1987 Jeep Wrangler

▲ Better than typical
1987 Jeep Wrangler
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:59.129Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
41
Recalls
8

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Fuel system, gasoline

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1987: 41 complaints 1987 41 1988: 53 complaints 1989: 63 complaints 1990: 80 complaints 1991: 77 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1993: 109 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1995: 202 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 401 complaints 1998: 265 complaints 1999: 213 complaints 2000: 251 complaints 2001: 170 complaints 2001 2002: 108 complaints 2003: 98 complaints 2004: 192 complaints 2005: 649 complaints 2006: 730 complaints 2006 2007: 555 complaints 2008: 873 complaints 2009: 372 complaints 2010: 686 complaints 2011: 485 complaints 2011 2012: 835 complaints 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 658 complaints 2015: 477 complaints 2016: 461 complaints 2016 2017: 312 complaints 2018: 1,823 complaints 2019: 746 complaints 2020: 616 complaints 2021: 953 complaints 2021 2022: 411 complaints 2023: 373 complaints 2024: 752 complaints 2025: 71 complaints 2026: 12 complaints 2026
1986: 1 complaint 1987: 41 complaints 1987 41 1988: 53 complaints 1989: 63 complaints 1990: 80 complaints 1991: 77 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 109 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1995: 202 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 401 complaints 1998: 265 complaints 1998 1999: 213 complaints 2000: 251 complaints 2001: 170 complaints 2001 2002: 108 complaints 2003: 98 complaints 2004: 192 complaints 2004 2005: 649 complaints 2006: 730 complaints 2007: 555 complaints 2007 2008: 873 complaints 2009: 372 complaints 2010: 686 complaints 2010 2011: 485 complaints 2012: 835 complaints 2013: 657 complaints 2013 2014: 658 complaints 2015: 477 complaints 2016: 461 complaints 2016 2017: 312 complaints 2018: 1,823 complaints 2019: 746 complaints 2019 2020: 616 complaints 2021: 953 complaints 2022: 411 complaints 2022 2023: 373 complaints 2024: 752 complaints 2025: 71 complaints 2025 2026: 12 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1987: 41 complaints 1987 41 1988: 53 complaints 1989: 63 complaints 1990: 80 complaints 1990 1991: 77 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 109 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1994 1995: 202 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 401 complaints 1998: 265 complaints 1998 1999: 213 complaints 2000: 251 complaints 2000 2001: 170 complaints 2002: 108 complaints 2002 2003: 98 complaints 2004: 192 complaints 2004 2005: 649 complaints 2006: 730 complaints 2006 2007: 555 complaints 2008: 873 complaints 2008 2009: 372 complaints 2010: 686 complaints 2010 2011: 485 complaints 2012: 835 complaints 2012 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 658 complaints 2014 2015: 477 complaints 2016: 461 complaints 2016 2017: 312 complaints 2018: 1,823 complaints 2018 2019: 746 complaints 2020: 616 complaints 2020 2021: 953 complaints 2022: 411 complaints 2022 2023: 373 complaints 2024: 752 complaints 2024 2025: 71 complaints 2026: 12 complaints 2026

1987: 41 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19850
19861
198741
198853
198963
199080
199177
199277
1993109
1994159
1995202
19962
1997401
1998265
1999213
2000251
2001170
2002108
200398
2004192
2005649
2006730
2007555
2008873
2009372
2010686
2011485
2012835
2013657
2014658
2015477
2016461
2017312
20181,823
2019746
2020616
2021953
2022411
2023373
2024752
202571
202612

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

32% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Gasoline ignited at carburator.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-14

Engine and engine cooling

27% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Due to engines excessive heat, exhaust manifold warped/cracked, leaking fluid, resulting in a fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-05

Engine fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-04

Vehicle fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-05

Seat belts

17% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

INJURYDEATH

Electrical system

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Park vehicle; noticed smoke coming from underhood; engine engulfed with flames; all plastic parts melted. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-17

Visibility

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and windshield wiper/washer.

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1986-04-15Wheels86V058000 The wheel lug nuts may have been improperly tightened. Also, the steering shaft clamp bolts may not be properly tightened.

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

  2. R
    1987-02-23Vehicle speed control87V022000 Cruise control module could have inconsistent cruise control operation.

    Remedy: Replace module, as necessary.

  3. I
    1988-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-10-21 Windshield wiper failure
  4. R
    1989-04-12Visibility88V155000 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.

  5. I
    1989-08-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-12-11 Safety belt retractor
  6. I
    1992-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-05-22 Fuel tank/exhaust interfer
  7. I
    1992-05-22Engineering analysisClosed 1993-05-28 Fuel tank/exhaust interfer
  8. I
    1992-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-01-29 Exhaust system fires
  9. R
    1993-02-26Service brakes, hydraulic92V148000 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…

    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…

  10. I
    1993-12-15Engineering analysisClosed 1994-06-17 Sending unit gasket fails
  11. I
    1994-04-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-08-30 Seat belt buckle failure
  12. I
    1994-08-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-09-30 Seat belt buckle failure
  13. R
    1995-01-03Fuel system, gasoline94V106000 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.

  14. I
    1995-03-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-28 Seat back failure
  15. I
    1997-10-27Recall queryClosed 1998-06-30 Fuel leakage
  16. R
    2004-06-16Equipment04E041000 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…

    Remedy: Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. Owner notification began June 16, 2004. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within…

  17. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

  18. R
    2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…

    Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Jeep Wrangler — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V058000 · Wheels
  • Recall 87V022000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 88V155000 · Visibility
  • Recall 92V148000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 94V106000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 04E041000 · Equipment
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

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Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Jeep Wrangler is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Jeep Wrangler have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.