1992 Jeep Comanche problems

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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.

1992 Jeep Comanche

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Common 1992 Jeep Comanche problems

The Jeep Comanche, produced from 1986 to 1992, was a compact truck that shared the template of the Jeep Cherokee. Despite its potential for sturdy drivetrains, good fuel economy, and long life, the Comanche faced significant challenges, mainly due to rust issues and declining sales.

Rust was a major problem for the Comanche, with many units being affected by this issue. The rust was caused by drivers' unwillingness to perform necessary maintenance, leading to a high likelihood of rust damage between production and demolition.

Declining sales were another significant challenge for the Comanche. Sales in 1988 were 43,718 units, but they fell to 25,311 units in 1989 and experienced a significant drop to 9,576 units in 1990. Sales in 1991 decreased almost by half to 5,188 units, and only 952 units were produced in 1992, the final year of production.

The Comanche's sales decline was partly due to the compact truck market's overall decline from 1986 to 1992. However, the competition did not suffer as large a decline as the Comanche. The Comanche's sales figures were modest in the first place, lacking the clout and presence to make a dent in the competition's popularity. The Comanche's template being cloned from the Cherokee, which was experiencing a consistent 120,000 units sold annually during this entire decline, did not help its case.

Another factor contributing to the Comanche's discontinuation was Chrysler's acquisition of Jeep in 1987. Chrysler rebranded Jeep as an SUV-exclusive brand, and the company wouldn't make another attempt at trucks after the demise of the Comanche until the Gladiator arrived in 2019. Chrysler then decreed that all Jeep pickup production be ceased in favor of Dodge assuming production of that department, sealing the Comanche's fate.

In summary, the Jeep Comanche faced significant challenges due to rust issues and declining sales. Despite its potential for sturdy drivetrains, good fuel economy, and long life, the Comanche was ultimately axed partially due to poor sales, but also to Chrysler rebranding the Jeep division upon their 1987 acquisition, rendering their truck production redundant.

1992 Jeep Comanche engine

Is the Jeep Comanche reliable?

A Comanche is no less unreliable than any vehicle that has been abused and mistreated, nor is it any more reliable than any vehicle that has been properly maintained and operated. The AW4 is one of the better transmissions available. The unibody has proven to be equal to, if not superior to frame-body construction.

How many Jeep Comanches were made in 1992?

952

Phaseout and aborted name revival

YearNumbers
198925,311
19909,576
19915,188
1992952

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 MPGOwner 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 milesView Estimates How can I share my MPG?
1988 Jeep Comanche 4WD 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd
Regular GasolineNot 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.

1992 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:

  • Parking brake problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Jeep Comanche vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1992 Jeep Comanche complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Jeep Comanche.

2003-03-21

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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
2002-02-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-03-03
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE "POOPED" TWICE, JUST LUCKLY NO ONE INJURED. *AK

Positive 1992 Jeep Comanche car reviews

  1. Herman Hamill 2024-09-09

    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

  2. Jaiden Koch 2024-07-08

    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!

  3. Floy Kuhn 2024-07-07

    I bought my Jeep Comanche when I was 17, in May of 2004. I have been extremely pleased with its reliability and power. It's a pretty hard truck to find for sale these days, but I'm glad I have it. I have the 4.0 litre inline six engine configuration, and with many upgrades, I'm now pumping out 240 horsepower. Even though my truck is a 2-wheel drive, I've taken it four-wheeling with my buddies and it did just fine. Driving through snow is no problem either. The body styling of the truck is really cool, I love it. Next, I'm getting an Arma coat spray-in bedliner for my truck. It's one hell of a truck, you can take a Jeep anywhere you want to!

  4. Garnett Yost 2024-03-19

    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.

  5. Harvey Hoppe 2024-01-15

    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!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1992 Jeep Comanche problems:

Jeep Comanche - History, Major Flaws, & Why It Got Cancelled ...
Jeep Comanche - History, Major Flaws, & Why It Got Cancelled ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3bDd-ohPw

Mar 31, 2021 ... Jeep Comanche - History, Major Flaws, & Why It Got Cancelled! (1986-1992) - The Forgotten Jeep ... Jeep Cherokee XJ Buyer's Guide (Common Problems ...

Comanche issues - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs - Comanche ...
Comanche issues - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs - Comanche ...
https://comancheclub.com/topic/50621-comanche-issues/

Jun 11, 2016 ... 1992 Jeep Comanche 4.0 High output model Here's the story: My Comanche ran fine all winter. I had to let it sit for 2 months came back and ...

Did We Make a Mistake Buying THIS 1989 Cheap Jeep Comanche ...
Did We Make a Mistake Buying THIS 1989 Cheap Jeep Comanche ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_DCEVUH-a8

Apr 27, 2019 ... http://www.TFLtruck.com ) Did We Make a Huge Escape Buying THIS 1989 Cheap Jeep Comanche? | Cheap Jeep Challenge S2 Ep. 1 ...

common problems with Jeep A/C system? | Jeep Enthusiast Forums
common problems with Jeep A/C system? | Jeep Enthusiast Forums
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/common-problems-with-jeep-a-c-system.304543/

Aug 16, 2006 ... Jeep Cherokee & Comanche Forums · XJ Cherokee ... common problems with Jeep A/C system? Jump to ... 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0 [] IIIIIII ...

Top Common Engine Problems 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee SUV ...
Top Common Engine Problems 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee SUV ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RArDpZMaJxI

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 ...

Other years of Jeep Comanche

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Comanche 1985
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Comanche 1986
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Comanche 1987
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Comanche 1988
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Comanche 1989
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Comanche 1990
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1992 Jeep Comanche photo