VehicleVerdict

1986 Jeep Wrangler problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1986 Jeep Wrangler — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Wrangler years?

Wrangler NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted2,613 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 55 complaints1989: 86 complaints1990: 105 complaints1991: 100 complaints1992: 100 complaints1993: 134 complaints1994: 184 complaints1995: 259 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 548 complaints1998: 401 complaints1999: 262 complaints2000: 311 complaints2001: 235 complaints2002: 139 complaints2003: 130 complaints2004: 281 complaints2005: 756 complaints2006: 852 complaints2007: 792 complaints2008: 1,253 complaints2009: 495 complaints2010: 899 complaints2011: 677 complaints2012: 1,282 complaints2013: 1,042 complaints2014: 847 complaints2015: 660 complaints2016: 633 complaints2017: 413 complaints2018: 2,613 complaints2019: 1,064 complaints2020: 773 complaints2021: 1,481 complaints2022: 622 complaints2023: 571 complaints2024: 1,362 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 12 complaints
Wrangler NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wrangler years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Jeep Wrangler problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 1986 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04E041000OtherJune 7, 2004 · 80 units

Defect

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 COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COCKPIT COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME A DISTRACTION OR AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BESTOP CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 845-3567.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FUEL TANK LEAKS AT 3/4 FULL, AND FUMES CAN BE SMELLED IN CAB OF VEHICLE WITH WINDOWS UP. PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED 3 TIMES, BUT IT STILL PRESISTS. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 14, 1999

1986 Jeep Wrangler — common questions

Is the 1986 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Jeep Wrangler. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Jeep Wrangler under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Wrangler years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Wrangler years to avoid are 2018, 2021, 2024, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2013, 2010, 2006, 2014, 2007, 2020, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2009, 2017. The cleanest record among Wrangler years belongs to 1985.

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.