1990 Jeep Wrangler: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 79 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is parking brake (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 jeep wrangler. While driving at approximately 55 mph, there were odors of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed that there were signs of the fuel leaking on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07e064000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2015
“Chrysler is not honoring /repairing their recalls. I have emission/safety recalls on my vehicle that potentially cause a fire, explosion to not only the owner of the vehicle but to its occupants to include transit. Chrysler has ignored the facts that these recalls but be repaired.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Apr 2015
“Recall 617 was not replaced. E brake cables not replaced. Did not replace both front brake calipers. I had to get, two new differentials and clutch in less than a year. With the new recalls listed in the paper what about my gas tank? This is another safety measure to keep my vehicle safe on the road.”Owner report · Parking Brake · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer complained about gas fumes. These fumes appeared when ever the vehicle was driven. Regardless of day/night or when parked. Owner took vehicle to three different dealers, and had the vehicle checked for a gas leak. Owner was informed that there was no visible signs of a leak or cracks in the gas tank. However, they were unable to determine why the vehicle continued to smell like gas. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2005
“While leaning on the driver's seat it broke. Vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection. *ak the back of the seat fell off the seat was not a recliner was stationary. *tc”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2005
“Vehicle experienced problems with antilock brake system since 1991. *bf the brake failed several times while attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to various dealer's who replaced multiple components but the problem recurred. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2004
“The consumer received a recall notice august 2002. To date the dealer indicated that the recalled part was still not available. *nlm”Owner report · Parking Brake · Apr 2003
“My 1990 jeep wrangler was parked in my driveway. The emergency parking brake released on its own causing the vehicle to roll down the driveway striking another vehicle parked at the end of the driveway. Damage was caused to both vehicles. I was later notified by mail of a recall on the parking brake. I would like to have the parking brake fixed by terms of the recall and damage to my vehicle at the manufacturers expense. *jb”Owner report · Parking Brake · Nov 2002
“After taking car in for service was notified of 2 outstanding recalls 92v148000 and 98v005000 concerning brakes. Dealership contacted maufacturer for part. Maufacturer replied that parts were discontinued, and if ordered it will be at consumer's expense.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2002
“A defective sight glass for master cylinder. Sight glass has broken and fluid leaked out, causing loss of brake power. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
ON 1987 THROUGH EARLY 1990 MODELS, BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES CAN WEAR DUE TO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL OPENING SPLASH SHIELDS. ON THE LATE 1990 THROUGH 1992 MODELS, PERIODIC RUBBING CONTACT OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE CAN OCCUR DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE SPLASH SHIELD IN CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: THE 1987 TO 1990 MODEL VEHICLES WILL HAVE BOTH SPLASH SHIELDS REPLACED AND BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES REPLACED AS NECESSARY. ALL AFFECTED LATE 1990 THROUGH 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL FASTENERS INSTALLED TO FURTHER SECURE THE LEFT SIDE SPLASH SHIELD. ALSO, THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
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.
BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.
Remedy: BESTOP WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BESTOP CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 845-3567.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT GASKET CAN CRACK CAUSING FUEL AND FUEL VAPOR LEAKS.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT GASKET.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE PARKING BRAKE CAN SELF-RELEASE WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WITH A STRONGER PAWL RETURN SPRING. OWNER NOTIFICATON BEGAN SEPTEMBER 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Wrangler by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Jeep Wrangler. The most complained-about area is parking brake (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Jeep Wrangler problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,500 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Jeep Wrangler have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.