Jeep CJ-5 years to avoid

Across 1972–1988, no single CJ-5 year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1979 drew the most complaints; 1988 the fewest.

Total complaints

Recall campaigns

1972–1988

Years covered

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Jeep CJ-5 NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Investigations
1988	0	0	1
1987	0	0	1
1986	0	0	1
1985	0	0	2
1984	0	0	2
1983	0	0	2
1982	0	1	1
1981	0	1	1
1980	0	0	1
1979	1	2	0
1978	1	2	0
1977	0	1	0
1976	0	4	0
1975	0	2	0
1974	0	2	0
1973	0	1	1
1972	0	3	0

By complaint volume, 1988 has the cleanest NHTSA record among CJ-5 years with enough data to compare.

Across all model years, the CJ-5 has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.