1990 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 79 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 1990 Jeep Wrangler problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

1 of 2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Brakes
28
Fuel system
20
Seats
12
Engine
8
Seat belts
6
Transmission
5
Electrical
4
Suspension
3
Visibility
3
Body
2
Steering
2
Tires
2
Wheels
2

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Jeep Wrangler

Brake failure 7 Stalling 5

Recalls 4

Parking brake: conventionalReported February 7, 2002 · 316,148 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the parking brake can self-release without warning.
Risk: This could allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 02V041000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported January 12, 1998 · 293,369 vehicles affected

What is 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.

Recall number 98V005000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 9, 1994 · 230,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with plastic fuel tanks. The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.
Risk: Fuel and fuel vapor leaked from the fuel tank can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy: Replace the fuel tank sending unit gasket.

Recall number 94V106000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 14, 1992 · 280,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: Either condition can cause loss of front brake systemfunctions, resulting in increased stopping distances and an increased risk ofvehicle accident.
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.

Recall number 92V148000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Jeep Wrangler

Defect investigations

Fuel leakageOpened October 27, 1997, closed June 30, 1998

Odi has received 6 reports on fuel leakage and 3 reports on alleged remedy failure reports

RQ97016

Rear axle shaft separationOpened August 17, 1995, closed January 26, 1996

This investigation was opened to examine the failure mode and the risk to motor vehicle safety posed by allegations of rear axle separations.the rear axle shaft and housing design is typical of those in which the weight of the vehicle is carried on the axle housing.the left and right axle shafts, supported by roller bearings, are situated inside the axle housing.the inboard splined end of the axle shaft receives power transmitted from the differential assembly, providing torque to the rear wheels.the allegations are that the axle shaft fails, resulting in the separation of a wheel and axle hub assembly or the entire axle shaft and wheel assembly, depending on the location of the axle shaft failure.as identified by chrysler, the subject rear axles are dana 35c and 35cm models, which have been used on the subject vehicles since the 1990 model year.a safety defect trend with respect to the subject axle shafts has not been identified.see hard copy resume for full text of summary.

PE95049

Seat back failureOpened March 27, 1995, closed July 28, 1995