The Jeep Comanche spans 1986–1992 with 17 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1990, 1989, 1988 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1992, 1987, 1986. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Jeep Comanche is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1986 to 1992 across multiple generations.
How to read a Jeep Comanche VIN — every digit explained
Every Jeep Comanche carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Jeep and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Comanche.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Comanche, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Jeep Comanche have?
The Jeep Comanche has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1992. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1991 Jeep Comanche recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Risk. THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
1990 Jeep Comanche recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
What's wrong. MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Risk. HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.
Fix. REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Risk. THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
1989 Jeep Comanche recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
What's wrong. MALFUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THROTTLE POSTITION SENSOR COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
Risk. HIGH ENGINE IDLE WHEN CAR IS FIRST PLACED IN GEAR COULDRESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.
Fix. REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS WITH SENSORS THAT WOULD SEND CORRECT SIGNALS TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
1987 Jeep Comanche recalls 5
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
What's wrong. BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Risk. THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
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 Speed Control
What's wrong. CRUISE CONTROL MODULE COULD HAVE INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
Risk. INCONSISTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE MODULE, AS NECESSARY.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
What's wrong. VEHICLE MAY CONTAIN AN OUT OF TOLERANCE THROTTLE BODY.
Risk. THIS COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TOIDLE WHEN RELEASED.
Fix. REPLACE SUSPECT THROTTLE BODIES.
1986 Jeep Comanche recalls 6
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. REPLACE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET AND LEVER ASSEMBLIES.
Parking Brake
What's wrong. PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY PAWL MAY BE IMPROPERLY HARDENED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: PAWL COULD YIELD UNDER LOAD RESULTING IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKES.
Fix. REPLACE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
What's wrong. BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVOIR CANISTERS MAY DEVELOP LEAKS DUE TO BUMPER IMPACT.
Risk. THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
Fix. REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CANNISTERS WITH NEW TYPE CANNISTERS; ALSO, INSTALL A RESTRICTION ORIFICE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACUUM IN EVENT CANNISTER LEAKAGE OCCURS.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. GROSS WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE PRESSURES INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE INCORRECT, THESE DO NOT COMPLY TO FEDERAL REGULATION PART 567. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS INFORMATION IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE TRUCK OWNER IS INFORMED OF ITS LOAD CAPACITY AND THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES FOR SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix. REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH CORRECT INFORMATION WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. RECONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING, AS REQUIRED.
Best and worst years for the Jeep Comanche
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 1990, 1989, 1988 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1992, 1987, 1986.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Comanche | Engine And Engine Cooling | Best | |
| 1987 Comanche | Engine And Engine Cooling | Best | |
| 1988 Comanche | Seat Belts | Avoid | |
| 1989 Comanche | Tires | Avoid | |
| 1990 Comanche | Vehicle Speed Control | Avoid | |
| 1991 Comanche | Parking Brake | Average | |
| 1992 Comanche | Parking Brake | Best |
What are the most common Jeep Comanche problems?
The most-reported Jeep Comanche problems are Tires (3 reports), Gasoline (1 reports) and Steering (4 reports) — out of 56 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Jeep Comanche specifications & dimensions
The 1989 Jeep Comanche measures 179″ long on a 113″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,089 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Jeep Comanche window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 179″ | 72″ | 65″ | 113″ | 3,089 lb |
| 1986 | 194″ | 72″ | 64″ | 120″ | 2,932 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Jeep Comanche cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Comanche holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Jeep Comanche tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Jeep Comanche get?
The Jeep Comanche returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,000/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1993 Jeep Comanche (4L 6-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Comanche | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 Comanche | 16 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1991 Comanche | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 Comanche | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Comanche | 15 | 21 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 Comanche | 16 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Comanche | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 Comanche | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1993 Jeep Comanche (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $3,300/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Comanche | 18 | 21 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 Comanche | 18 | 22 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 Comanche | 18 | 21 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Comanche | 19 | 23 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Comanche | 19 | 23 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Comanche | 19 | 23 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Comanche | 24 | 27 | $3,150 | 407 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Comanche | 24 | 29 | $3,000 | 392 | — | 2.1L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Comanche stacks up against the most fuel-efficient trucks, or calculate this Comanche's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Jeep Comanche have? Power & range
The Jeep Comanche is offered with 2 powertrains — 4L 6-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 4.0L · 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.5L · 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Jeep Comanche tow? Towing & payload
As a pickup, the Jeep Comanche is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Comanche's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Jeep Comanche cost to own?
A Jeep Comanche holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Comanche is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Comanche loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $15,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Comanche ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Jeep Comanche safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Comanche yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Jeep Comanche last?
A well-maintained Jeep Comanche typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Jeep Comanche’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Comanche’s VIN free →All Jeep Comanche model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Jeep Comanche — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Comanche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 Comanche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 Comanche | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Comanche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Comanche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Comanche | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Comanche | 6 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Comanche?
By owner-complaint volume, 1990, 1989, 1988 drew the most reports. 1992, 1987, 1986 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Comanche have?
17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1992. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Jeep recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Comanche get?
Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Comanche last?
A well-maintained Comanche typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Comanche reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Comanche is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Jeep Comanche warranty?
New Jeep models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Jeep dealer.
Where is the Jeep Comanche made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Comanche's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Jeep may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Comanche have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.