VehicleVerdict

2006 Jeep Liberty problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,810 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Liberty year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 13 Liberty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 29 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (442), fuel system (370), and suspension (197), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,810

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

5

Investigations

57

Crash-involved

23

Fires reported

29

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Liberty years?

Liberty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Liberty years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Jeep Liberty problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers44224%
Fuel System37020%
Suspension19711%
Electrical System18510%
Body & Structure1317%
Transmission764%
Other764%
Engine724%
Brakes603%
Steering523%
Airbags302%
Speed Control302%
Tires & Wheels302%
Lighting211%
Latches & Locks181%
Seats70%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)60%
Seat Belts40%
Trailer Hitch20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2006 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

10 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.

15V222000TransmissionApril 15, 2015 · 43,939 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.

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).

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.

07V089000Electrical SystemMarch 9, 2007 · 149,605 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VALEO HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC), THE BLOWER MOTOR MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERIOR FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

06V072000Latches & LocksMarch 9, 2006 · 27 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." AN INCORRECT RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCH REINFORCEMENT PLATE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY DOOR LATCH TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THIS INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A DOOR BECOMING FORCED OPEN AND AN UNBELTED PASSENGER BEING EJECTED DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCH REINFORCEMENT PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V036000Electrical SystemFebruary 9, 2006 · 15,536 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TWO WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7 LITER ENGINES, THE LEFT OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST PIPE.

Consequence

DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING HARNESS TAKEOUT FOR DAMAGE. IF THE TAKEOUT IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE EXCESS LENGTH OF WIRING HARNESS. IF THERE IS NO DAMAGE, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE EXCESS LENGTH OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. HAVE SEEN MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. MAKES DRIVING IN RAIN IMPOSSIBLE, AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 25, 2009 · crash

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED FIVE TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL HEAD HOWEVER THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 10, 2006 · crash

PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE FRONT BALL JOINTS HAD DISINTEGRATED CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AND THE TIRE TO COLLAPSE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE IS ALSO DISINTEGRATING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE TOLD THAT OUR VIN WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL BUT THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 17, 2019 · crash

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED FIVE TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL HEAD HOWEVER THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 10, 2006 · crash

I WAS DRIVING HOME CHRISTMAS MORNING AND A FEW MILES BEFORE I GOT HOME THE LOWER AND HIGHER BALL JOINTS SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE ON THE ROAD WITH ME. I WAS HEADED STRAIGHT ON ROAD WHEN INCIDENT HAPPENED. VEHICLE BOUNCED MANY TIMES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 25, 2016 · crash

2006 Jeep Liberty — common questions

Is the 2006 Jeep Liberty reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,810 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 13 Liberty years. It is one of the Liberty years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Liberty problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (442 complaints), fuel system (370 complaints), suspension (197 complaints).

Does the 2006 Jeep Liberty have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Jeep Liberty. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 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.