Jeep Comanche problems
The Jeep Comanche (designated MJ) is a pickup truck variant of the Cherokee compact SUV (1984–1992) manufactured and marketed by Jeep for model years 1986-1992 in rear wheel (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) models as well as two cargo bed lengths: six-foot (1.83 metres) and seven-foot (2.13 metres).
Introduction
During the mid-1980s, according to AMC chairman W. Paul Tippett Jr. "People are finding trucks a reasonable and sophisticated alternative to cars." To satisfy the demand and to compete with Japanese competitors, both AMC and Chrysler were preparing compact pickups for the 1986 and 1987 model years (respectively). Also at this time the financial health of AMC was poor and the automaker was in need of cash as it was preparing a new line of midsize sedans (the Eagle Premier) scheduled to be produced at a factory being built in Canada (Brampton Assembly), but the best thing the company had going for it was its popular line of Jeeps and introducing a compact Jeep pickup truck in the fall of 1985 was expected to help.
The Jeep Comanche was introduced in mid-August 1985, at a lavish event staged at the ballroom of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (currently Bally's Las Vegas) for AMC's over 1,500 North American dealers. American Motors included Chinese officials as part of the negotiations establishing Beijing Jeep (now Beijing Benz). The goal was to produce and sell Comanches in China through this joint venture.
The new trucks were unveiled by Jose Dedeurwaerder, an engineer and international business executive with 23 years of experience with Renault, who had just been appointed as AMC's new president. The base price of the two-wheel drive model was $7,049 (adjusted only for inflation equal to US$19,969 in 2023 dollars), making it the lowest priced Jeep model for the 1986 model year.
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Jeep Comanche model years
Common Jeep Comanche problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources, here are some common problems reported by owners of the Jeep Comanche:
- Rust Issues: The Jeep Comanche was particularly vulnerable to rust, especially if owners neglected maintenance. This rust problem was severe and could lead to significant body damage, ultimately resulting in many Comanches being demolished due to rust-related issues.
- Overheating and Radiator Leaks: One of the most reported problems, especially in the 1991 model year, was radiator overheating and leaking. This issue could lead to engine overheating and potentially cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.
- Limited Engine Options: The Comanche did not offer a V8 engine, which was a drawback for some buyers looking for more power. Additionally, the 2.8L motor in some models, like the 1986 version, was known to have reliability issues, prompting owners to consider engine swaps for better performance and dependability.
- Uncomfortable Interior: The lack of an extended cab offering made the experience uncomfortable for three adults inside the vehicle. This limitation, coupled with higher pricing compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy S10, led some compact truck buyers to seek alternatives.
- Limited Customization and Modification: Unlike some other Jeep models like the Trailhawk and Gladiator, the Comanche was not as easily customizable or modified. This lack of flexibility in personalizing the vehicle may have deterred some buyers looking for more options to tailor their trucks to their preferences.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the Jeep Comanche faced, ranging from structural vulnerabilities like rust to performance-related concerns such as engine reliability and customization options. Addressing these issues promptly and considering potential modifications or upgrades could help mitigate some of the common problems associated with the Jeep Comanche.
Are Jeep Comanche reliable?
The Comanche enjoys an unheard-of lifespan for its producing era. The 4.0-liter inline-six is likely the most durable engine out of all of them, and several models have been driven over 250,000 miles without any significant problems. But even when problems do occur, replacing parts is typically inexpensive.
How rare are Jeep comanches?
It started out in 1985 with just under 30,000 units produced and peaked at almost 45,000 in 1988. This production volume does not make the Jeep Comanche Truck an exceptionally rare vehicle, but finding a good condition, low mileage version is a tall order.
Why did they stop making Jeep Comanche?
As sales dropped, the Comanche was planned for discontinuation. In 1990, the National Council of Jeep-Eagle dealers asked Chrysler to discontinue the Comanche, and allow them to sell a version of the Dodge Dakota pickup.
What engine did the Jeep Comanche have?
