KnownCarProblems2003 Jeep Liberty Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,352 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Jeep Liberty, most often about the suspension (32% of complaints, typically around 55,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Liberty model year since 2000 and has 7 recalls.
Most common 2003 Jeep Liberty problems
Suspension
437 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
The car was inspected for ball joint problems (recall) @ 20,000 miles, the dealer said all was good and the work order states that the recall was performed. At 56,000 miles I was leaving turning around in my neighbors driveway when the lower ball joint on the passenger side broke, totally separated. There was no…
Nhtsa recall campaign 03v460000, after taking the vehicle to the dealer for a recall repairs consumer received a call from the dealer stating that there would be a cost of $3,300, to make repairs on the lower ball joint. Dealer contact: richard gordon. Vehicle was taken to dealer for lower ball joint recall repairs…
Air bags
392 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window, air bag/restraint control module.
Had a car fail to stop at a cross road stop sign and I hit her (tbone) style lots of front end damage to my Liberty. My air bags didn't deploy. I hit the stealing wheel and broke my sternum.
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver and passenger side frontal air bags deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technicians stated the manufacturer would have to authorize the repairs for them to inspect and diagnose the…
Fuel system
172 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 126,000 miles. Parts named most often: fuel injection system, storage.
The support straps for the fuel tank failed suddenly after making a left turn. The fuel tank contacted the road surface for a short time (1 minute) before the vehicle could be stopped. The rear corner of the tank (passenger side) was damaged to the point that fuel leaked from the tank. Both support straps were broken…
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine service when she was advised that the fuel tank straps were severely rusted and fractured. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 127,700. The VIN…
Body and structure
111 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 105,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Premature rust through on window frame around rear hatch glass. Most likely caused by water leaking through the rear upper brake light.
Driving along and rear right power window started to slip down. I tried to put it up but it made grinding noises and kept slipping. It started to rain, so rain came into vehicle. Also could not go to doc appt - could not leave unsecured vehicle in parking lot. Had to come home and stick a wooden wedge into window to…
Visibility and wipers
97 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield, defroster/defogger/hvac system, glass, side/rear.
Although I live in a warm climate on a rare cold and rainy day the rear window on my 2003 Jeep Liberty dropped open. Driving with rain entering the passenger compartment made the trip hazardous. I was able to prop the window up once I reached my destination. I had both the right and left rear windows go bad within one…
Twice now on my 2003 Jeep Liberty the passenger side rear window has fallen into the door. The first time this happened was in approx 2007. Both times when I noticed that the window was partially down, I tried to roll it back up, but it wouldn't move. I then tried to pull it back up and the entire window fell down…
Electrical
72 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument cluster/panel, horn.
2003 Jeep Liberty. Engine stalls while driving and many electrical problems. Have notified you before and just notified gma after seeing Jeep tanks blow. Updated 06/14/11 updated ivoq 06/15/11
After buying the car as Jeep Liberty renegade 2003 used at about 40,000 miles. The second time I drove the car on the interstate the car started stalling and running very rough. I limped in for about 15 miles to the repair shop and problem was diagnosed as a faulty crank sensor. That was replaced and car ran fine for…
Engine
67 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
2003 Jeep Liberty. Engine stalls while driving and many electrical problems. Have notified you before and just notified gma after seeing Jeep tanks blow. Updated 06/14/11 updated ivoq 06/15/11
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH and approaching a stop sign when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle proceeded to roll backward and the contact applied the emergency brake and was able to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle would not restart and was…
Transmission
64 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly, manual transmission.
I have a 2003 Jeep Liberty, with 36,000 miles. In a span of nine months, my transmission has went out 3 times. I don't haul anything with my Jeep, nor do I drive uphill. The Jeep service department has chosen to either repair the transmission or use a rebuilt transmission, in spit of my consistent transmission…
On august 11, 2006 while driving home from work, my Jeep Liberty began to sway. I proceeded to slow when my rear axle including wheels fell off. No warning, the entire rear axle disassembled. The conditions that night were wet, however there was nothing more than that. I had my vehicle towed to an authorized chrysler…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Jeep Liberty recalls
Air bags: side/window
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r60.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2003 jeep liberty vehicles manufactured march 29, 2003, to july 3, 2003, and 2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured may 27, 2003, to may 20, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12v527 and 13v040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12v527 or 13v040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on december 29, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r06.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles manufactured january 9, 2001, to march 28, 2003, 2002-2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured february 13, 2001, to may 23 2003, and 2003-2004 dodge viper vehicles manufactured november 1, 2001, to june 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, chrysler will install a chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge,
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 jeep grand cherokee and 2002-2007 jeep liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in january 2013. The remedy for affected liberty vehicles is expected to be available in april 2013. The remedy for affected grand cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty vehicles manufactured january 9, 2001, through march 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured february 13, 2001, through may 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Suspension: control arm
Risk: Failure of the ball joint could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front upper control arm assemblies free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about april 24, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling 42,469 my 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in salt belt states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia , wisconsin and the district of columbia. The front suspension upper control arm ball joint may experience a loss of lubrication which could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving.
