FaultScore

FaultScore report

1987 Jeep Wrangler problems

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 1987 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017. The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

51

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

12

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

How 1987 compares with every other Jeep Wrangler

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1987 Jeep Wrangler

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 6 fires

Seat Belts 9 17.6%
Engine & Cooling 9 17.6%

0 crashes, 4 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 7.8%

Median failure at 280,000 miles

Electrical System 4 7.8%

0 crashes, 2 fires

Other & Unspecified 2 3.9%
Brakes 2 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 212,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 3.9%
Seats 1 2.0%
Tires 1 2.0%
Body & Structure 1 2.0%
Steering 1 2.0%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Fuel Pump 6 24.0%
Buckle Assembly 5 20.0%
Gasoline 4 16.0%
Tank Assembly 3 12.0%
Front Underhood 2 8.0%
Windshield 2 8.0%
Anchorage 2 8.0%
Shaft Pitman 1 4.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 1995 peak 10 Dec 2017

NHTSA investigations into the 1987 Jeep Wrangler

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

RQ97016 Opened 27 Oct 1997 Closed 30 Jun 1998 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL LEAKAGE

ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS ON FUEL LEAKAGE AND 3 REPORTS ON ALLEGED REMEDY FAILURE REPORTS

PE95020 Opened 27 Mar 1995 Closed 28 Jul 1995 SEATS

SEAT BACK FAILURE

EA94031 Opened 30 Aug 1994 Closed 30 Sep 1997 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

PE94037 Opened 26 Apr 1994 Closed 30 Aug 1994 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

EA93031 Opened 15 Dec 1993 Closed 17 Jun 1994 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

SENDING UNIT GASKET FAILS

PE92075 Opened 9 Sep 1992 Closed 29 Jan 1993 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

EXHAUST SYSTEM FIRES

EA92014 Opened 22 May 1992 Closed 28 May 1993 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER

PE92016 Opened 5 Feb 1992 Closed 22 May 1992 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER

Recalls on the 1987 Jeep Wrangler

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

07E064000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Risk: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

04E041000

EQUIPMENT

BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.

Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COCKPIT COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME A DISTRACTION OR AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

94V106000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT GASKET CAN CRACK CAUSING FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAKS.

Risk: FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

92V148000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Risk: EITHER CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE SYSTEMFUNCTIONS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND AN INCREASED RISK OFVEHICLE ACCIDENT.

88V155000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

WINDSHIELD FRAME METAL MAY CRACK AT THE WIPER ARM PIVOT MOUNTINGS DUE TO METAL STRESS DURING WIPER OPERATION.

Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE DISLOCATION AND BINDING OF THE WIPERSYSTEM LINKAGE WHICH, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY ANDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

87V022000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.

Risk: INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

86V058000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

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 ABILITY. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Hardy, VA Crash 1 injured

PARKING BRAKE

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. MR SCC

NHTSA complaint #8021145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Unknown, UN Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

POSSIBLE FUEL LINE LEAKAGE RESULTED IN A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA complaint #513147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Franci, CA 1 killed

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SEAT BELT UNLATCHED DURING ROLLOVER ACCIDENT CAUSING DEATH. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)

NHTSA complaint #525544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reading, PA Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP LEAK CAUSED FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #529817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELK Grove, IL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #511995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coppell, TX Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, DUE TO CORROSION OF FUEL LINE.

NHTSA complaint #983093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 212,000 miles Coarsegold, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

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 RETAILER SAID IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE RETAILER RESHIPPED THE PARTS 3 TIMES, EACH TIME THE DRUMS RECEIVED WERE DEFECTIVE. I WAS FORCED TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER BRAND.

NHTSA complaint #11055305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 280,000 miles Shohola, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 VIN WAS EXPIRED AND FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V150000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 361,000.

NHTSA complaint #10475812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hardy, VA Crash 1 injured

PARKING BRAKE

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. MR SCC

NHTSA complaint #8021145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaumont, TX

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

BLOWOUT RIGHT FRONT,STILLRUNNING THREE TIRES. A GOOD AMOUNT OF TREAD LEFT ON THE THREE REMAINING TIRES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: W2IHFWMN TIRE SIZE: P215/75R15 )

NHTSA complaint #731985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK WHEN BUCKLED. NLM

NHTSA complaint #782826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK WHEN BUCKLED. NLM

NHTSA complaint #782826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Unknown, UN Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

POSSIBLE FUEL LINE LEAKAGE RESULTED IN A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA complaint #513147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

JEEP CAUGHT FIRE, ASSUMING FROM FUEL LINES DIRECTLY ON TOP OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD DESIGNED BY CHRYSLER

NHTSA complaint #703603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Franci, CA 1 killed

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SEAT BELT UNLATCHED DURING ROLLOVER ACCIDENT CAUSING DEATH. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)

NHTSA complaint #525544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parkesburg, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE UP, THE GAS GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS A FULL TANK OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE. BUT WHEN DRIVING ABOUT A MILE, THE GAS GAUGE WILL SHOW THAT THERE IS ONLY A 1/2 OF TANK. CONTACTED DEALER AND CAN'T FOUND THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #828521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jackson, NJ

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA complaint #537161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reading, PA Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP LEAK CAUSED FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #529817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vero Beach, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#94V106000). CALLED DEALER & TOOK VEHICLE IN ON THE APPOINTED DATE. WAS INFORMED COULD NOT REPAIR VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS READILY AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #817752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vero Beach, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#94V106000) & CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & AFTER ARRIVING, WAS INFORMED COULD NOT REPAIR DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS READILY AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #819493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yakima, WA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED DUE TO A BROKEN SPRING. DEALER FIXED IT AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.

NHTSA complaint #814425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

FUEL TANK IS CRACKED, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #515141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

GAS SMELL AFTER FILLING TANK.

NHTSA complaint #513602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

GAS GAUGE BOUNCES.

NHTSA complaint #513602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELK Grove, IL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #511995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sudbury, MA

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

SHOULDER BELT GETS STUCK ON THE DOOR LATCH WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #508641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Narco, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

ENGINE WILL DIE OUT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #985866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coppell, TX Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, DUE TO CORROSION OF FUEL LINE.

NHTSA complaint #983093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ST. Louis, MO Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCED FIRE IN LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #981163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Staten ISL, NY Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP CAUGHT FIRE(RECALL 94V106000).

NHTSA complaint #487276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Staten ISL, NY Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP CAUGHT FIRE(RECALL 94V106000).

NHTSA complaint #487276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.