1987 Jeep Cherokee
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Jeep Cherokee is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.
1987 Jeep Cherokee at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1987 Jeep Cherokee recalls 9
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF THESE VEHICLES.
BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Fix: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
VEHICLE MAY CONTAIN AN OUT OF TOLERANCE THROTTLE BODY.
Fix: REPLACE SUSPECT THROTTLE BODIES.
CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
Fix: REPLACE MODULE, AS NECESSARY.
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.
Fix: REMOVE STUD AND REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE AND LINE ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLES WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE.
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.
Fix: REPLACE OUT OF TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1987 Jeep Cherokee common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1987 Jeep Cherokee MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 11 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1987 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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Jeep Cherokee — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 7
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR Closed
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NHTSA #PE89151 · Seat Belts · opened Aug 1989 · closed Dec 1989CRUISE CONTROL ERRATIC Closed
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NHTSA #PE89095 · Equipment · opened Mar 1989 · closed Jun 1989STALLING Closed
ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: THE MULTI-POINT INJECTIONSYSTEM (MPI) USED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAS HAD WIRING HARNESS FAILUREAND FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CPS). BOTH FAILURES HAVE A HIGHFREQUENCY AND ARE THE SUBJECT OF JEEP TASK FORCES. NUMEROUS MODIFICATIONSTO BOTH ITEMS HAVE BEEN MADE.ANALYSIS: THE STALLING PROBLEM IS SEMI-INTERMITTENT, THAT IS WIRINGHARNESS FAILURE IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCU…
NHTSA #EA88025 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 1988 · closed Oct 1989THROTTLE CONTROL Closed
SUMMARY: THE PE WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER JEEP'S RECALL OF CERTAIN 1987 MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0 LITER FUEL INJECTED 6 CYLINDER ENGINE (87V-035) HAD INVOLVED ALL THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES. A REVIEW OF THE ODI FILES HAD INDICATED THAT 1987-1988 JEEP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.O LITER ENGINE ALSO WERE EXPERIENCING SOME THROTTLE CONTROL PROBLEM. A REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS AND THE AVAIL…
NHTSA #PE88029 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Feb 1988 · closed Sep 1988ELEC. REAR WINDOW Closed
ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINTS AND ODI EXAMINATION OF VEHICLES SUGGESTS THATIMPINGEMENT OF THE TAILGATE LOCK DUST COVER AGAINST THE KEY MAY EITHERINDUCE OR CONTINUE UNINTENDED UPWARD MOVEMENT OF THE TAILGATE WINDOW.STATUS: CHRYSLER RECALLED BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1987. HOWEVER,WE BELIEVE THAT THE SELF EXAMINATION CALLED FOR IN THE RECALL NOTICE DOESNOT MEET WITH THE INTENT OF THE LAW. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO…
NHTSA #EA88005 · Visibility · opened Oct 1987 · closed Mar 1989FIRES CAUSED BY CLTCH LK Closed
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===
NHTSA #PE88001 · Power Train · opened Oct 1987 · closed Jan 1988HIGH SPEED STALLING Closed
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: THE FUEL INJECTED 6 CYLINDER (242 CID) IN-LINE ENGINE IS APPARENTLY NEW TO THE INSTALLATION INTO THE JEEP CHEROKEE.ANALYSIS: THE FUEL INJECTED ENGINE ALLEGEDLY STALLS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (35-55MPH). TWO FAILURE MODES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED, STALLING WHEN CORNERING OR GOING OVER A BUMP AND THE OTHER IS ENGINE STALL WHILE CRUISING--USUALLY IN HIGH AMBI…
NHTSA #PE87048 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1987 · closed Mar 1988An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 4
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
SUBJECT REGARDING FLOOR PAN CORROSION. *SLC
Bulletin 2302602 · Structure · Jun 2002SUBJECT ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION #733--BRAKE PEDAL SHIFT INTERLOCK. *YC
Bulletin 98733 · Power Train · Dec 1997NEW FRONT OUTPUT SEAL AND OIL SLINGER FOR TRANSFER CASE. *TW
Bulletin 212194 · Power Train · Nov 1994REDESIGNED LIFTGATE LATCH. *TW
Bulletin 231693 · Latches/locks/linkages · Mar 1993Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CHEROKEE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 Jeep Cherokee. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Emissions
NOTE: JEEP VEHICLES WITH 4.0 LITRE ENGINES, RENAULT VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITRE ENGINES AND EAGLE PREMIER VEHICLES WITH 2.5 AND 3 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR COULD LEAD TO POOR FUEL/AIR CONTROL AND REDUCED CATALYST EFFICIENCY WHICH MAY INCREASE TAILPIPE EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLAC…
Transport Canada #1993071 · May 1993Brakes
VEHICLES WITH 2.1 LITRE TURBO DIESEL ENGINES HAVE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM TANKS WHICH MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT. SUCH LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: BRAKE VACUUM TANKS WHICH ARE MORE CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING BUMPER IMPACT WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VE…
Transport Canada #1989030 · Mar 1989Engine
VEHICLES WITH 4.0 LITRE ENGINES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH OUT-OF- TOLERANCE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLIES WHICH COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE SPEED FROM RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND SUSPECT THROTTLE BODIES REPLACED.
Transport Canada #1987038 · Apr 1987Engine
CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT HOLD SET POINT. WHEN SET BUTTON IS PRESSED, VEHICLE SPEED WILL HUNT ABOVE AND BELOW SET POINT. INCONSISTENT VEHICLE SPEED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED.
Transport Canada #1987034 · Mar 1987Steering
VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A STEERING LINKAGE COUPLER WHICH IS OUT OF TOLERANCE. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FRONT END MISALIGNMENT WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT STEERING CONTROL. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND OUT-OF-TOLERANCE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS WILL BE REPLACED.
Transport Canada #1986143 · Dec 1986Fuel System
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0 LITRE I-6 ENGINE, A STUD INSTALLED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY CHAFE ON THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: STUD WILL BE REMOVED FROM MANIFOLD AND FUEL SUPPLY HOSE AND LINE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON VEHICLES WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE.
Transport Canada #1986144 · Dec 1986Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) manufactured and marketed by Jeep over six generations. Marketed initially as a variant of the Jeep Wagoneer (SJ), the Cherokee has evolved from a full-size station wagon to one of the first compact SUVs and into its latest generation as a crossover SUV.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.