1987 Jeep Cherokee Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 1987 Jeep Cherokee
- Has 9 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:headlights.
- Outscores the 1985 Jeep Cherokee by 17 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: body & chassis rust (major severity).
Should You Buy the 1987 Jeep Cherokee?
The 1987 Jeep Cherokee, especially with the 4.0L engine, stands as a testament to rugged simplicity and capability. While its core mechanicals are remarkably durable, its age introduces inherent risks with rust, aging electrical systems, and the need for diligent maintenance. It’s a rewarding vehicle for the informed buyer, but neglect will quickly lead to frustrations.
While the 1987 Jeep Cherokee boasts a bulletproof drivetrain, its advanced age means you are buying into a project, not just a vehicle. Expect to address rust, electrical gremlins, and a full refresh of wear items. For those willing to put in the effort, it's an incredibly rewarding and capable machine, but it's not…
Best Model Years
1991-1996 (4.0L High Output engine, better interiors, still pre-Chrysler integration concerns).
Years to Avoid
Early 2.5L 4-cylinder models (underpowered) and carbureted 2.8L V6 models (problematic).
Biggest Strengths
- Legendary 4.0L inline-six engine durability
- Robust unibody construction and solid axle design
- Vast aftermarket support and DIY friendly mechanics
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1987 Jeep Cherokee, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The unibody construction is susceptible to severe rust in rocker panels, floor pans, frame rails, and tailgate areas, compromising structural integrity. This is often due to poor rustproofing from the factory and exposure to road salt.
Aging wiring harnesses, ground issues, and specific sensor failures are common. The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) and Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) are frequent culprits, causing no-start conditions or intermittent stalling. Power windo…
Radiators are prone to clogging and end tank leaks, especially plastic ones. Water pumps, thermostats, and hoses eventually fail due to age and heat cycles. Neglecting these can lead to chronic overheating, stressing head gaskets.
1987 Jeep Cherokee Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1987 Jeep Cherokee most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, a 1987 Cherokee would have been relatively new. Key concerns would be basic fluid changes and ensuring proper break-in procedures. Any major issues would likely be factory defects.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage marks the beginning of routine wear item replacement. Suspension bushings, belts, hoses, and general fluid flushes become critical to maintain optimal performance and prevent cascading failures.
Elevated Risk Zone
Beyond 90,000 miles, age-related failures start to combine with wear. Expect to address sensors, fuel delivery components, and potentially the steering system. Rust may also become visibly apparent and require attention.
High Risk Zone
At this point, a 1987 Cherokee has proven its mettle. However, major system overhauls are likely overdue. Engine seals, transmission health (if neglected), and a complete suspension refresh are common. Structural rust becomes a significa…
1987 Jeep Cherokee Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1987 Jeep Cherokee on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-700
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 1987 Jeep Cherokee Last?
For a 1987 Cherokee, mileage is less critical than its maintenance history and the absence of significant rust. A well-maintained 200,000-mile example is often preferable to a neglected 100,000-mile one.
What 1987 Jeep Cherokee Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional off-road capability for its size and price.
- Legendary durability of the 4.0L engine and AW4 transmission.
- Strong aftermarket support makes parts and upgrades readily available.
- Iconic, boxy styling that attracts a dedicated enthusiast base.
Common Frustrations
- Severe rust issues are a constant battle, especially in harsh climates.
- The ride can be harsh and unrefined compared to modern SUVs.
- Poor fuel economy for a vehicle of its size.
- Aging electrical systems lead to frustrating intermittent problems.
Who Should Buy the 1987 Jeep Cherokee?
Best For
- Off-road enthusiasts looking for a capable and affordable platform.
- DIY mechanics who enjoy working on their vehicles.
- Individuals seeking a simple, rugged, and iconic SUV.
Not Ideal For
- Buyers expecting modern levels of comfort, refinement, or fuel economy.
- Anyone who dislikes regular maintenance or lacks mechanical inclination.
How the 1987 Jeep Cherokee Compares to Rivals
The 1987 XJ Cherokee sits in a sweet spot of rugged simplicity. It's generally more durable and easier to work on than many contemporaries, with a stronger engine lineup than much of the domestic competition, though it lacks the refinement or rust resistance of some Japanese r…
More Reliable Than
- Ford Bronco II (for reliability and structural integrity)
- Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (for drivetrain longevity)
- Many European SUVs of the era (for simplicity and repair costs)
Comparable To
- Nissan Pathfinder (first gen)
- Toyota 4Runner (first gen, though 4Runner has less rust susceptibility)
NHTSA Recalls
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
EXTERIOR 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.
What breaks on the 1987 Jeep Cherokee?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Jeep Cherokee by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Jeep Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.
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