RecallMyCar

1987 Jeep Wrangler Recalls, Complaints & Specs

5 safety recalls list the 1987 Jeep Wrangler, and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

5
safety recalls
38
owner complaints to NHTSA
1 / 11
complaints citing a crash / fire
15–17
MPG combined (EPA)

5 safety recalls for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 94V106000 Reported 230,000 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel tank sending unit gasket.

  2. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 92V148000 Reported 280,000 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    On 1987 through early 1990 models, both front brake hoses can wear due to direct contact with the wheel opening splash shields. On the late 1990 through 1992 models, periodic rubbing contact of the left front brake hose can occur due to movement of the splash shield in certain vehicle operating conditions.

    Remedy: The 1987 to 1990 model vehicles will have both splash shields replaced and both front brake hoses replaced as necessary. All affected late 1990 through 1992 model year vehicles will have additional fasteners installed…

  3. Linkages (visibility)

    NHTSA 88V155000 Reported 75,000 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Windshield frame metal may crack at the wiper arm pivot mountings due to metal stress during wiper operation.

    Remedy: Retrofit with a windshield frame reinforcement at the wiper pivot locations and redesigned linkage components to reduce stress at the pivot mountings.

  4. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 87V022000 Reported 3,996 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Cruise control module could have inconsistent cruise control operation.

    Remedy: Replace module, as necessary.

  5. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 86V058000 Reported 3,333 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    The wheel lug nuts may have been improperly tightened. Also, the steering shaft clamp bolts may not be properly tightened. Consequence of defect: improperly tighten wheel lug nuts may cause the lugs to break and eventually result in the wheel falling off. Improperly tighten steering shaft clamp bolt may cause complete loss of steering…

    Remedy: Properly tighten both wheel lug nuts and steering shaft clamp bolts.

38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 1987 Jeep Wrangler have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash and 11 describe a fire. Reports cite 2 injuries and 1 death. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 246,000 miles. Complaints peaked in 1995 with 17 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“I ordered pronto brake drum part number bd80003. The part numbers are casted into the part. The drums were different and one of them causes the wheel to freeze. The source of the parts for the retaile”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, December 18, 2017 · Service brakes

“Tl* the contact owns a 1987 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while traveling 60 MPH, the windshield wipers failed during a rain storm. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, September 18, 2012 · Visibility/wiper

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined15–17 mpg
City / Highway15–16 / 17–20
FuelRegular
EPA classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
Engine4/6 cyl, 2.5/4.2 L
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd; Manual 5-spd

Compare Jeep Wrangler model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Jeep Wrangler model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1986 Jeep Wrangler01
1987 Jeep Wrangler538
1988 Jeep Wrangler350
1989 Jeep Wrangler462
1990 Jeep Wrangler479
1991 Jeep Wrangler676
1992 Jeep Wrangler477
1993 Jeep Wrangler3108
1994 Jeep Wrangler2151
1995 Jeep Wrangler1202
1996 Jeep Wrangler02
1997 Jeep Wrangler3401
1998 Jeep Wrangler2265
1999 Jeep Wrangler1213
2000 Jeep Wrangler1251
2001 Jeep Wrangler3170
2002 Jeep Wrangler2108
2003 Jeep Wrangler098
2004 Jeep Wrangler1192
2005 Jeep Wrangler1650
2006 Jeep Wrangler3730
2007 Jeep Wrangler8557
2008 Jeep Wrangler7873
2009 Jeep Wrangler6372
2010 Jeep Wrangler10686
2011 Jeep Wrangler10485
2012 Jeep Wrangler9834
2013 Jeep Wrangler6654
2014 Jeep Wrangler4654
2015 Jeep Wrangler3474
2016 Jeep Wrangler5461
2017 Jeep Wrangler5310
2018 Jeep Wrangler141,824
2019 Jeep Wrangler9742
2020 Jeep Wrangler12611
2021 Jeep Wrangler15945
2022 Jeep Wrangler15399
2023 Jeep Wrangler14366
2024 Jeep Wrangler11734
2025 Jeep Wrangler469
2026 Jeep Wrangler310

Checking a specific 1987 Jeep Wrangler

How do I know if my 1987 Jeep Wrangler has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 5 campaigns currently list the 1987 Jeep Wrangler; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Jeep dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 86V058000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Jeep models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.