1986 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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Common 1986 Jeep Comanche problems
The Jeep Comanche, produced from 1986 to 1992, was a compact pickup truck that shared the same template as the Jeep Cherokee. Despite its potential for sturdy drivetrains, good fuel economy, and long life, the Comanche faced significant challenges, primarily due to rust issues and declining sales.
Rust was a major problem for the Comanche, as it was more susceptible to wear and tear on its body than other vehicles. This issue was so severe that many Comanches were demolished, and most of the 190,000 units produced likely no longer exist. The rust problem was caused by drivers neglecting necessary maintenance, leading to crippling and severe damage. However, if maintained properly, the Comanche could still be a durable and reliable vehicle.
Declining sales were another significant issue for the Comanche. While the compact truck market was in decline from 1986 to 1992, the Comanche's sales figures fell more dramatically than its competitors. Sales dropped from 43,718 units in 1988 to 5,188 units in 1991, ultimately leading to the model's discontinuation in 1992.
The Comanche's template was cloned from the Cherokee, which consistently sold 120,000 units annually during the Comanche's production run. This cloning, combined with Chrysler's acquisition of Jeep in 1987 and their subsequent rebranding of the company as an SUV-exclusive brand, further contributed to the Comanche's declining sales and eventual discontinuation.
In terms of mechanical issues, the Comanche faced problems with oil seepage from the head gasket, engine oil leaks from valve cover, oil pan, and timing cover gaskets, and broken exhaust manifold studs. These problems were common among Comanche owners and required regular maintenance and repairs.
In conclusion, the Jeep Comanche faced significant challenges during its production run, primarily due to rust issues, declining sales, and mechanical problems. Despite its potential for sturdy drivetrains and good fuel economy, the Comanche was ultimately discontinued due to these issues. However, if properly maintained, the Comanche could still be a reliable and durable vehicle.
How reliable are Jeep Comanches?
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.
What engine is in a 1986 Jeep Comanche?
The inaugural 1986 model year Comanches could be equipped with one of three engines: AMC's 2.5 L four-cylinder as standard, with General Motors' 2.8 L V6 or Renault's 2.1 L I4 turbo diesel available as options.
Are Jeep Comanches rare?
From 1985 to 1989, production exceeded about 25,000 units per year. In 1991, production declined to around 9,500 units in 1990 and 5,100 in 1991. By 1992, its end year, Chrysler only built around 950 Comanches before the Jeep Comanche Pickup was discontinued.
How much is a Jeep Comanches worth?
The average Jeep Comanche costs about $17,245.27. The average price has increased by 40.6% since last year. The 2 for sale on CarGurus range from $12,900 to $22,500 in price.
Is the Jeep Comanche reliable?
How Durable Is The Jeep Comanche? - Find the best Jeep deals! 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.
What engine is in a 1986 Jeep Comanche?
The inaugural 1986 model year Comanches could be equipped with one of three engines: AMC's 2.5 L four-cylinder as standard, with General Motors' 2.8 L V6 or Renault's 2.1 L I4 turbo diesel available as options.
What was the top speed of the Jeep Comanche?
Land speed record and racing
Its record average speed of was 141.381 miles per hour, in a two-way dash over a one-mile measured course; its peak speed was 144.028 mph. See the Land Speed Record Jeep Comanche page.
What was the last year of the Jeep Comanche?
1986-1992 JEEP® COMANCHE (MJ)
The Jeep® Comanche (also called the MJ) was a pickup version of the XJ Cherokee. The Comanche pickup originally sported much identical running gear to the XJ, though you could get a 2.1L Renault I-4 diesel engine for the '86 MJ model year.
1986 Jeep Comanche car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Comanche problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Equipment problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Jeep Comanche complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Jeep Comanche.
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-07
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE KNOCKS , BEARINGS BAD. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- VIN: 1JTHA667XGT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS, SEVERAL REPAIRS MADE AND STALLING STILL OCCURRS.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-19
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CABLE THAT SUPPORTS SPARE TIRE UNDER BED OF PICKUP IS CORRODED AND FAILED. SPARE TIRE DROPPED INTO INTERSECTION AND NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 1JTWE6516GT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PURCHASED JEEP USED, SEAT BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-30
- VIN: 1JTWA6672GT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FELL APART. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE FAILED ACTUALLY BREAKING AWAY FROM WHEEL RESULTING IN REAR TIRE TO SEPARATE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO NEAREST MECHANIC. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1986 Jeep Comanche recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1986 Jeep Comanche.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES
- Summary: STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS REMAINED IN ACID ETCHING BATH TOO LONG. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COUPLERS COULD BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNMENT WITH EVENTUAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY PAWL MAY BE IMPROPERLY HARDENED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: PAWL COULD YIELD UNDER LOAD RESULTING IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKES.
- Remedy: REPLACE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
- Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE BUSHING COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE ACCELERATOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL WITH ENGINE RETURNING TO IDLE.
- Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: GROSS WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE PRESSURES INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE INCORRECT, THESE DO NOT COMPLY TO FEDERAL REGULATION PART 567. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS INFORMATION IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE TRUCK OWNER IS INFORMED OF ITS LOAD CAPACITY AND THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES FOR SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH CORRECT INFORMATION WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: JEEPS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED FUEL LINE FITTING WHICH COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE GASOLINE TO BE SPILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, SPILLS GASOLINE AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
- Remedy: RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Jeep Comanche problems:
Jeep Comanche - History, Major Flaws, & Why It Got Cancelled ...
Mar 31, 2021 ... ... Jeep Comanche releasing for the 1986 model year. This was a capable pickup, with 4 different engines and 6 different transmission offerings ...
Jeep Comanche Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Jeep Comanche Problems · Oil seepage from head gasket · Engine Oil Leaks From Valve Cover, Oil Pan, and Timing Cover Gaskets · Broken Exhaust Manifold Studs.
Top Common Engine Problems 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee SUV ...
May 18, 2021 ... For More Info visit us at: http://1aau.to/h/czd/ These are the top common engine problems for the Jeep Cherokee! This video features a ...
Can Comanches be reliable daily drivers? - MJ Tech: Modification ...
Sep 20, 2011 ... Jeep Driver · Jeep Driver Obsessive Comanche Disorder. Jeep Driver ... problems it may have now, and ... Jeep minus the engine and trans. Thankfully ...
What are Some common problems? - Jeep Cherokee Forum
Nov 19, 2009 ... The common problems have already been mentioned, RMS leaks, random clunks and noises, if it has a d35 you may end up replacing it at some point, ...
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