1989 Jeep Comanche problems

General information about Jeep-Comanche
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1989 Jeep Comanche problems

The Jeep Comanche faced several challenges that led to its discontinuation in 1992. One major factor was declining sales, with numbers dropping significantly from 43,718 units in 1988 to 5,188 units in 1991.

Common problems reported by owners of the 1989 Jeep Comanche include issues related to starting the vehicle. Some complaints revolve around the fuel system, such as fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator problems, leading to difficulties in starting the engine despite fuel being pumped. These issues highlight the importance of thorough diagnostics and maintenance to address starting problems in the 1989 Jeep Comanche.

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 1989 Jeep Comanche?

The 4.0 liter straight-six (I6) was rated at 173 hp when it arrived in 1987. It reached 177 hp by 1989, and hit 190 hp in 1991. That might not sound like much by 2017 standards, but compare it to: The bigger GM 4.3 liter V6 (160 hp)

How rare is a Jeep Comanche?

A total of 190,446 Comanches were made during its production run.

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?

What engine is in a 1989 Jeep Comanche?

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.

1989 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:

Tires problems
Power train problems
Steering problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Jeep Comanche complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Jeep Comanche.

2013-12-30

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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.

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2010-06-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-06-04
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

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2002-03-01

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-02-27
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)

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2001-03-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-03-20
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.

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2000-02-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE COOLANT IS NOT GOING INTO THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECT WITHIN THE WATER PUMP. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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2000-01-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-12-13
VIN: 1J7GJ36L7KL
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 4WD WILL NOT ENGAGE AS NEEDED. *AK

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1999-02-26

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-02-25
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING GEAR BOX BROKE OFF FROM THE METAL FRAME, CAUSING STEERING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING ,MAY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK

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1997-09-22

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-06-23
VIN: 1J7GT36LOKL
Components: TIRES
Summary: CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE BROKE AND THE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING.

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1996-10-25

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-09-30
VIN: 1J7FJ36L6KL
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: FAILURE OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE, THE CABLE BROKE, CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING.*AK

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1996-10-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-09-12
Fire: 1
VIN: 1J7ST26L6KL
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: THE MASTER CLUTCH CYLINDER HOSE LEAKED FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK

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1995-06-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-10
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE COME LOOSE IT SLIP OUT. TT

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1995-01-01

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
VIN: UNK
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING WHEEL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY BECAME LOOSE. *AK

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1989 Jeep Comanche recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Jeep Comanche.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Jeep Comanche problems:

88 Comanche common issues - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs ...

https://comancheclub.com/topic/62101-88-comanche-common-issues/

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 ...

89 Jeep Comanche, old and dirt cheap, is it worth it? please help ...

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f88/89-jeep-comanche-old-dirt-cheap-worth-please-help-233531/

Feb 23, 2017 ... ... engine/tranny, ease of repair, reliability, availability of parts, common problem areas, and simply whether or not this can be trusted to ...

Jeep Comanche Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/jeep/comanche

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.

What are Some common problems? - Jeep Cherokee Forum

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/what-some-common-problems-29380/

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, ...