1987 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1987 Jeep Cherokee, 12% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“Ball bearing bushings restrained by metal band in steering column both separated as well as elongate allowing ball bearings to fall out, resulting in steering locking, popping noises and looseness in the steering column. Can be easily detected by jiggling the steering wheel, steering wheel with move up and down and side to side once bearings have dislodged. I was curious about this problem after the third incident, so I visited a junkyard, I inspected 7 Jeep Cherokee's stearing columns and 2 had this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #722679, filed 2000-05“The contact stated there is a problem with the steering in the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealership at this time for diagnostics test. There is a NHTSA recall, # 86v159000 regarding the steering linkages. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10149803, filed 2006-02, 11,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated this vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recalls; 97i002000 concerning the accelerator pedal , recall 88v106000 concerning the power assist hydraulic service brakes/recall 87v035000 concerning vehicle speed control linkages/ 86v159000 concerning the steering linkages, and 86v160000 concerning the fuel system deliver: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. She contacted daimler/chrylser, and they stated this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10142616, filed 2005-11Related 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 1987 Jeep Cherokee
19 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 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