1986 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 10%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 169,774miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1986 Jeep Cherokee, 10% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,774 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought the car and drove it home on november 13, 2013 with the intentions of making a vehicle to use in the winter for bad weather or very bad snow. Here are issues I face. The speedometer goes crazy once I reach speeds over 35mph. It goes well pass the 85mph mark and back down to 15mph and bounce all between. The vehicle is so out of alignment its dangerous. All the floor boards have been rusted through all the way back to the seats. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587229, filed 2014-05, 169,774 miles“Ongoing steering problem reported by previous owner & experienced by present owner; steering wander, esp. At freeway speeds, all parts undamaged or replaced inc. Tie rods, struts, shocks, bushings, etc...; alignment to specs without improvement.”
NHTSA complaint #735894, filed 2000-11Related recalls
- 86V159000Dec 9, 1986Steering linkage couplers remained in acid etching bath too long. Consequence of defect: couplers could be out of tolerance resulting in steering wheel…Covers: Jeep Cherokee 1986–1987, Wagoneer 1986–1987, Comanche 1986–1987
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 6% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 22 | 7% |
| 2019 | 120 | 7% |
| 2018 | 30 | 4% |
| 2017 | 45 | 3% |
| 2016 | 54 | 4% |
| 2015 | 59 | 3% |
| 2014 | 119 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 7% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 37 | 8% |
| 1995 | 22 | 4% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 18 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 7 | 12% |
| 1986 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1986 Jeep Cherokee
10 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology