Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1978 Jeep CJ-7 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Remedy
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE COUPLINGS REPLACED.
Defect
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.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER PURCHASED FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX TIRES (P235/75R15) AND HAD THEM REPLACED DUE TO RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER FIRESTONE IS DENYING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000. *SLC”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Jeep CJ-7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.