VehicleVerdict

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,733 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Grand Cherokee year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 38 Grand Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 115 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 971 reports (36% of the total).

2,733

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

137

Crash-involved

34

Fires reported

115

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System97136%
Body & Structure41315%
Transmission2569%
Engine2128%
Latches & Locks1636%
Other1465%
Brakes974%
Airbags953%
Speed Control883%
Lighting662%
Steering642%
Fuel System341%
Seat Belts261%
Visibility & Wipers251%
Tires & Wheels241%
Suspension231%
Seats221%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)80%

Does the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V438000Electrical SystemJuly 21, 2014 · 649,353 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

13V175000Electrical SystemMay 7, 2013 · 295,345 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence

If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

09E039000SuspensionJune 19, 2009 · 44 units

Defect

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

05V396000TransmissionSeptember 14, 2005 · 101,925 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES AND NAG1 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR CONDENSATE WATER MAY ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

IT CAN LEAD TO INCREASED TRANSMISSION OPERATING TEMPERATURES, BOILING OF THE WATER, AND A SUBSEQUENT PURGING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FOR LEAKAGE AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. IF NO LEAK IS DETECTED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE EVALUATED FOR SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER ENGAGEMENT. IF NO SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE TRIPLE FLUSHED, AND NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

HEMI MOTOR STALLED, BACK-FIRED, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LEFT THE ROAD AND FLIPPED ONTO SIX CARS IN PARKING LOT. AT THAT POINT INSIDE OF VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. PASSENGERS WERE A 5 YEAR OLD BOY AND THE DRIVER WAS A 63 YEAR OLD MALE. SEVEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 2, 2011 · crash · fire

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A HIGHWAY AND PROCEEDED TO CHANGE LANES INTO THE LEFT LANE, IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT GET IT UNDER CONTROL. I ENDED UP IN CRASHING INTO THE SAFETY CABLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT REALLY DID SOME DAMAGE. I MANAGED TO NOT HIS OTHER VEHICLES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 8, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A KNEE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 3, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND GRAY SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS DECLARED AS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 18, 2012 · fire

BAD PLASTIC RESIN COMPOUND WAS USED TO MANUFACTURE 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IN SEVERAL BATCHES OF DOOR PANELS, USED TO HOLD DOOR HANDLES. THE PLASTIC CRACKS, CRUMBLES, AND DISINTEGRATES AROUND THE DOOR HANDLE AFTER ONLY A FEW (3-5) YEARS OF USE. MANY DOOR HANDLES ARE NO LONGER USABLE. THIS CREATES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · July 18, 2010 · crash

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,733 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 38 Grand Cherokee years. It is one of the Grand Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (971 complaints), body & structure (413 complaints), transmission (256 complaints).

Does the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2005, 2011, 2012, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2015, 2004, 2007, 1997, 2018, 2013, 2023, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2016, 2020. The cleanest record among Grand Cherokee years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.