10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 1
Average Mileage:
82,368 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Jeep Liberty drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Jeep Liberty Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #38

Mar 092021

Liberty

  • 129,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front lower ball joint on right side has fell out twice, 8 months apart. Both times the vehicle was in motion, going less the 20 mph. Road conditions were dry, and on on regular paved road. I was driving straight on the road both times. The first time it broke, it cause my wheel to break and flatter my tire, second time it damaged my wheel but didn't not bust through it. Motor mounts have broke 2 times as week 1 week after repaired it broke the 2nd time. Transmission mount has also broke.

- Trion, GA, USA

problem #37

Jan 212021

Liberty

  • 142,000 miles
My car had been driving fine when I was on my way to work this morning I felt a pop under the car and then my car lost power and now it won't go into gear.. but it still turns on.

- Rio Linda, CA, USA

problem #36

Jul 012010

Liberty

  • 50,000 miles
The manual transmission slips out of 1st gear. It's dangerous when trying to make a left turn, or merging into traffic, red lights uphill. It is unsafe for the car to drop out of gear and looses power when it is most important to get out of the way. This transmission issue leads to a lot of 'near misses' from drivers behind who expect to roll forward as normal or flowing traffic who don't expect a car to stop in front of them. Mechanics say this is a known issue for this model. I took the car into the dealership when the problem first started, and while they know of the problem they were not able to fix it under the warranty (which at the time it was still under). In various Jeep forums, I've seen other users complain of the same safety issue. At one point there was talk of a class action suit - but nothing happened. There is undoubtedly data around this. Look at how many Jeep accidents happen within a few seconds of starting (from a stop sign, light, up-hill, etc). I bet most accidents happen from behind, or from the side (while merging).

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #35

Jan 302020

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 99,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Another issue my Jeep Liberty renegade has, the vehicle will not go all the way into park position, and allow the ignition to be turned completely to the off position so the key can be removed. I have to push very hard on the gear shifter to get it to go into park, in order to remove the key. This could cause the vehicle not to be completely in the park position, or the vehicle to jump out of park and roll away, which could cause a serious accident, or fatal injury. When I do a search on active recalls for 2005 Jeep I berry renegade, it shows one active for this issue, regarding transmission, and improper park anchor installation, which could cause the vehicle to not be in park and/or come out of park. However, when I search my vehicle VIN it doesn't show this recall active per my VIN number.

- Summerville, GA, USA

problem #34

Jan 142019

Liberty

  • miles
Front driveshaft is vibrating and in need of replacement.

- Hopewell, NJ, USA

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problem #33

Dec 202017

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. While driving at any speed, unusual squeaking noises were heard coming from the ball joints. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall repair was previously performed and would not be done a second time. The contact was referred to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer was not notified. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. The consumer stated the seatbelt connector fails and 4X4 fails to engage.

- Austin, AR, USA

problem #32

Sep 272017

Liberty 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that after reversing in a parking space, the emergency parking brake was engaged and he exited the vehicle. A few minutes later, the vehicle was restarted and left unattended with the A/C activated. Upon return, the vehicle exploded and caught on fire. It was unknown if a police report was filed. There were no injures reported. It was unknown if the dealer or manufacturer were contacted. The failure mileage was not available.

- Placentia, CA, USA

problem #31

Jun 022017

Liberty

  • 100,000 miles
The electrical system fails from winter to summer causing miscellaneous information to the computer, the auto can overheat, it can also clear down and open failure of gasoline. The ball joints fail truly. It happened to me in three occasions when I circulated by the city when crossing on a street, while passing a tumble, and on a terrace street. The front brake system breaks causing brake liquid leaks this is caused by the warming of parts and dirt. I saw the stain in the soil when I park in my garage and check.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #30

