1986 Jeep cherokee Base
1JCWL7812GT158788
Vehicle history report for the 1986 Jeep cherokee (VIN 1JCWL7812GT158788). Title: Clean. 146,000 mi reported. Registered in Ca. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![1986 Jeep cherokee Base, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 1JCWL7812GT158788](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/1986_Jeep_Cherokee_4.0i_%2853061027929%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1986 Jeep cherokee data →
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1986 Jeep cherokee.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1986 Jeep cherokee costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1JCWL7812GT158788
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. DRIVERS CAN MISTAKENLY STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THEY INTEND TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA Campaign #97I002000 · 02/05/1997FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
JEEPS MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED FUEL LINE FITTING WHICH COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE GASOLINE TO BE SPILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, SPILLS GASOLINE AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
NHTSA Campaign #85V139000 · 29/10/1985SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
NHTSA Campaign #88V106000 · 01/07/1988STEERING:LINKAGES
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.
NHTSA Campaign #86V159000 · 09/12/1986VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ACCELERATOR CABLE BUSHING COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE ACCELERATOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL WITH ENGINE RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
NHTSA Campaign #86V146000 · 07/11/1986We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Jeep cherokee, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 4 reported injuries
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 22
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1986 Jeep cherokee.
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I BOUGHT THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 WITH THE INTENTIONS OF MAKING A VEHICLE TO USE IN THE WINTER FOR BAD WEATHER OR VERY BAD SNOW. HERE ARE ISSUES I FACE. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES CRAZY ONCE I REACH SPEEDS OVER 35MPH. IT GOES WELL PASS THE 85MPH MARK AND BACK DOWN TO 15MPH AND BOUNCE ALL BETWEEN. THE VEHICLE IS SO OUT OF ALIGNMENT ITS DANGE…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10587229SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH POWER BRAKES BOOSTER . HARD TO STOP VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #8009523SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BACK BRAKES WERE DOWN TO RIVETS, AND WILL START TEARING INTO THE DRUMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS WHY VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID VERY BADLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #891914SEAT BELTS
IN COLD WEATHER FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FELL APART. DEALER HAS REPAIRED SEAT BELT TWICE, BUT PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. *AK CONSUMER EXAMINED PIECES IN QUESTION AND FOUND THAT THEY CONTAINED PLASTIC PARTS AND IS QUESTIONING HOW PLASTIC COULD BE STRONG IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #880432SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT COVER BROKE OFF WHILE IT WAS BEING USED. REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALSO BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO LATCH IT. CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED BUCKLE WAS REPAIRABLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #879635STEERING,SUSPENSION
ONGOING STEERING PROBLEM REPORTED BY PREVIOUS OWNER & EXPERIENCED BY PRESENT OWNER; STEERING WANDER, ESP. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, ALL PARTS UNDAMAGED OR REPLACED INC. TIE RODS, STRUTS, SHOCKS, BUSHINGS, ETC...; ALIGNMENT TO SPECS WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #735894TIRES
CONSUMER HAS A 1986 JEEP COMANCHE WITH 19,000 ON REAR TIRES & 24,000 ON FRONT TIRES, CENTER OF THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING, FIRESTONE FR360 P215/75R15, FIRESTONE DEALER DIDN'T PRORATE TIRES BECAUSE OF WEAR.*AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #874031SEAT BELTS
BOTH MY RIGHT SEAT BELTS HAVE BROKE AND NO LONGER WORK. MY FRONT RIGHT BROKE WHILE I ,THE OWNER ,WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF AN ACCIDENT HAD OCCUR I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND WOULDN'T WANT HER BELT TO BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING. I FEEL THE MANUFACTOR SHOULD REPLACE ALL MY SEAT BELTS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HA…
NHTSA ODI #732093+ 14 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 1JCWL7812GT158788 valid?
1JCWL7812GT158788 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1986 Jeep cherokee.
Does the 1986 Jeep cherokee have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 8 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1986 Jeep cherokee. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1986 Jeep cherokee get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1986 Jeep cherokee at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 22 highway).
Data last checked 4 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.