Jeep Cj7 problems
The Jeep CJ models are a series and a range of small, open-bodied off-road vehicles and compact pickup trucks, built and sold by several successive incarnations of the Jeep automobile marque from 1945 through 1986. The 1945 Willys "Universal Jeep" was the world's first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car.
In 1944, Willys-Overland, the primary manufacturer of the World War II military Jeep, built the first prototypes for a commercial version – the CJ, short for "civilian Jeep". The design was a direct evolution from the war jeep, but the most obvious change was adding a tailgate, and relocating the spare wheel to the side. Also, besides adding basic civilian amenities and options and legally-compliant lighting, the CJ required a sturdier drivetrain than the war jeep, because the targeted rural buyers would work the vehicles hard and expect years of durability, instead of mere weeks as during WWII.
From then on, all CJ Jeeps consistently had a separate body and frame, rigid live axles with leaf springs both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, and a fold-flat windshield, and could be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they had part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. A few stand-out changes during 42 model years were the introductions of round-fendered vs. flat-fendered bodies (1955 CJ-5), straight-6 and V8-engines, automatic gearboxes, and different 4-wheel drive systems. The 1976 CJ-7 stretched the wheelbase by 10 inches (25 cm), and made doors and a removable hardtop common items.
After remaining in production through a range of model numbers, and several corporate parents, the Jeep CJ line was officially ended after 1986. More than 1.5 million CJ Jeeps were built, having continued the same basic body style for 45 years since the Jeep first appeared. Widely regarded as "America's workhorse", the CJs have been described as "probably the most successful utility vehicle ever made." American Motors VP Joseph E. Cappy said the end of "CJ production will signal an end of a very important era in Jeep history." In 1987, the Jeep CJ-7 was replaced by the first-generation Jeep Wrangler. Looking very similar and riding on the same wheelbase as the CJ-7, it carried over some important components, including its use of leaf springs.
The similar model the DJ "Dispatcher" was introduced in 1956 as a two-wheel drive version with open, fabric, or a closed steel body in both left- and right-hand drives for hotel, resort, police, and later United States Postal Service markets.
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Jeep Cj7 model years
Common Jeep Cj7 problems
The Jeep CJ7 is a classic off-road vehicle that has been popular for decades. However, like any car, it is prone to certain problems and issues that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common problems with the Jeep CJ7 is drivetrain issues, particularly with the AMC 20 axle. According to CarComplaints.com, the 1983 Jeep CJ7 has the most overall complaints, and the most-reported problem is with the AMC 20 axle failure. This issue can be costly to repair, with an average cost of $3,000, and it typically occurs at around 200,000 miles.
Another common issue with the Jeep CJ7 is fuel line cracks. According to a forum post on Jeeps.net, there could be cracks in the fuel line where it comes out of the tank, which is a soft line that can become brittle over time. This issue can lead to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards, so it's essential to address it promptly.
A third common problem with the Jeep CJ7 is transmission issues. A forum post on Off-Roading Forums mentions that the transmission can pop out of first gear, making it difficult to drive. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out synchronizers or a damaged clutch. It's essential to diagnose the root cause of the problem to determine the best course of action for repair.
Finally, the Jeep CJ7's carburetor is known to have issues with erratic idling and stalling, particularly in Jeep CJ7's and early Wrangler YJ's with 4.2 liter engines. This issue can be caused by a carburetor that has gone out of adjustment, and it can lead to the vehicle stalling every time it slows down or stops. A simple fix for this problem involves cleaning the carburetor with aerosol carburetor cleaner, which can improve the carburetor's operation and eliminate idle problems.
In summary, the Jeep CJ7 is prone to certain issues, including drivetrain problems, fuel line cracks, transmission issues, and carburetor problems. Owners of this classic off-road vehicle should be aware of these common problems and take proactive steps to address them promptly to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Will CJ7 go up in value?
Average five-year price increase: 136 percent
The CJ-7 has a lot to love: It's elegant, simple, and robust, offering top-down off-roading in a classic package. What could possibly make one of the best 4x4s of the late '70s even better? Hood graphics, of course.
What is my Jeep CJ7 worth?
A: The average price of a Jeep CJ7 is $24,607. Q: How many Jeep CJ7s were produced? A: 379299 Jeep CJ7s were produced in total.
Why is the CJ7 so popular?
The Jeep Wrangler CJ7 is popular because of its capability. It was made battle-tough and trail-ready. This vehicle is so impressive that really the only true way of explaining its power is to tell a story.
Are Jeep CJ7 rare?
