VehicleVerdict

2005 Jeep Wrangler problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 756 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Wrangler year — the 2005 model ranks #13 of 43 Wrangler years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 60% of all reports (454 of 756), far ahead of steering at 58.

756

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

19

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Wrangler years?

Wrangler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted2,613 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 55 complaints1989: 86 complaints1990: 105 complaints1991: 100 complaints1992: 100 complaints1993: 134 complaints1994: 184 complaints1995: 259 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 548 complaints1998: 401 complaints1999: 262 complaints2000: 311 complaints2001: 235 complaints2002: 139 complaints2003: 130 complaints2004: 281 complaints2005: 756 complaints2006: 852 complaints2007: 792 complaints2008: 1,253 complaints2009: 495 complaints2010: 899 complaints2011: 677 complaints2012: 1,282 complaints2013: 1,042 complaints2014: 847 complaints2015: 660 complaints2016: 633 complaints2017: 413 complaints2018: 2,613 complaints2019: 1,064 complaints2020: 773 complaints2021: 1,481 complaints2022: 622 complaints2023: 571 complaints2024: 1,362 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 12 complaints
Wrangler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wrangler years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Jeep Wrangler problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System45460%
Steering588%
Suspension527%
Transmission415%
Engine405%
Electrical System223%
Tires & Wheels172%
Brakes172%
Other152%
Speed Control101%
Body & Structure101%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Lighting51%
Seat Belts41%
Airbags41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?

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

06E022000BrakesMarch 13, 2006 · 7,440 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

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.

“WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL PUMP NEVER SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE NOW FOR A LONG TIME. THE FUEL SYSTEM ALLOWS THE PUMP TO CONTINUE RUNNING AFTER THE TANK IS FULL. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT GAS STATION I GO TO. GASOLINE ALWAYS OVERFLOWS AND SPILLS OUT ONTO THE GROUND. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 6, 2012 · fire

“WHILE IN MOTION ON A COUNTRY ROAD, COMMING OUT OF SOME TURNS THE FRONT END/STEARING SUDDENLY BEGAN SHAKING HARD RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SWERVE UNTIL HITTING AN ENBANKMENT AND ROLLING MULTIPLE TIMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 22, 2016 · crash

“WHILE IN MOTION ON A COUNTRY ROAD, COMMING OUT OF SOME TURNS THE FRONT END/STEARING SUDDENLY BEGAN SHAKING HARD RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SWERVE UNTIL HITTING AN ENBANKMENT AND ROLLING MULTIPLE TIMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 22, 2016 · crash

“2006 GMC SIERRA, WAS TOWING A 2005 JEEP WRANGLER USING A TOW BAR. THE TRANSFER CASE OF THE JEEP ENGAGED CAUSING THE WHEELS OF THE JEEP TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE IN TOW SPUN AROUND, TRAVELED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE JEEP STRUCK THE CONCRETE WALL AND ROLLED OVER AND BROKE FREE OF UNIT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 30, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING, THE RPMS WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 3,000 RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PUMP DRIVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2016

2005 Jeep Wrangler — common questions

Is the 2005 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 756 complaints put the 2005 model at #13 of 43 Wrangler years. It is one of the Wrangler years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Wrangler problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (454 complaints), steering (58 complaints), suspension (52 complaints).

Does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Wrangler years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Wrangler years to avoid are 2018, 2021, 2024, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2013, 2010, 2006, 2014, 2007, 2020, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2009, 2017. The cleanest record among Wrangler years belongs to 1985.

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.