned linkage components to reduce stress at the pivot mountings.
On 1987 through early 1990 models, both front brake hoses can wear due to direct contact with the wheel opening splash shields. On the late 1990 through 1992 models, periodic rubbing contact of the left front brake hose can occur due to movement of the splash shield in certain vehicle operating conditions.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Either condition can cause loss of front brake systemfunctions, resulting in increased stopping distances and an increased risk ofvehicle accident.
Remedy
The 1987 to 1990 model vehicles will have both splash shields replaced and both front brake hoses replaced as necessary. All affected late 1990 through 1992 model year vehicles will have additional fasteners installed to further secure the left side splash shield. Also, the left front brake hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
In a rear impact collission, fuel tank may leak fuel in excess of amount allowed by fmvss 301 because of misbuilt fuel tank skid plates.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, this could resultin a fire. Vehicle would not comply with fmvss 301.
Remedy
Install flange on fuel tank skid plate.
Owner complaints
62 complaints5 involved a crash13 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Rear differential e-locker seized causing rear wheels to lock up, this happened luckily while the vehicle was in tow behind a motor-home going 20 miles per hour on a dirt road turning into a campground. Had this happened while driving on the highway it may have caused the vehicle to loose control…
Rear differential e-locker seized causing rear wheels to lock up, this happened luckily while the vehicle was in tow behind a motor-home going 20 miles per hour on a dirt road turning into a campground. Had this happened while driving on the highway it may have caused the vehicle to loose control and possible cause a fatal accident. The risk IS internal parts inside the eaton e-locker were able to become loose and cause this jamb in the ring gear causing both rear wheels to lock up.
- Unknown or other
Muffler hanger caught on fire. vehicle was stationary. muffler had hole in bottom but still should never ignite the hanger.
- Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable
I received a recall notice for my 1993 jeep wrangler for a problem with the emergency brake release. We have a 89 wrangler and this happens frequently. Why isn't it covered under the recall if it's the same brake system? It was released on may and rolled down a steep hill and hit a tree. This IS dangerous. *la
- Parking brake
I own a 1989 jeep wrangler with a manual trasmission. On lately the parking brake has been self-releasing causing the the vehicle to roll down my driveway. On one occasion it hit my second vehicle parked behind it causing minor damage to the bumper. I found the nhtsa recall (02v041000) called…
I own a 1989 jeep wrangler with a manual trasmission. On lately the parking brake has been self-releasing causing the the vehicle to roll down my driveway. On one occasion it hit my second vehicle parked behind it causing minor damage to the bumper. I found the nhtsa recall (02v041000) called daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403. I spoke with tom and racheal about this issue. They said that the recall does not affect my year vehicle even if the are the same type of vehicle. I would like this repaired but they seemed unconcered about this and said that I would need to pay to repair this.*ak
- Parking brake
The consumer set the parking brake and exited vehicle. without warning the parking brake released which caused the vehicle to roll backward which resulted in a collision. there was a related recall 02v041000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *jb *cb *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline
Leaking fuel from passenger side rear. This occurs mostly when fuel tank IS full. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
The consumer received a recall letter but the dealer stated that the vehicles vin number was not included. The recall was on the throttle. recall# unknown. *nlm
- Parking brake › Conventional
The vehicle experienced the same defect with the parking brake as stated in recall number 02v041000, however the vehicle identification number was not inlcuded in the recall.*jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Per emissions recall # 556 the oygen sensor was replace on 02-08-95. the rest of the recall components were examined and deamed fine. it IS now that the exhaust manifold nuts and bolts are failing and chrysler does not think that they/chrysler should need to replace them. I am trying to get…
Per emissions recall # 556 the oygen sensor was replace on 02-08-95. the rest of the recall components were examined and deamed fine. it IS now that the exhaust manifold nuts and bolts are failing and chrysler does not think that they/chrysler should need to replace them. I am trying to get answers in terms of if all these components were stated in the recall because they fail, why were they not all replaced at the time of original service and now that they are failing now, shouldn't it still be covered under the recall? the replacement of the oxygen sensor has nothing to do with the faulty the nuts and bolts that hold the secure fit of the manifold to the engine to prevent emission leakage.
- Parking brake
While parked on a hill, the vehicle will rollback due to the emergency brake popping out.*jb
- Unknown or other
Metal frame underneath dashboard was rusted. Dealer contacted. Please add vin. *Ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
Carburator was running too much fuel to exhaust system which caused exhaust system to become cherry red & catch on fire in back. underbody paint had burned. rubber mounting had also burned.*ak consumer feels there was an electronic malfunction. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
The vehicle tends to stall and not want to start for at least another 20 minutes I wondered if any of the recalls had not been performed on this vehicle, that would at least give me something to go on as far as trying to fix it, alsohow long are recalls good for after the recall IS announced?
