The Jeep CJ-5 spans 1981–1983 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Jeep CJ-5 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1983 across multiple generations.
How to read a Jeep CJ-5 VIN — every digit explained
Every Jeep CJ-5 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Jeep and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this CJ-5.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your CJ-5, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Jeep CJ-5 have?
The Jeep CJ-5 has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1982 Jeep CJ-5 recalls 1
Power Train:manual Transmission:lubricant
What's wrong. ORIGINAL PRODUCTION TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT USED IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LUBRICATION TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION"S FIRST GEAR.
Fix. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION LUBRICANT AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
1981 Jeep CJ-5 recalls 1
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR SEAT BELTS, IF INCORRECT BELTS WERE INSTALLED, AT NO CHARGE.
Best and worst years for the Jeep CJ-5
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep CJ-5 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Jeep CJ-5 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Jeep CJ-5 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Jeep CJ-5 specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Jeep CJ-5 measures 144″ long on a 83″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,759 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Jeep CJ-5 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 144″ | 60″ | 68″ | 83″ | 3,759 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Jeep CJ-5 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CJ-5 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Jeep CJ-5 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Jeep CJ-5 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Jeep CJ-5 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Jeep CJ-5 cost to own?
A Jeep CJ-5 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used CJ-5 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this CJ-5 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the CJ-5 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Jeep CJ-5 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the CJ-5 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Jeep CJ-5 last?
A well-maintained Jeep CJ-5 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Jeep CJ-5’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CJ-5’s VIN free →All Jeep CJ-5 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Jeep CJ-5 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 CJ-5 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 CJ-5 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1981 CJ-5 | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the CJ-5?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep CJ-5.
How many recalls does the CJ-5 have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Jeep recalls and reliability across every model.
How many miles does a CJ-5 last?
A well-maintained CJ-5 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CJ-5 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the CJ-5 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Jeep CJ-5 warranty?
New Jeep models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Jeep dealer.
Where is the Jeep CJ-5 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CJ-5's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Jeep may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the CJ-5 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.