1987 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler. Part of Generation 1 (YJ) — 1987–1995.

19861988
Complaints
51
Crashes
1
Fires
12
Injuries
2
Fatalities
1
Recalls
0

Worst 1987 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#16 complaints

Fuel Pump

Fires:3
#25 complaints

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

#34 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Fires:3
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler.

Fuel Pump
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Axle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Rear/Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Pitman
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Jeep Wrangler Years

1987 Jeep Wrangler — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1987 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1987 Jeep Wrangler has 51 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Fuel Pump with 6 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
Top reported problems: Fuel Pump (6 complaints); Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly (5 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler include 1 crash-related reports, 12 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 1 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1987 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Jeep Wrangler reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1987 Jeep Wrangler

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