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Tail pipe makes contact with gasoline tank due to failure of the pipe supports, consumer feels the supports were poorly designed, the exhaust pipe IS a few inches from contact with gasoline tank which burned a hole and resulted in a gasoline spill. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
I had a flat on the tire that was on the vehicle and had to use the temporary tire that came with the jeep. I was traveling along the road when all of the sudden I had to stop at a red light but the jeep had no brakes to stop. The temporary tire had rubbed a hole in the brake line ont the drivers…
I had a flat on the tire that was on the vehicle and had to use the temporary tire that came with the jeep. I was traveling along the road when all of the sudden I had to stop at a red light but the jeep had no brakes to stop. The temporary tire had rubbed a hole in the brake line ont the drivers side front. I had no brakes so I had to get a taxi to take me home. I had to buy a new brake line and assembly for the jeep and have a mechanic replace the line along with having to have the vehicle towed to the shop. If there had been anyone in front of me I would have hit them from behind and been sighted for faulty equipment. I think the company should be warned about the problem that I had with the temporary tire and it could cause a very severe accident to happen and maybe death to some innocent child or family. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
No summary
- Parking brake › Conventional
Emergency brake failed, was observed "popping off". *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Drivers side sholder/lap belt spontaneously releases. Inquired if dealer had recall memo to replace it, was told no.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
Iternal slave cylinder failed 4 times in 3 1/2 years. this IS a problem that IS known though out the jeep community. to add to this problem in order to change this part one must remove the transmission. this IS a major job and cost about $600 to do.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Constant problem with vehicle stalling/killing/rough idle since early 1998. $3,000+ invested to try to correct problem has resulted in this vehicle going from transportation to expensive addiction to destructive life style. IS there any kind of support group for owners of this type of ill mannered…
Constant problem with vehicle stalling/killing/rough idle since early 1998. $3,000+ invested to try to correct problem has resulted in this vehicle going from transportation to expensive addiction to destructive life style. IS there any kind of support group for owners of this type of ill mannered vehicle. Problem continues to baffle jeep dealership mechanics, shade tree mechanics, muffler shops, other jeep owners, and those possessing more common sense than myself who would have traded this particular jeep for a schwinn long ago. Mjs *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Engine manifold leaked, causing a fire while vehicle was being driven. Dealer has replaced engine manifold 6 times. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
In 1993 my car engine caught fire, allegedly due to an unknown reason. I have continually had carburetor problems and have had 2 rebuilt ones and a catalytic converter replaced. I now need a fourth carburetor. Something IS wrong and I am concerned that the car will catch fire again.
- Visibility › Windshield
Windshield motor failed while driving.
- Tires
Goodyear wrangler rt/s p215/75 R15 tire blow-out.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Owner had recall work done on vehicle concernig the fuel tank sending unit. fuel tank still leaks. Recall no.94v10600. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel leakage
Odi has received 6 reports on fuel leakage and 3 reports on alleged remedy failure reports
- Seat back failure
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Sending unit gasket fails
There is no summary currently available
- Driveshaft/univ.joint fail
There is no summary currently available
- Exhaust system fires
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel tank/exhaust interfer
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel tank/exhaust interfer
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10175510DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 46153Applies to vehicles equipped with a 4.2L engine and federal high altitude emission control system. Fuel vapors may cause deterioration of the pcv harness assembly. The pcv harness assembly must be replaced and the engine idle speeds must be reset.
- 43047Unknown
- 39015It has been determined that certain emission related components of the 1989 jeep equipped with the 2.5L engine, may be susceptible to failure. Failure of these components may cause the vehicle to be in violation of california emissions standards. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen could be above the allowable limits, which were established to protect public health from the dangers of air pollution. To correct this problem, dealers will replace the oxygen sensor, crankcase ventilation hose and if equipped, the transfer case vacuum hose and fuel tank vent boot. In addition, the the exhaust manifold will be checked for an exhaust leak noise and replaced as rquired.
- 39013It has been determined that the oxygen sensor on certain 1989 jeep cherokee, comanche and wrangler models equipped with a 2.5L engine may be susceptible to failure. Failure of the oxygen sensor may cause your vehicle to be in violation of federal emissions standards. To correct this problem, dealers will replace the oxygen sensor.
- 39012Supplemental information to manufacturer's recall #556.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.