KnownCarProblems2005 Jeep Liberty Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Jeep Liberty, most often about the fuel system (37% of complaints, typically around 70,000 miles). It is 4th of 13 Liberty model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2005 Jeep Liberty problems
Fuel system
409 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, pre-heater.
Fuel was observed leaking through an electrical fitting on the water separating fuel filter. I have heard this is a common issue with the 05/06 Jeep Liberty crd.
The reason I'm writing is because I read in a Jeep Liberty diesel 2005/2006 forum that fuel leaks have been common. On july 07, 07, I parked the Jeep, shut off engine, and walked inside my house. After 10 minutess, I saw smoke coming from under hood and drops of flames coming from under the Jeep. The fire dept. Was…
Suspension
262 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
There was a recall on ball joints for Jeep Liberty....I called the dealership addy chrysler in lexington, sc for appointment to fix the recall, they told me it would be 2-3 months because chryler would only allocate 3 sets of ball joints at a time to each dealer. What kind of secuitywas this. How many accidents have…
Tl contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle's rear lower control arm split in half. The steering wheel spun around and broke the contact's finger. The driver side of the vehicle fell to the ground and the vehicle drove into a ditch. The contact received a recall notice in april, but did not…
Body and structure
137 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 84,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I was traveling 70 MPH on the freeway when I very slightly let off the accelerator as I came over a bridge. At that point, part of the Jeep wanted to go straight and the other part wanted to go off the road. It truly felt like the Jeep was going to roll. I slowed down and managed to keep it going straight until I…
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 13v252000 (fuel system, gasoline , structure) but was advised by the dealer that the parts needed to complete the repair were not available. The contact received the notification months ago and was advised by the…
Transmission
97 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 39,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive), manual transmission.
This is for a 2005 Jeep Liberty. Faulty speedometer. Was replaced 2 times within 2 years. Chrysler tsb indicates replacement of the rear differential fluid every year to resolve the problem. There is a problem with engineering if you have to do this. They will replace the speedometer for ~ $210.00 or change the fluid…
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty diesel engine purchased new april 2005. While attempting to park the vehicle he could smell a burning odor. Upon exiting the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from both the driver's and passenger's side rear wheels. He then attempted to move the vehicle , but it would not engage…
Visibility and wipers
91 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, glass, side/rear, windshield.
My rear drivers side power window had broken twice on my 2005 Jeep Liberty. It seems as if it comes off it's track and the window moves freely in the frame. It falls down into the inner part of the door when I hit a bump. I have had this repaired once before for a rather large fee. I have heard numerous complaints of…
2005 Jeep Liberty back rear window fell down into door. Will not go up and needs new regulator. Dealership stated it would cost $400 to repair. After further research I see this is a huge problem and should be recalled. We bought the car brand new and no one ever rides in the back seat. Honestly, the rear windows have…
Engine
73 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty sport diesel. The contact stated that the check engine light would illuminate sporadically. The dealer diagnosed that the turbo was defective and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was repaired but the…
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The dealer advised her that cylinder 3 misfired at idle and that they would need to replace the intake valve or the engine. The vehicle was not…
Steering
61 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, column, hydraulic power assist system, hydraulic power assist.
The steering column inside where ignition switch is cracked,that what I was told the vehicle has 90000 miles on it but it was in a crash and now the insurance adjuster says it is normal wear. It will not start, and it shorted out the battery.
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local repair shop for inspection. The mechanic diagnosed that the steering column was defective and made repairs. The failure recurred within one year and the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the…
Electrical
60 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, instrument cluster/panel, horn.
While driving down the interstate, I heard a clunk. My back window behind driver had slipped down. I called my personal mechanic, not dealer, and he diagnosed it over the phone as the regulator. He told me it was common in jeeps. While at the mechanic's, another customer said her father's Jeep had done the same thing.…
Tl - the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that all four windows would open independently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The technician stated that the window actuator broke and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Jeep Liberty recalls
Suspension: rear
Risk: A fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began june 26, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is u38. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 12v-085. Vehicles included in that campaign are not included in this recall.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2004-2007 jeep liberty vehicles. The rear suspension lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion, causing a loss of vehicle control.
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.
Suspension: rear
Risk: A fracture of the rear lower control arm may result in a loss of vehicle control and may lead to a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms on all affected vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 26, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
In june 2012, chrysler expanded this recall to include model year 2006 and 2007 jeep liberty vehicles, representing an additional 137,176 vehicles. This recall now concerns certain my 2004-2007 jeep liberty vehicles. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 346,900. These vehicles were manufactured from july 3, 2003 through june 29, 2007. The recall addresses those vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Some vehicles may be equipped with rear lower control arms that can experience a rear suspension lower control arm fracture due to excessive corrosion due to application of road salts during winter weather conditions.
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
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
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
Rear suspension control arm failure
Summary
In a letter dated march 2, 2012 chrysler group llc (chrysler) submitted a defect information report (NHTSA recall no. 12v-085) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding rear suspension lower control arm corrosion in approximately 210,000 model year (my) 2004 and 2005 jeep liberty vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in a salt-belt state (connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia).according to chrysler, excessive corrosion could result in fracture of a rear susp
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
Diesel fuel leak
Summary
Overheating of the electrical connector at the fuel heater on the fuel filter / water separator assembly can cause a fuel leak through the electrical connection.operators report the smell of diesel fuel, smoke, difficulty starting and/or poor engine operation.the fuel leakage is reported by some operators as seepage, wetness, several drops, and an oz per minute.evidence of overheating of the connection was observed by some operators and reported as burned or discolored electrical connection at the fuel heater.seven operators report smelling or seeing smoke.one reported a vehicle engine compartment fire however the cause of the fire was not identified, and linkage of the fire cause to this is
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 2005 Jeep Liberty
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Jeep Liberty?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (409 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); suspension (262 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles); body and structure (137 complaints, typically around 84,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Jeep Liberty have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 1, 2018 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Jeep Liberty?
- It is 4th of 13 Liberty model years by number of complaints, with 1,118 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.