1978 Jeep Cj5 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE COUPLINGS REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 CJ5.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V049000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE COUPLINGS REPLACED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH MANUAL STEERING.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING SHAFT TO GEAR COUPLINGS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 CJ5.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V039000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: JEEPS WITH 3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION ADAPTER PLATE SEAL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF LUBRICANT TRANSFER TAKES PLACE, THE TRANSMISSIONCOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME DAMAGED AND INOPERATIVE. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: IF TRANSMISSION BECOMES DIFFICULT TO SHIFT, THIS MAY INDICATE THATLUBRICANT LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED AND FILLED. DRIVER SHOULD AVOIDDRIVING AT PROLONGED HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNTIL VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED ANDREPAIRED.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1978 Jeep Cj5 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
05/02/2007 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1978 JEEP CJ5. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200, REBUILT ENGINE, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY LOOSE WHERE THE COLUMN JOINED THE SHAFT UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. WHEN HITTING BUMPS OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT ONE COULD HEAR THE STEERING COLUMN RATTLING. THE STEERING COLUMN GOT WORSE WITH TIME. *AK