Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1989 Jeep Comanche — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
12
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 25% | new |
| Transmission | 3 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Consequence
HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.
Remedy
REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP COMANCHE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX TIRES, SIZE 31X10.50/15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRES EMITTED A LOUD NOISE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE…”
“RUBBER CLUTCH HOSE FAILURE. HOSE IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO EXHAUST. (3 INCHES) HEAT BUILD UP IN EXHAUST SYSTEM MELTS HOSE AND CAUSES A LEAK THAT UNDER PRESSURE SQUIRTS FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSEING FLASH FIRES. I HAVE RETAINED THE DEFECTIVE PART IF YOU REQUIRE IT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.”
“STEERING GEAR BOX BROKE OFF FROM THE METAL FRAME, CAUSING STEERING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING ,MAY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK”
“ENGINE COOLANT IS NOT GOING INTO THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECT WITHIN THE WATER PUMP. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JEEP COMANCHE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS UP TO 3,000. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE FAILURE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY…”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Jeep Comanche. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.