VehicleVerdict

2004 Jeep Liberty problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,440 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Liberty year — the 2004 model ranks #5 of 13 Liberty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 98 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 471 reports (33% of the total).

1,440

NHTSA complaints

13

Recalls

5

Investigations

119

Crash-involved

50

Fires reported

98

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Liberty years?

Liberty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted2,328 complaints2000: 7 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 2,328 complaints2003: 1,731 complaints2004: 1,440 complaints2005: 1,461 complaints2006: 1,810 complaints2007: 941 complaints2008: 764 complaints2009: 146 complaints2010: 271 complaints2011: 241 complaints2012: 551 complaints
Liberty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Liberty years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Jeep Liberty problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension47133%
Fuel System18713%
Body & Structure1289%
Visibility & Wipers1218%
Electrical System916%
Engine604%
Transmission554%
Steering544%
Brakes473%
Other413%
Lighting403%
Airbags393%
Tires & Wheels342%
Latches & Locks252%
Speed Control201%
Seat Belts141%
Trailer Hitch70%
Seats50%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

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

18V278000SuspensionMay 1, 2018 · 239,904 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

13V252000Body & StructureJune 19, 2013 · 1,560,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy

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, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).

12E047000SuspensionOctober 22, 2012 · 892 units

Defect

Timken is recalling certain non-formed, front wheel hubs, part number HA599467, which were sold to retail and automotive distributors in the automobile aftermarket as front wheel hub replacements designed only for use on certain 2002 through 2005, 4X4, non-ABS, Jeep Liberty vehicles. These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4X2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.

Consequence

If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep Liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Timken has notified retail stores that have received the subject parts. The front wheel hubs will be replaced free of charge. Owners who may have purchased the affected units should contact Timken at 1-330-471-3693 for more information. This recall is being conducted by Timken, not Chrysler/Jeep.

12V085000SuspensionMarch 5, 2012 · 346,900 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A FRACTURE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

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.

06V288000SuspensionAugust 3, 2006 · 826,687 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

04V337000EngineJuly 8, 2004 · 1,600 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES ONLY, TWO VALVE COVER STUDS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESSES.

Consequence

DAMAGE TO THE ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD PROTECTIVE CAPS TO THE VALVE COVER STUDS AND RE-ROUTE THE AFFECTED WIRING HARNESS TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V111000Latches & LocksMarch 4, 2004 · 2,875 units

Defect

ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CERTAIN REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) INPUT MAY CAUSE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SOFTWARE TO ACTUATE THE DOOR LOCK MOTORS CONTINUOUSLY.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE THE LOCK MOTOR BEARINGS TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, AS NECESSARY, THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND THE BCM SOFTWARE WILL BE UPDATED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V048000OtherFebruary 3, 2004 · 96 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A RECENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE OWNER WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION FOR THEIR VEHICLE.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED TIRE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD 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.

LEFT HAND TURN AT LOW SPEED RESULTS IN JEEP LIBERTY 2004 TURNING 180 DEGREES AND ROLLING OVER. PRIMARY CAUSE OF CLAIM APPEARS TO BE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM. APPEARS TO BE METAL FAILURE. TOTAL VEHICLE DAMAGE APPROXIMATELY $7,000.00. VEHICLE PHOTOGRAPHED EXTENSIVELY AT CRASH SITE.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 31, 2004 · crash

MY JEEPS AIRBAG FAILED AFTER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUSH AND ROLLED 60-80 FEET DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AFTER HITTING AN ANIMAL ON AN ICY ROAD.. MY CONCERN IS THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY MY DEALER (TAYLOR & SONS, PONDERAY IDAHO) OR BY CHRYSLER REGARDING ANY SAFETY RECALLS UNTIL AFTER THE CRASH. I FOUND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 5, 2013 · crash

WAS GOING DOWN A HILL. DIDN'T NOTICE A STOP SIGN. TRIED TO STOP BUT COULDN'T IN TIME. TOOK THE CORNER AND HIT A TREE WITH MY PASSENGER FRONT CORNER AND THE JEEP FLIPPED ON ITS SIDE. SMASHED MY FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL SHATTERING MY JAW DUE TO AIRBAGS NOT GOING OFF AND SEATBELTS NOT LOCKING.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 25, 2017 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER DETACHED FROM THE WINDOW. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 20, 2012 · fire

THIS IS A CORRECTION AND ADDITION TO ODI 10098071. I MADE A LEFT TURN AT ABOUT 10 MPH. AFTER THE TURN THE VEHICLE SKIDDED, HIT CURB AND FLIPPED. A POLICE OFFICER WITNESSED THE INCIDENT AND SAID THAT IT APPEARED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT REACT. THE CAR IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH ENHANCED ACCIDENT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 31, 2004 · crash

2004 Jeep Liberty — common questions

Is the 2004 Jeep Liberty reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,440 complaints put the 2004 model at #5 of 13 Liberty years. It is one of the Liberty years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Liberty problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (471 complaints), fuel system (187 complaints), body & structure (128 complaints).

Does the 2004 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Jeep Liberty. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Jeep Liberty under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Liberty years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Liberty years to avoid are 2002, 2006, 2003, 2005, 2004, 2012, 2011. The cleanest record among Liberty years belongs to 2000.

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.