Defect
TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110.
Remedy
INSTALL PROPER LABEL.
1987 Jeep Wagoneer problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
12
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
4
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1987 compare to other Wagoneer years?
What are the most common 1987 Jeep Wagoneer problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 17% | — flat |
| Engine | 2 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 8% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
Does the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?
6 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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“00 T 005 000/TREAD SEPARATION: RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING ON A DIRT ROAD AT 25-30 MPH, NOTICE A FLAPPING SOUND BEFORE THE PROBLEM COMMENCE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN A 1987 JEEP, WAGENEER; AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INSTALL AT 80400 MILES, DOT UNAVAILABLE. *AK ”
“ON A TRIP AND AT 65 MPH WENT OVER RAIL ROAD CROSSING AND AS SUSPENSION TRAVELED FELT LIKE THE DRIVE LINE WAS COMMING THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN.SOMETHING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN DID INDEED BOTTON OUT NOT THE SUSPENSION. ALSO STEERING WHEEL BROKE LOOSE ON THIS TRIP AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE BOLTS…”
“ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS ENCLOSED WITH NO PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PLASTIC FILL BOTTLE EXPLODING IF ENGINE OVERHEATS. (1ST VEHICLE ON DOC# 607835).”
“ON A TRIP AND AT 65 MPH WENT OVER RAIL ROAD CROSSING AND AS SUSPENSION TRAVELED FELT LIKE THE DRIVE LINE WAS COMMING THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN.SOMETHING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN DID INDEED BOTTON OUT NOT THE SUSPENSION. ALSO STEERING WHEEL BROKE LOOSE ON THIS TRIP AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE BOLTS…”
1987 Jeep Wagoneer — common questions
Is the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer reliable?
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
What are the most common 1987 Wagoneer problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Does the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1987 Jeep Wagoneer under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Jeep Wagoneer years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Wagoneer years to avoid are 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Wagoneer years belongs to 1995.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.