1987 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 1987 Jeep Comanche problems
The Jeep Comanche, manufactured from 1986 to 1992, was a compact truck that shared the same template as the Jeep Cherokee. Despite its potential for sturdy drivetrains, great fuel economy, easily replaceable parts, and long life, the Comanche faced significant issues that led to its discontinuation.
One of the most prominent problems was rust, which affected a large number of Comanche units due to insufficient maintenance by drivers.
Another major issue was declining sales throughout the Comanche's production run. Sales figures fell steadily from 43,718 units in 1988 to just 5,188 units in 1991. Chrysler's rebranding led to the decision to cease Jeep's truck production in favor of Dodge, which ultimately sealed the Comanche's fate.
In addition to these major issues, the Comanche faced specific problems related to its engines and cooling system. For example, some Comanche owners reported oil seepage from the head gasket, engine oil leaks from various gaskets, and broken exhaust manifold studs.
Despite these issues, the Comanche was known for its high reliability and longevity, with a drivetrain that could potentially outlast the rest of the vehicle. However, the combination of rust, declining sales, and specific engine and cooling system problems ultimately led to the Comanche's discontinuation in 1992.
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 1987 Jeep Comanche?
Engines
| Name | Displacement | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 L TurboDiesel | 2068 cc (126 CID) | 1986–1987 |
| 4.0 Litre | 3964 cc (242 CID) | 1987 |
| 1988–1990 | ||
| 1991–1992 |
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.
How many miles per gallon does a Jeep Comanche get?
1988 Jeep Comanche Pickup
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1988 Jeep Comanche 2WD 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| 18 combined city/highway MPG 16 city 22 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 1988 Jeep Comanche 4WD 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | Not Available How can I share my MPG? |
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 1987 Jeep Comanche?
Engines
| Name | Displacement | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 L TurboDiesel | 2068 cc (126 CID) | 1986–1987 |
| 4.0 Litre | 3964 cc (242 CID) | 1987 |
| 1988–1990 | ||
| 1991–1992 |
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.
Why are Jeep Comanches rare?
A Short-Lived Vehicle Production
Though nearly a decade is a common production duration for a single modern vehicle, some cars of the Jeep Comanche era were around for a bit longer. Interestingly enough, the production of the Comanche took place under two different companies: Chrysler and American Motors (AMC).
1987 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Jeep Comanche complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Jeep Comanche.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-24
- VIN: 1JTMU64P9HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. *NLM...*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-06-14
- 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STICKS ALL THE TIME . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JTMW6417HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND JEEP CAUGHT ON FIRE , PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
1987 Jeep Comanche recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1987 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
- Summary: VEHICLE MAY CONTAIN AN OUT OF TOLERANCE THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence: THIS COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TOIDLE WHEN RELEASED.
- Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT THROTTLE BODIES.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
- Consequence: INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE MODULE, AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: A STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON TOP OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF ENGINE THAT COULD CONTACT THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CHAFING OF THE FUEL HOSE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
- Remedy: REMOVE STUD AND REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE AND LINE ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLES WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Jeep Comanche problems:
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Other years of Jeep Comanche
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