The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler spans 1981–1985 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 22 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1985 across multiple generations.
How to read a Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler VIN — every digit explained
Every Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler.
- 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-8 Scrambler, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler have?
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1985. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler — 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-8 Scrambler specifications & dimensions
The 1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler. 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-8 Scrambler window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler get?
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler returns up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,850/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (2.8L 6-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 CJ-8 Scrambler | 16 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 CJ-8 Scrambler | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $2,850/yr to fuel, emitting 404 g/mi CO₂ — about $3,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 CJ-8 Scrambler | 20 | 24 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 CJ-8 Scrambler | 19 | 24 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the CJ-8 Scrambler stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this CJ-8 Scrambler's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler have? Power & range
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.8L 6-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.5L · 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler cost to own?
A Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler last?
A well-maintained Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CJ-8 Scrambler’s VIN free →All Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 CJ-8 Scrambler | 0 | — | |
| 1984 CJ-8 Scrambler | 0 | — | |
| 1983 CJ-8 Scrambler | 0 | — | |
| 1982 CJ-8 Scrambler | 0 | — | |
| 1981 CJ-8 Scrambler | 0 | — |
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-8 Scrambler?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler.
How many recalls does the CJ-8 Scrambler have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1985. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Jeep recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the CJ-8 Scrambler get?
Up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a CJ-8 Scrambler last?
A well-maintained CJ-8 Scrambler typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CJ-8 Scrambler reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler 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-8 Scrambler made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CJ-8 Scrambler'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-8 Scrambler 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.