1988 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 1988 Jeep Comanche problems
The Jeep Comanche, produced from 1986 to 1992, is known for its sturdy drivetrain, great fuel economy, and long life. However, it faced significant challenges in the form of rust issues and declining sales.
Rust was a major problem for the Comanche, with many units falling to rust damage between production and demolition. This was due to drivers not prioritizing maintenance, which allowed rust to wear down the body. The depth, extent, and type of rust were more crippling and severe in the Comanche compared to other vehicles. As a result, fewer than 200,000 Comanche units were manufactured during its run, with Jeep Wrangler's production numbers exceeding those of the Comanche in the Wrangler's first three years. The Jeep Cherokee even beat the Comanche's production numbers in one year.
Despite the rust issues, the Comanche was known for its high reliability and longevity, with a potentially sturdier drivetrain than the rest of the vehicle. It also achieved global popularity, setting at least 13 records during its run.
However, the Comanche's sales were modest and lacked the clout to make a dent in the competition's popularity. Sales declined from 43,718 units in 1988 to 5,188 in 1991, leading to the Comanche's discontinuation in 1992. This was partly due to Chrysler rebranding Jeep as an SUV-exclusive brand after purchasing the company in 1987, rendering Jeep's truck production redundant.
The Comanche was also plagued by common mechanical issues. According to RepairPal, the most common problems reported by Comanche owners include oil seepage from the head gasket, engine oil leaks from valve cover, oil pan, and timing cover gaskets, and broken exhaust manifold studs.
In summary, the Jeep Comanche faced significant challenges in the form of rust issues and declining sales, leading to its discontinuation in 1992. However, it was known for its high reliability and longevity, as well as its global popularity. Common mechanical issues reported by Comanche owners include oil seepage from the head gasket, engine oil leaks from valve cover, oil pan, and timing cover gaskets, and broken exhaust manifold studs.
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.
How many Jeep Comanches were made in 1988?
43,718
Phaseout and aborted name revival
| Year | Numbers |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 43,718 |
| 1989 | 25,311 |
| 1990 | 9,576 |
| 1991 | 5,188 |
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.
Why was Jeep Comanche discontinued?
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.
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.
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.
1988 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Jeep Comanche complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Jeep Comanche.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
- VIN: 1JTML6318JT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON DRIVERS SIDE IS NOT LATCHING. SPRING THAT HOLDS LATCH IN PLACE TO RELEASE TENSION IS NOT WORKING. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXIST. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- VIN: 1JTMW645XJT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON IS DEFECTIVE. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-25
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MAIN COMPUTER FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-14
- VIN: 1JTMW64P7JT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WHEN PULLINVG ON IT DOESN'T RETRACT BACKWARD . *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-05
- VIN: 1JTMW6453JT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FASTENS, THEN WITH ANY MOVEMENT THE BUCKLE POPS OUT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HEAD LINER FELL WHILE DRIVING W/OWNERS HAND CONTACTING UNKNOWN FIBER GLASS UNDERNEATH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HEAD LINER FELL WHILE DRIVING W/OWNERS HAND CONTACTING UNKNOWN FIBER GLASS UNDERNEATH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT STAY FASTEN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- VIN: 1JTMW64P5JT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR/BELT CLIP FAILED. *AW
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Jeep Comanche problems:
88 Comanche common issues - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs ...
May 19, 2020 ... I am looking at an 88 Comanche long bed 4x4 with the 4.0 later this week. Seller says there is death wobble around 50 and it runs rough when ...
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.
Can Comanches be reliable daily drivers? - MJ Tech: Modification ...
Sep 20, 2011 ... I'm planning on making my Comanche my daily driver, I want to make it reliable enough to start er up and drive across the country any given ...
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, ...
1988 Jeep Comanche Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jan 17, 2020 ... The squealing noise turned out to be a clogged sock screen in side the gas tank. I fixed it and the sound went away for good. I added 16' wheels ...
Other years of Jeep Comanche
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