1987 Jeep Wrangler Problems
- Complaints
- 38filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 246,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 16 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler. The part named most often is fuel system, with 14 complaints (37% of the total), followed by seat belts (7) and engine cooling (5). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 246,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 2 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuel pump and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system14 37%
- Seat belts7 18%
- Engine cooling5 13%
- Electrical system4 11%
- Brakes2 5.3%
- Other or unknown2 5.3%
- Seats1 2.6%
- Steering1 2.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “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, filed 1998-10Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 212,000 and 280,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Jeep Wrangler version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V106000Jun 9, 1994Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1994
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.
- 92V148000Oct 14, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1992
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…
- 88V155000Sep 29, 1988Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987–1988
Windshield frame metal may crack at the wiper arm pivot mountings due to metal stress during wiper operation.
- 87V022000Feb 25, 1987Vehicle speed controlCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987, Wagoneer 1987, Cherokee 1987 +2 more
Cruise control module could have inconsistent cruise control operation.
- 86V058000May 2, 1986Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Jeep Wrangler 1987
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…
Recall details for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ97016FUEL LEAKAGEClosed · Oct 27, 1997
- PE95020Seat back failureClosed · Mar 27, 1995
- EA94031Seat belt buckle failureClosed · Aug 30, 1994
- PE94037Seat belt buckle failureClosed · Apr 26, 1994
- EA93031Sending unit gasket failsClosed · Dec 15, 1993
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10175510Mar 4, 2020Equipment. DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
Other model years of the Jeep Wrangler
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 1,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 73 | 300 | 4 | — | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 752 | 14,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 373 | 13,000 | 14 | — | 20 | 51 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 411 | 18,300 | 15 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 957 | 20,000 | 15 | — | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 618 | 2,500 | 12 | — | 20 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 747 | 4,500 | 9 | — | 20 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 1,827 | 6,200 | 14 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 312 | 23,700 | 5 | — | 18 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 462 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 479 | 37,476 | 3 | — | 18 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 658 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 18 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 657 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 836 | 42,000 | 9 | — | 18 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 485 | 50,510 | 10 | — | 17 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 686 | 45,699 | 10 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 372 | 51,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 873 | 62,000 | 7 | — | 18 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 558 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 730 | 36,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 650 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 192 | 46,192 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 98 | 26,898 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 108 | 60,499 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 170 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 251 | 91,912 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 64,425 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 265 | 73,990 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 401 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 202 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 151 | 121,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 108 | 96,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 77 | 137,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 76 | 110,500 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 79 | 110,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1988 | 50 | 98,261 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 246,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Jeep Wrangler model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Jeep Wrangler is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 14 complaints (37% of the total), followed by seat belts with 7.
Has the 1987 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Jeep Wrangler get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 16 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Jeep Wrangler reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 246,000 miles and the middle half falls between 212,000 and 280,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.