Jeep Comanche
| Jeep Comanche Pioneer | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | American Motors (1986-1988) Chrysler (1989-1992) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Jeep MJ platform |
| Engine | 2.1 L Renault turbo diesel I4 2.5 L (150 CID) AMC 150 I4 2.8 L GM LR2 V6 4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 I6 |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Jeep Comanche years
We have researched Jeep problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Jeep Comanche cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Jeep Comanche model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Jeep Comanche model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Jeep Comanche years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Jeep Comanche car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Jeep Comanche , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Parking brake problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Comanche model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Comanche model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Comanche model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 58 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Jeep Comanche . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Jeep Comanche vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Jeep Comanche 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-30
- Date Complaint: 2013-12-30
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP COMANCHE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX TIRES, SIZE 31X10.50/15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRES EMITTED A LOUD NOISE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VIN, TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE, VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE AND DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jeep Comanche 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2010-06-08
- VIN: 1J7FT36L0KL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP COMANCHE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS UP TO 3,000. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE FAILURE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY PERSIST. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 90V177000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL) AND THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE AS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,041 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,072. UPDATED 08/11/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/17/10*JB
Jeep Comanche 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2004-09-07
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD.WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR IS CLOSED IT RELEASES.THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ROLL.THIS IS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION.*AK
Jeep Comanche 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-07
- Date Complaint: 2003-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE KNOCKS , BEARINGS BAD. *LA
Jeep Comanche 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-24
- VIN: 1JTMU64P9HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. *NLM...*AK
Jeep Comanche 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-21
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G7FT26S7NL
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: THE PARKING BRAKE WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE, WHICH HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE YET THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER CAR. *NLM
Jeep Comanche 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-01-14
- VIN: 1J4FJ57L0LL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY GOES DOWN . THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE PUMP MOTOR KEEPS RUNNING THAT AND INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE CONTROL STICKS AT IDLE. THE DEALER BLED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE. *SCC *NLM
Jeep Comanche 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-30
- Date Complaint: 2002-11-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1J7SA2653ML
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TELEPHONE POLE WITH IT'S REAR QUARTER PANEL, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #747 BUT WAS REFUSED REPAIR, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTOR HIMSELF AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. MR *NLM
Jeep Comanche 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-25
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGES AND THIS CAN CAUSE A ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
Jeep Comanche 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-27
- Date Complaint: 2002-03-01
- VIN: 1J7FT26LXKL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAD A NEARLY NEW TRIUMPH R 1200 TIRE FAIL IN AN UNUSUAL MANNER. THIS TIRE HAD ONLY ABOUT 800 MILES ON IT WHEN IT FAILED, AND I'M REASONABLY CERTAIN THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO ABUSE (OVERLOAD, POTHOLE, CURB SCUFFING, ETC.). A LARGE BUBBLE FORMED IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE BUBBLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4" DIAMETER AND 3/4" HIGH. THE BUBBLE APPEARED TO DISTORT THE BEAD, CAUSING A LARGE LEAK BETWEEN THE TIRE AND THE WHEEL. THIS OCCURRED ON THE FIRST REALLY WARM WEATHER DAY FOLLOWING INSTALLATION, LEADING ME TO SUSPECT A POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT NEEDED SOME HEAT TO MANIFEST ITSELF. THIS FAILURE SEEMED UNUSUAL ENOUGH TO WARRANT REPORTING, EVEN IF MY THEORY IS INCORRECT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE IF FURTHER FAILURE ANALYSIS IS OF INTEREST. THANKS- WILLIAM T. DALEY, P.E. MECHANICAL ENGINEER. *AK (DOT NUMBER: ? TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)
Jeep Comanche 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1992-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE "POOPED" TWICE, JUST LUCKLY NO ONE INJURED. *AK
Jeep Comanche 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-20
- Date Complaint: 2001-03-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1J7FT66L2KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RUBBER CLUTCH HOSE FAILURE. HOSE IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO EXHAUST. (3 INCHES) HEAT BUILD UP IN EXHAUST SYSTEM MELTS HOSE AND CAUSES A LEAK THAT UNDER PRESSURE SQUIRTS FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSEING FLASH FIRES. I HAVE RETAINED THE DEFECTIVE PART IF YOU REQUIRE IT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
Jeep Comanche 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-02-28
- VIN: 1JTML63P4GP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BUCKLE ON DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DOES NOT REMAIN IN LATCH MECHANISM, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. *AK *SLC
Jeep Comanche 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1987-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2001-02-24
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1JTMW6610HT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FIVE ACCIDENTS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK AND ALL HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WRECKED TRUCKS THAT ARE THE SAME MODEL.
