Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1987 Jeep Comanche — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 40% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 20% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 20% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 20% | new |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Consequence
THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy
REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Defect
VEHICLE MAY CONTAIN AN OUT OF TOLERANCE THROTTLE BODY.
Consequence
THIS COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TOIDLE WHEN RELEASED.
Remedy
REPLACE SUSPECT THROTTLE BODIES.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
Consequence
INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE MODULE, AS NECESSARY.
Defect
A STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON TOP OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF ENGINE THAT COULD CONTACT THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CHAFING OF THE FUEL HOSE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
Remedy
REMOVE STUD AND REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE AND LINE ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLES WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE.
Defect
STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS REMAINED IN ACID ETCHING BATH TOO LONG. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COUPLERS COULD BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNMENT WITH EVENTUAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FIVE ACCIDENTS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK AND ALL HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WRECKED TRUCKS THAT ARE THE SAME MODEL.”
“WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND NOT TURN. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO SHOP, AND FOUND OUT THAT STEERING BOX WAS CRACKING.*AK”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Jeep Comanche. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.