Jun 062016

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
To whom it may concern: I have a Jeep Liberty and I cannot drive it and I cannot get it fixed. It has been out of service for months. It was towed to my local mechanic. He tried to get a transmission several times but they were never the correct one. With the information provided by my mechanic and my research it appears Jeep put the wrong transmission in my Jeep Liberty which explains why I cannot find one to match. Jeep used the 42rle transmission from 2003-2013. The 42rle transmission has 4 connectors and a straight cross member. My transmission does not have 4 connectors and it does not have a straight cross member. Therein lies the problem Jeep put the wrong transmission in my Jeep. Also, Jeep recommends putting a transmission cooler on the vehicle. Why wasn't this done when it was first manufactured. The fact that the wrong transmission was used and they did not install a transmission cooler helps to explain why I have transmission problems. To me this is fraud. I did not receive what I paid for. I checked with a Jeep dealer and the service manager said the 2005 Jeep Liberty did not come equipped with a transmission cooler. Another Jeep dealer provided me with a recommended list of parts to repair the problem sight unseen and it included a transmission cooler that was not installed originally. Chrysler is offering a new lifetime powertrain warranty on 2006-2009 models that includes replacing powertrain components: Engine, transmission and drive system including parts and labor or they will buy your vehicle back. These vehicles have the same components as the 2005 and for one year difference I receive nothing while others receive lifetime. That seems like discrimination to me. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sch. Haven, PA, USA

problem #29

Aug 282016

Liberty

  • 120,000 miles
Transmission failed which ruined the transfer case. Jeep also recommends installing a transmission cooler. So, why is 2005 not covered" they tell me the parts are over $4,600 not including labor. If it was one year newer it would all be free. Explain that to myself and the other owners. 'Q1: How do I know if I'm covered by the new Chrysler lifetime powertrain warranty? 'A1: You're covered if you're the first registered vehicle owner ' retail or lease ' in U.S., puerto rico and the virgin islands. This applies to 2009 model year vehicles. As well as 2006, 2007 and 2008 model year vehicles. 'Q2: What does the new powertrain limited warranty include? 'A2: The Chrysler lifetime powertrain warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components ' engine, transmission and drive system ' on most new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. 'Q3: What powertrain parts and components are covered" 'A3: Gasoline engine, transmission and drive systems (fwd, AWD, rwd or 4WD). 'Q6: Why did Chrysler change its warranty coverage" 'A6: Our confidence level in our vehicles is very high. Our dealers are telling us that our products are the best quality they've seen in a very, very long time ' maybe ever. So, we'd like to take this level of confidence and share it with you, our customers. This new powertrain warranty demonstrates our commitment to you as a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge customer and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. We want you to feel that same confidence. Is that why you fired the executive dealing with quality? 'Q15: What does 'lifetime' mean" 'A15: Lifetime means lifetime.

- Sch. Haven, PA, USA

problem #28

Aug 282015

Liberty

  • 109,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle abruptly disengages from 1st gear (6 speed manual transmission). Occurs at any speed in first gear and is unpredictable. Also has popped out of first gear after shutoff and stationary. No recalls or service bulletins relating to this issue.

- Green Cove Springs, FL, USA

problem #27

Jun 302016

Liberty

  • 120,000 miles
The transmission is defective which in turn ruined the transfer case. I have another defective belt tensioner. Last but not least I have two more broken window regulators. Just check the internet there are articles all over about broken window regulators. I understand they only recalled 2006 and 2007 what about 2002-2005 which were bad first. On top of that they replace them with the same defective window regulators so they will break again and again. That way the dealers can continue to make money on you. The garage told me that the transmission in my car was used for one year on one model and I believe it because they have tried all over for a transmission and cannot get the right one. They have had three sent in and all three were wrong. This just confirms that the transmission was defective and they stop using it. Plus a transmission should last far longer than 120,000 miles. I read all the time that today cars are good for 200,000 miles or more. This does not include the other defective parts on the Jeep: Belt tensioners, locks, roof rack, window regulators, horn, leaking windshield, rubber on roof rack, rubber on and around doors, upholstery stains even from water, master cylinder, replacing lights way to often as well as fuses, marks in the paint, fuel relay switch, and this list is by no means all inclusive it is just what I can remember off the top of my head. I have contacted Chrysler over the years about window regulators and they don't care. Your car is never secure when a window will drop without warning. It can occur while drive or even when you are not in the car. Only one window in my car gets opened. Windows not used break leaving you susceptible to theft and bodily harm. Chrysler does not care about the transmission either. It is all greed. After being bailed out twice by the us taxpayers it is time they pay us back by being honest

- Sch. Haven, PA, USA

problem #26

Oct 012014

Liberty

  • miles
Jeep Liberty with a 6 speed manual transmission periodically pops out of first gear as you begin to accelerate. There doesn't appear to be a pattern to the problem like how quickly are slowly you accelerate.