The CJ-7's production ran from '76 to '86, meaning that many of these rigs are now getting to be 40 years old, and they are increasingly rare in good condition.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Jeep Cj7 years
We have researched Jeep problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Jeep Cj7 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Jeep Cj7 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Jeep Cj7 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Jeep Cj7 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Jeep Cj7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Jeep Cj7 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Jeep Cj7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cj7 model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Jeep Cj7 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Jeep Cj7 vehicles.
List of Jeep Cj7 complaints
Jeep Cj7 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1986-01-30
- Date Complaint: 2017-04-07
- VIN: 1JCCF87E6GT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE EMERGENCY BREAK HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY FROM NEW , I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WITH 27,000 MILES ON IT . NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD!
Jeep Cj7 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-04
- Date Complaint: 2009-04-07
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1983 JEEP CJ7. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T 693 TIRES, SIZE 32/1150/R15LT (NA). WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. HE ALSO NOTICED SEVERE TIRE SEPARATION DOWN THE CENTER OF THE TIRE, WHICH EXPOSED SIX BELTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 196,000.
Jeep Cj7 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-23
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-02
- VIN: 1JCCN87E3DT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1983 JEEP CJ7. ON APRIL 23, 2003, WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD, THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE. CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO COME OFF, THE VEHICLE TO DROP TO THE ROAD AND CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. WE WERE ALMOST KILLED. THE AXLES IN MY JEEP ARE THE MODEL 20 TYPE, AND ARE KNOWN BY EVERY 4-WHEELER TO EVENTUALLY BREAK. ALL THE JEEPS WITH THE MODEL 20 TYPE REAR AXLES ARE TWO PIECE AND VERY DEFECTIVE. IT COST ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS TO REPLACE THE AXLE AND FIX THE DAMAGE. WHY WASN'T ANYTHING DONE ABOUT THIS KNOWN DEFECT????? *JB
Jeep Cj7 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2002-09-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, CONSUMER THEN PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE THE SMOKE AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT)*JB
Jeep Cj7 1978
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-02-05
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
Jeep Cj7 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-28
- VIN: 1JCCE87EXDT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THIS PARTICULAR JEEP WITH NO SOLUTIONS.
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-10
- Date Complaint: 1998-12-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 21JCCM87E5F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ANOTHER CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND KNOCK ON THE CONSUMER'S DOOR. CONSUMER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME OUT AND PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT. THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
Jeep Cj7 1976
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-06
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-26
- VIN: J6A93EH0800
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS IS A HAZARD. IT'S A CONSISTENT PROBLEM. BEEN TO MECHANIC & DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. A TSB SAYS IGNITION CONNECTOR CAUSES STALLING. #TSB0305. *AK
Jeep Cj7 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-20
- VIN: 1JCCE87E8DT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM HAS NO SAFETY SWITCH FOR THE HIGH PRESSURED FUEL PUMP WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS IN A VEHICLE COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jeep Cj7 1976
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-02
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SUPER SWAMPER LOAD "C" 6-PLY TIRES BLISTERED AND BLEW OUT.
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-31
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH LINKAGE FAILURE.
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-21
- Date Complaint: 1996-11-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JCCE87E4FT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-30
- Date Complaint: 1995-12-30
- VIN: 1JCCF87A8FT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PANEL WELDED TO FLOOR AND HOLDING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY CORRODED. *AK
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-08
- Date Complaint: 1995-11-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JCCF87EXFT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE IN THE ENGINE. TT
Jeep Cj7 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-30
- Date Complaint: 1995-11-06
- VIN: 1JCCF87A3FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CONSUMER SAID WHILE SHE WAS SHIFTING THE GEARS STICK CAME OUT IN HER HAND. TT CONSUMER STATES THIS PIECE LITERALLY SNAPS ONTO A STUD ON THE GEAR BOX. *SLC
Latest 5 recalls Jeep Cj7
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Jeep Cj7.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Jeep Cj7 1976
- Report Received Date: 1978-03-31
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
- Summary: VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH WIRE CONNECTORS THAT FAIL TO ALLOW THE CURRENT FLOW NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE ENGINE IGNITION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL IMPROVED WIRE CONNECTORS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
- Model: Jeep Cj7 1978
- Report Received Date: 1978-03-09
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: 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.
- Remedy: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE COUPLINGS REPLACED.
- Model: Jeep Cj7 1976
- Report Received Date: 1978-02-17
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: 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.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
- Model: Jeep Cj7 1978
- Report Received Date: 1978-02-17
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: 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.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
- Model: Jeep Cj7 1976
- Report Received Date: 1976-03-01
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
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