1987 Jeep Cherokee problems & reliability
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Jeep Cherokee. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (8 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1987 Jeep Cherokee vehicles were involved in 4 fatal crashes with 3 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 19 | 33% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 14% |
| Steering | 7 | 12% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 7% |
| Power Train | 4 | 7% |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 7% |
| Structure | 3 | 5% |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Dt*: the contact stated there is a problem with the steering in the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealership at this time for diagnostics test. There is a nhtsa recall, # 86v159000 regarding the steering linkages. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall…”
Steering · filed Feb 8, 2006
“Dt: the contact stated this vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recalls; 97i002000 concerning the accelerator pedal , recall 88v106000 concerning the power assist hydraulic service brakes/recall 87v035000 concerning vehicle speed control linkages/ 86v159000 concerning the steering linkages, and 86v160000…”
Steering · filed Nov 14, 2005
“The consumer noticed pink fluid on the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to dealership. The gasket and seals were replaced on the transfer case. However the leak continued. After parts were replaced and transmission was put on dealership found a porous leak in which a small pin hole was in the side top of transfer…”
Power Train · filed Sep 9, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR
Preliminary Evaluation PE89151 · opened Aug 11, 1989 · closed Dec 11, 1989
- CRUISE CONTROL ERRATIC
Preliminary Evaluation PE89095 · opened Mar 1, 1989 · closed Jun 28, 1989
- STALLING
Engineering Analysis EA88025 · opened Mar 10, 1988 · closed Oct 3, 1989
- THROTTLE CONTROL
Preliminary Evaluation PE88029 · opened Feb 23, 1988 · closed Sep 19, 1988
- FIRES CAUSED BY CLTCH LK
Preliminary Evaluation PE88001 · opened Oct 23, 1987 · closed Jan 28, 1988
- ELEC. REAR WINDOW
Engineering Analysis EA88005 · opened Oct 23, 1987 · closed Mar 28, 1989 · led to recall 87V178000
- HIGH SPEED STALLING
Preliminary Evaluation PE87048 · opened Aug 19, 1987 · closed Mar 10, 1988
Technical service bulletins
4 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Jeep Cherokee.
Subject regarding floor pan corrosion. *slc
2302602 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 10, 2002
Subject on customer satisfaction notification #733--brake pedal shift interlock. *yc
98733 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1997
New front output seal and oil slinger for transfer case. *tw
212194 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 1994
Redesigned liftgate latch. *tw
231693 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 1993
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1987 Jeep Cherokee in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1987 Jeep Cherokee?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.