1979 Jeep Wagoneer problems

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The Jeep Wagoneer is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) nameplate of Jeep vehicles, with several models marketed for the 1963 through 1993 model years and again since the 2022 model year.

Various versions of the Wagoneer were manufactured in the US and other nations by Kaiser Motors (1962−1971), by American Motors (1971−1987), by Chrysler (1987−1993), and Stellantis from 2021.

A revival of the Jeep Wagoneer was introduced as a concept version on September 3, 2020, and as the production model on March 11, 2021. Sales begin in the second half of 2021 with 2022 model year versions.

1979 Jeep Wagoneer

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Common 1979 Jeep Wagoneer problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Temperature/Fuel Gauge Cover Falling: One common complaint involves the temperature/fuel gauge cover coming unglued and falling down on the dashboard. This issue can be a nuisance and affect the aesthetics of the interior of the vehicle.
  2. Vacuum Actuated Transfer Case: The 1979 Jeep Wagoneer's transfer case, specifically the MP 229, is vacuum actuated. This system requires air pressure to engage four-wheel drive, leading to issues where the switch may not function correctly, causing difficulties in engaging four-wheel drive.
  3. Brake Pedal Sticking: Another issue reported is the brake pedal sticking to the floor, which can be a serious safety concern. This problem can affect the braking performance of the vehicle and needs to be addressed promptly to ensure safe driving conditions.

These common problems with the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer can impact the overall driving experience and require attention to maintain the vehicle's functionality and safety.

1979 Jeep Wagoneer engine

What was the best year for Jeep Wagoneer?

Although Wagoneer didn't change a whole lot in all that time, people tend to consider the Grand Wagoneer of 1984-91 the best of the bunch. The last of the Wagoneers offered a wonderful mix of amenities, power, and utility in a V-8-powered woodgrain box that could go anywhere and do anything.

What is the mpg on a 1979 Wagoneer?

10.52

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 64 fuel-ups and 8,640 miles of driving, the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.52 with a 0.66 MPG margin of error.

What is the reliability of a Jeep Wagoneer?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Wagoneer gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews).

How much is an old Grand Wagoneer worth?

The value of a used 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer ranges from $2,525 to $8,334, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What is the reliability of a Jeep Wagoneer?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Wagoneer gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews).

Why was the Wagoneer discontinued?

The Grand Wagoneer would sail through its twilight years with minor changes and was discontinued after 1991, a victim of more rigorous safety standards and its unfortunate single-digit fuel economy.

What was the best year for Jeep Wagoneer?

Although Wagoneer didn't change a whole lot in all that time, people tend to consider the Grand Wagoneer of 1984-91 the best of the bunch. The last of the Wagoneers offered a wonderful mix of amenities, power, and utility in a V-8-powered woodgrain box that could go anywhere and do anything.

How long did the Jeep Wagoneer last?

The vehicle was introduced as a station wagon body style, later the pioneering design became known as a "sport utility vehicle" (SUV). Available initially with rear-wheel drive, the four-wheel drive SJ-body Wagoneer remained in production for 29 model years (1963–1991) with an almost unchanged body structure.

1979 Jeep Wagoneer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Wagoneer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Jeep Wagoneer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Jeep Wagoneer complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer.

2000-12-05

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-08
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 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
2000-12-05

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-08
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 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

1979 Jeep Wagoneer recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer.

1987-11-23
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: 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.
1980-03-05
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: 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.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALONG WITH SEALS, RETAINER RINGS AND PLATES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Jeep Wagoneer problems:

What are common FSJ body problems? - Full Size Jeep Network
What are common FSJ body problems? - Full Size Jeep Network
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11942

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Apr 26, 2022 ... ... 1979 Jeep Cherokee Golden Eagle is one of the worst powertrains in Jeep history. ... One of the most common failure ... The 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer ...

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Are there any "common" issues with the 5.7L? | Jeep Enthusiast ...
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/are-there-any-common-issues-with-the-5-7l.4319063/

Jul 30, 2018 ... As for spark plugs, the current Hemi now uses Iridium plugs that go 100K before needing to be replaced. 2018 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Hemi Lux ...

Other years of Jeep Wagoneer

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Wagoneer 1982
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Wagoneer 1984
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Wagoneer 1985
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Wagoneer 1986
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Wagoneer 1987
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1979 Jeep Wagoneer photo