- Greeley, CO, USA

problem #25

Aug 282015

Liberty

  • 102,000 miles
When shifting my Jeep from 1st to 2nd it sometimes makes a grinding noise. I brought it to my mechanic today and he took it for a ride. He told me that he thinks it's a little ball inside the transmission that is covered with nylon, and a couple of forks make it move. He is going to try changing my transmission fluid to a synthetic brand in hopes that will slow down the wear on the nylon ball, but eventually I will need a new transmission. I asked him what will happen when the ball finally breaks, and he told me the vehicle will cease to move, rather I am driving it or not. He also told me that this problem is a known problem with Jeep. If this is a known problem with Jeep then why haven't they been recalled and/or fixed?

- Saint Albans, VT, USA

problem #24

Jun 172015

Liberty

  • 146,000 miles
After driving my Jeep for about 20 minutes it will start going in and out of limp mode then it will downshift hard to 3rd gear and will rev the engine until it is shut off and started again. I am no longer driving it and am debating on whether or not to fix it as I just dumped over $3000. For engine. This car seems to be a walking time bomb

- Hewitt,, NJ, USA

problem #23

Feb 162015

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 159,800 miles
At approx 8:00 on the morning of 2/16/15 my 2005 Jeep Liberty, 3.8L V-6 with automatic transmission began to accelerate out of control while braking for a stop sign. The engine was cold, I had just started it and the temperature was in the mid to upper 50S. I was traveling about 27 mph, and began to slow for the stop. At about 10-15 mph, I noticed the car was no longer slowing down. It seemed as though the brakes stopped working. At the same time, the engine briefly revved on its own. This made the car accelerate. I could not stop at the stop sign and the car accelerated into 50 mph cross traffic. I made a hard right turn to bring the car next to the curb, allowing room for traffic to go by. At the same time, I put the transmission into neutral and that allowed the car to stop. I then put the car into park and revved the engine. It seemed to respond normally at that point (engine would return to idle immediately after taking my foot off the gas). After shifting between part to drive, then reverse, etc. Several times, it still seemed to work normally so I continued to work with no further problems. It seemed as though while coming to a stop, the transmission did not down shift or disengage. As the engine rpms were reduced below idle due to the car slowing, the computer control system tried to bring the engine speed back up, causing it to accelerate. A couple of facts - the car has approx. 159,800 miles on the odometer. I purchased it used a few months ago and have put 13,000 miles on it. When I purchased it I had it examined by a mechanic and had all the hoses, belts, etc. Replaced. I've had the oil changed at about 5,000 mile intervals. I drive with one foot only, I don't use separate feet for the gas and the brake. The floor mat was not moved before or after this incident, and is not close to the gas pedal. Check engine light did not come on.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #22

Jul 202011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 39,999 miles
In a clear sunny day I was entering the freeway when I heard a big bang on my lower end front of my Jeep Liberty. There was nothing in the road that could have damaged it. The road was clear of any debris. After a couple of years taking it in into my Jeep dealership they could find nothing wrong with it. Finally not third but forth was a charm when they told me the lower front arms and bushing needed replacing. I have heard from many Jeep owners that they have had the same problems I want to know why these parts have not been recalled.

- Grimes, IA, USA

problem #21

Oct 152014

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
My girlfriend of 21 years, went into the doctor and when she came out her Jeep Liberty would start and then stall. She said there was clunking noise from the engine. I get there and call aaa and have it towed to a plus transmission and auto repair in brighton Michigan. They said the rocker arm came lose from the adjuster and that should fix the problem. Not so, turns out it was a broken valve seat also that had dropped down into the cylinder causing catastrophic engine failure. We are left with the expense of replacing the engine at a cost to us of $5600. This is a known problem with the Chrysler 3.7 V6 engine. It happens just after the warranty expires. With todays technology I believe that engine should have had lasted up to 200000 miles. Since we cant afford a new car this is the only way we can go. However, I believe Chrysler should help with the expense of this. Never will I buy from Chrysler again.

- Pinckney, MI, USA

problem #20

Aug 112014

Liberty

  • 120,000 miles
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 vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Cisco, NY, USA

problem #19

Jul 022014

Liberty

  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving various speeds with the 4X4 activated, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to dealer, who diagnosed that the drive shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

- Innwood, WV, USA

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