The Jeep Wagoneer Years to Avoid
Photo by George Barros on Unsplash
Jeep is taking the storied brand to new heights with the reintroduction of a Wagoneer model for the 2022 model year. This recent launch means there aren’t too many Wagoneers on the road, limiting information about reliability. Nonetheless, we’ll explore the available data and share our thoughts on the Jeep Wagoneer years to avoid.
That said, our recommendations about the Jeep Wagoneer years to avoid won’t go back to the early days of this iconic nameplate (the first Wagoneer appeared in 1963). It’s safe to say that any vehicle older than 25 years is cherished more for its classic car status than its dependability.
Instead, we’ll offer a brief history of the Jeep Wagoneer before looking at the model years of the current (fourth) generation. We’ll cap things off with a snapshot of 2023 Wagoneer pricing if your car shopping takes you to a Jeep showroom.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE JEEP WAGONEER
The Jeep Wagoneer was only recently relaunched with the 2022 model after an extensive hiatus starting in 1993. If you’re after the most reliable Jeep Wagoneer year possible for a used car purchase, read on.
Jeep Wagoneer: A Look Back at the Legend
Few vehicles have the legendary standing of the Jeep Wagoneer. As one of the original luxury 4x4s, the Wagoneer pioneered the modern SUV formula long before Lincoln Navigators and Cadillac Escalades started showing up in people’s driveways.
No matter the generation, the Wagoneer’s ruggedly handsome design created styling cues that continue to impact the Jeep lineup to this day. Here’s a look at the Wagoneer’s four-generation journey.
Jeep Wagoneer: First Generation (1963-1991)
Jeep pioneered the premium four-wheel-drive (4WD) space with the launch of the luxury-focused Wagoneer for 1963, almost a decade before Land Rover released the Range Rover to the world.
Jeep engineered in capable off-road traits through body-on-frame construction, solid front and rear axles, and standard 4WD. But adding an automatic transmission and luxury interior appointments made this utility upscale for the time. Giving a nod to the original Woody cars from earlier in the 20th century, Jeep added faux woodgrain panels to the Wagoneer’s exterior. This vintage look remains highly prized among Jeep collectors.
Engines included six-cylinder and eight-cylinder options that varied over the years, never exceeding 250 horsepower.
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Jeep Wagoneer: Second Generation (1984-1991)
Wagoneer models split for 1984. The original edition became the Grand Wagoneer, complete with a leather-trimmed interior and other premium touches. It lasted until 1991. At the same time, Jeep launched a new and smaller Wagoneer based on the then-recently launched Cherokee XJ platform.
Befitting its premium heritage, Jeep separated the revised Wagoneer with vertically stacked quad headlights and a unique tail light arrangement. Deluxe variants added wood-patterned vinyl trim and leather upholstery accents. Power options included the bulletproof 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. An available Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system added even more off-road capability to the second-generation Wagoneer.
Jeep Wagoneer: Third Generation (1993)
Jeep purists may scoff at the third-generation Wagoneer because it’s really a rebadged version of the unibody Grand Cherokee. Nonetheless, the automaker resurrected the nameplate (dubbed the Grand Wagoneer) as the top trim of the Grand Cherokee for just one year (1993). Outfitted with trademark wood-finish side panels and exclusive leather-trimmed seating, the upscale effort kept the Wagoneer name alive for a short period.
Jeep Wagoneer: Fourth Generation (2022-Present)
After a nearly three-decade absence, Jeep relaunched the Wagoneer for the 2022 model year. With three-row capability even beyond the Grand Cherokee L, the new Wagoneer took the Jeep brand to new heights. There’s also an even more over-the-top Jeep Grand Wagoneer (with a six-figure price tag), but we’ll tackle that in a separate article.
Launching with a 392-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the Wagoneer packed enough punch for the highway or the backwoods. A mild-hybrid edition of the engine was available in early 2023 editions along with a new Hurricane two-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder powerplant making 420 horsepower. As of this writing, the turbo-six is the sole engine for the Jeep Wagoneer. 2023 also marks the introduction of the longer-wheelbase (12 inches) Wagoneer L variant for extra legroom and cargo space. The latest Jeep Wagoneer (and Wagoneer L) can accommodate up to eight people.
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Jeep Wagoneer Years to Avoid: The Breakdown
With only two years of the fourth-generation Jeep Wagoneer on the streets, there aren’t many details to share. Regardless, let’s explore what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Consumer Reports, and carcomplaints.com have to say about the latest Wagoneer model years.
2022 Jeep Wagoneer
Buying the first year of an all-new vehicle is never ideal. Bugs and gremlins may get worked out in later years, but they often remain for pioneering car buyers wanting the newest ride. And NHTSA data appears to prove this for the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer.
While there aren’t an extensive number of complaints about the Wagoneer’s electrical system, there are enough to throw up a red flag. These problems can be challenging to diagnose and remain a constant issue throughout the life of an affected car. We’re also troubled by reports of engine failures, something that should never happen with such a new vehicle.
Sorry Jeep fans, this edition joins the ranks of Jeep Wagoneer years to avoid.
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Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers
2023 Jeep Wagoneer
Given that 2023 Jeep Wagoneers are still at dealers (as of this writing), reliability data is especially hard to come by. NHTSA and carcomplaints.com are silent about troubles with the 2023 Wagoneer.
Instead, we’ll turn to what Consumer Reports has to say. And the feedback doesn’t look encouraging as the group ranks the Wagoneer near last (7 out of 8) among the large SUVs it assessed. Tagging this Jeep with a near-bottom predicted reliability score of 2 (out of 5) is equally disheartening. Add in that some 2023 Wagoneers come with the all-new Hurricane engine (another potential trouble area), and we’re left with only one decision. The 2023 version belongs on the list of Jeep Wagoneer years to avoid. Perhaps 2024 will bring better news.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer Pricing
- Wagoneer (base) $61,595
- Wagoneer Series II $67,340
- Wagoneer Carbide $70,390
- Wagoneer Series III $72,845
Add $3,000 for the extended-wheelbase Wagoneer L. Include an additional $3,000 ($3,645 for the Carbide trim) for four-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive is standard). Pricing is effective as of July 27, 2023, and excludes destination and delivery charges.
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