1990 Jeep Wrangler: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Jeep Wrangler: 4 recalls, 79 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #92V148000 · 1992 · 280,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: Either condition can cause loss of front brake systemfunctions, resulting in increased stopping distances and an increased risk ofvehicle accident.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V106000 · 1994 · 230,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank sending unit gasket can crack causing fuel and fuel vapor leaks.
Why it matters: Fuel and fuel vapor leaked from the fuel tank can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
The fix: Replace the fuel tank sending unit gasket.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V005000 · 1998 · 293,369 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #02V041000 · 2002 · 316,148 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the parking brake can self-release without warning.
Why it matters: This could allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a parking brake assembly with a stronger pawl return spring. Owner notificaton began September 30, 2002.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #04E041000 · 2004 · 80 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E064000 · 2007 · 34,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A leaking fuel pump could create a vehicle fire hazard.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (18): the most common themes are leaks (4), stalls / loses power (3), fire / smoke (2).
- Parking brake (17): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): the most common themes are leaks (2), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
The 1990 Jeep Wrangler has 79 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 37 Wrangler model years for complaints (well below the 428 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 110,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (76 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 15 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Jeep Wrangler, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Jeep Wrangler problems?
Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (18), parking brake (17), seats (12).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Jeep Wrangler get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Jeep Wrangler repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.