Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Jeep CJ-5. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Jeep CJ-5,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1972–1982 with 19 recall campaigns and 2 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 1976 (4), 1972 (3), and 1979 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 1979 (1) and 1978 (1).
Top recall themes: Steering and suspension, Powertrain, and Brakes.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Steering:column, Power train:manual transmission.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Steering and suspension
4 campaigns · Years: 1974, 1976, 1978–1979
These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Jeep CJ-5 in NHTSA complaint data are
Steering:column, Power train:manual transmission.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
1982
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1981
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1979
2
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:manual transmission.
1978
2
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:column.
1977
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1976
4
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1975
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1974
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1973
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1972
3
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Power train
, Unknown or other
and Steering
Show recall evidence by year
1982
Power train: Lubricant:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Original production transmission lubricant used in the involved vehicles may not provide adequate lubrication to protect the transmission"s first gear.
1981
Seat belts: Rear/other:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Some of the involved vehicles were assembled with tongue-end rear seat belt assemblies instead of the buckle end and tongue-end assemblies. Without the buckle end assemblies, the rear seat belts cannot be fastened.
1979
Steering: Connecting:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The clamp bolts on the adjuster tube that fastens the connecting rod to the pitman arm end assembly may be loose. These loose bolts could cause shifting of the steering wheel position, relative to the straight-ahead-front wheel position, and loss of steering.
Power train: Manual transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain vehicles may have an incorrect gasket between the transmission and the transfer case. An incorrect gasket may interfere with the normal flow of lubricant. This condition could cause the transmission to become damaged and inoperative.
1978
Power train: Manual transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The involved vehicles may have been built with the transmission adapter plate seal improperly seated. This condition could allow a gradual transfer of lubricant from the transmission to the transfer case.
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The coupling which attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may have oversized serrations which could prevent the coupling from being properly tightened in the steering gear shaft when the steering wheel is turned. This may also cause free play in the steering wheel.
1977
Power train: Manual transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The involved vehicles may have been built with the transmission adapter plate seal improperly seated. This condition could allow a gradual transfer of lubricant from the transmission to the transfer case.
1976
Unknown or other:
Safety recall involving the unknown or other area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Steering: Gear box (other than rack and pinion):
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Power train: Manual transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The involved vehicles may have been built with the transmission adapter plate seal improperly seated. This condition could allow a gradual transfer of lubricant from the transmission to the transfer case.
Electrical system: Module:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Exterior lighting: High/low beam dimmer switch:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Master cylinder:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