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: When the driver continues to operate the vehicle with this condition, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possibly separation from the steering knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on september 11, 2006. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain trucks, the constant tension front lower ball joints may experience contamination. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period with this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience wear and looseness.
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: A ball joint thathas separated from the knuckle could result in loss of vehicle directional control and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front lower control arm ball joints with modified assemblies and heat shields on vehicles built between january 2, 2001 and october 4, 2002. On vehicles built between october 5, 2002 and march 26, 2003, dealers will inspect the ball joint assemblies (and replace them as necessary) and install heat shields. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the lower control arm ball joints can experience a loss of lubrication that can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation from the steering knuckle.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of inadvertent air bag deployments (iabd) occurring after the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 12v-527 had been installed on recalled model year (my ) 2002-2003 jeep liberty and my 2002-2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured by fiat chrysler automobiles (fca).the recall was in response to the office of defects investigation (odi) investigation ea12-001 during which data provided by fca indicate that the air bag circuitry inside the occupant restraint control (orc) module can degrade. Orc degradation can result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle
Crash related fuel tank fires
Summary
Odi has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject jeep cherokee, grand cherokee and liberty vehicles (svs).as of june 2013, odi knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the svs.based on this analysis, odi issued a recall request letter (rrl) on june 3, 2013 requesting that chrysler recall the grand cherokee and liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium suvs) built during the same time period.in the rrl, odi described how the location of the af
Inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
The investigation was opened based on reports of frontal air bag inadvertent deployments (abids) on model year (my) 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles.data provided by chrysler indicate that the air bag squib filter circuitry inside the occupant restraint control (orc) module can degrade and result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.as of oct. 04, 2012, odi is aware of 131 frontal abids on the jeep liberty vehicles resulting in 62 injuries consisting of burns, cuts and bruises to the upper body region.there were no reports of loss of vehicle control or vehicle crashes.some owners noted that the air bag warning ligh
Inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
Based on analysis of chrysler's response, and including odi's consumer complaints, odi has identified 87 reports of air bag inadvertent deployment incidents resulting in 50 alleged injuries.the injuries consists of burn/cuts and bruises to the upper body region.forty-two (42) of the 87 incidents involved the driver frontal air bag, and the remaining 45 incidents involved both the driver and passenger frontal air bags inadvertently deploying without a crash.these incidents occurred both at vehicle startup or while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.some owners noted that the air bag warning light had illuminated, or had intermittently illuminated, and that this occurred just prior t
Rear suspension control arm failure
Summary
During preliminary evaluation (pe11-013), the office of defects investigation (odi) conducted an analysis of consumer field data from its vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) database and from complaint data submitted to odi by chrysler. Odi's analysis of voq data identified 13 complaints alleging failure of either the right or left rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.all of these complaints were associated with vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state (for the purposes of this investigation, 'salt belt' includes connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohi
Upper ball joint separation
Summary
On april 7, 2009, chrysler llc submitted to odi a defect information report indicating that it would recall approximately 42,469 model year 2002 through 2003 jeep liberty vehicles to remedy a defect that can result in upper ball joint separation while driving (09v-119).the affected vehicles were built from may 2002 through september 2002 and originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, kentucky, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia and wisconsin.according to chrysler, the front suspension upper co
Upper ball joint separation
Summary
Odi has received 22 complaints of upper ball joint separation on model year 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty 4x4 vehicles.the separation of an upper ball joint on either of the front wheels can result in the affected front wheel collapsing, possibly resulting in vehicle disablement and causing a loss of vehicle control.there is one complaint of a failure at 75 MPH, 1 failure at 60 MPH, 3 failures at 40 MPH, 2 failures at 25 MPH, 7 failures occurring while the driver was pulling into the flow of traffic and 2 failures that occurred when the driver was attempting to make a left turn across the flow of oncoming traffic.one complainant alleged almost being hit by an oncoming truck as a result of the v
Front suspension ball joint separation
Summary
On january 6, 2006, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged front suspension lower ball joint separationin certain model year (my) 2004 jeep liberty vehicles.odi sent a letter to the manufacturer on february 7, 2006 requesting information about these and other jeep liberty vehicles.consequently, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on may 31, 2006 and the range of subject vehicles under investigation was expanded to include all my 2002-2006 jeep liberty vehicles.odi is aware of 566 non-duplicative complaints alleging involuntary front suspension lower ball joint separation in the subject vehicles.odi is also aware
Questions about the 2003 Jeep Liberty
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Jeep Liberty?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (437 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); air bags (392 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles); fuel system (172 complaints, typically around 126,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Jeep Liberty have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 19, 2015 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Jeep Liberty?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Liberty model year since 2000, with 1,352 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.