Jeep Comanche 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-17
- VIN: 1JTMW641XHT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND NOT TURN. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO SHOP, AND FOUND OUT THAT STEERING BOX WAS CRACKING.*AK
Latest 5 recalls Jeep Comanche
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Jeep Comanche.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Jeep Comanche 1991
- Report Received Date: 1998-01-12
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
- Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
- Model: Jeep Comanche 1990
- Report Received Date: 1998-01-12
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
- Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
- Model: Jeep Comanche 1990
- Report Received Date: 1990-10-02
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
- Summary: MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
- Consequence: HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
- Model: Jeep Comanche 1989
- Report Received Date: 1990-10-02
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
- Summary: MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
- Consequence: HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
- Model: Jeep Comanche 1985
- Report Received Date: 1988-07-01
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
- Consequence: THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
- Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Latest negative Jeep Comanche car reviews
Latest positive Jeep Comanche car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1991
Great little pickup! It's so fun to drive and very capable with its 4-wheel drive. The design is well thought out and good looking, making it easy to maintain. I absolutely love it!
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Vehicle year: 1991
This Jeep Comanche is so much fun to drive on and off the road. It's almost unstoppable when you take it off-road! The engine runs great and it has fantastic off-road performance.
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Vehicle year: 1992
Hey there! I'm the proud owner of a 1991 Jeep Comanche pickup. I bought it for $4000 back in 1999 when it was completely stock. When I turned 16 in 2002, I decided to upgrade it to a 4WD and installed a new transmission and transfer case. I also gave it a 6
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Vehicle year: 1991
Hey there! I wanted to share my experience with my Comanche. I was lucky enough to find one with just under 200,000 miles for only $1,700! After putting about 5000 miles on it, I decided to sell it. Overall, it was a great little truck that was easy to work on, had good power, and was definitely unique. If you're in the market for one, I would definitely recommend it! Just be sure to check for any cracked exhaust manifolds, as they are prone to that.
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Vehicle year: 1991
I bought this truck brand new after looking at all the other trucks available, and I have never regretted it. It's so much fun to drive, and it handles and rides great. Plus, it has all the power you could ever need. These trucks really know how to run! It's even climbed some really rough and rocky terrain with hills so steep that my friends wouldn't ride with me, even after going up and down a number of times. One of my friends even named the steepest slope on his Tennessee mountain 'Comanche Hill' because he and others were so amazed. They thought I was crazy, but I never doubted the truck's ability. While clearing trees, it even pulled the front-end off the ground and finally tore the bumper brackets in half, but it never quit or ran out of power!
Are you having problems with your Jeep Comanche?
Damion Deckow 2024-02-01
Vehicle year: 1990
My first car was a Jeep Comanche. Despite the fact that it had been badly cared for before I bought it, it was fairly reliable. I never had any problems with the engine or transmission, but it consistently leaked power steering fluid despite multiple attempts to repair it. I really liked the power of the I6 4 liter engine and was also impressed with its durability. When I swerved to miss a deer and went through a small (12 inch diameter) tree, the frame was undamaged (although the grill and bumper were destroyed) and the truck was fully drivable after I replaced the headlights. It lasted until the clutch slave cylinder went out, which requires the removal of the engine to replace.