VehicleVerdict

2005 Jeep Liberty problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,461 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Liberty year — the 2005 model ranks #4 of 13 Liberty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 11 deaths and 76 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 409 reports (28% of the total).

1,461

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

5

Investigations

104

Crash-involved

36

Fires reported

76

Injuries

11

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Liberty years?

Liberty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Liberty years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Jeep Liberty problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System40928%
Suspension27219%
Body & Structure1379%
Transmission987%
Visibility & Wipers957%
Engine745%
Electrical System685%
Steering614%
Airbags413%
Other383%
Seat Belts373%
Tires & Wheels362%
Brakes342%
Speed Control232%
Lighting191%
Latches & Locks91%
Seats60%
Trailer Hitch20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%

Does the 2005 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

8 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.

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.

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.

05V460000TransmissionOctober 6, 2005 · 256,409 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

2005 JEEP LIBERTY SHORTED OUT FUEL HEATER CAUSED A FIRE ON THE FUEL AND WATER SEPARATOR WHICH MELTED ONTO THE WIRING HARNESS BELOW CAUSING THE JEEP TO STALL IMMEDIATELY AND FILLING THE DRIVER COMPARTMENT WITH SMOKE. COULD OF CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE HARD TO FIND DUE TO THIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 13, 2009 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS BLACK ICE, BUT THE CONTACT BELEIVED THAT THE CRASH WAS CAUSED BY A LOSS OF CONTROL IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 17, 2011 · crash

DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR CAR STOPPED IN FRONT .I APPLIED BRAKE MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT SOME ICE NOT SURE CAR SPEED UP INSTEAD .SEEING I WASN'T GOING TO STOP IN TIME VEERED OFF TO RIGHT TO MISS CAR HIT A POLE AND LANDED IN A DITCH BUT MY AIRBAGS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 3, 2014 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND BECAME STUCK IN THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES RISING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 11, 2014 · fire

THREE OUT OF FOUR WINDOWS- LOOSE AND DISCONNECTED FROM WINDOW ASSEMBLY. POSSIBLE DANGERS FROM TOSSED/FLAILING GLASS. ONE WOULD THINK CHRYSLER WOULD BE CONCERNED WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH INFERIOR PARTS AND POST RECALLS ON DEFECTIVE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ASSIST THEIR CLIENTS FOR REPAIRS OF THESE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 1, 2012

2005 Jeep Liberty — common questions

Is the 2005 Jeep Liberty reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,461 complaints put the 2005 model at #4 of 13 Liberty years. It is one of the Liberty years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Liberty problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (409 complaints), suspension (272 complaints), body & structure (137 complaints).

Does the 2005 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Jeep Liberty. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 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.