2005 Jeep Liberty recalls and problems

The 2005 Jeep Liberty has 5 safety recalls and 1,118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
1,118
Crashes / fires
73 / 27
Injuries / deaths
53 / 5

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Jeep Liberty recalls

Recall 18V-278: Suspension

Reported May 1, 2018 · 239,904 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-252: Structure, Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 19, 2013 · 1,560,000 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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).

Recall 12V-085: Suspension

Reported Mar 5, 2012 · 346,900 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fracture of the rear lower control arm may result in a loss of vehicle control and may lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-288: Suspension

Reported Aug 3, 2006 · 826,687 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-460: Power Train

Reported Oct 6, 2005 · 256,409 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

2005 Jeep Liberty problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension272
Fuel/Propulsion System192
Fuel System, Gasoline184
Structure137
Power Train98
Visibility82
Electrical System62
Steering61
Engine and Engine Cooling44
Air Bags41
Seat Belts37
Unknown or Other31

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 94
  • Structure › Body — 61
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 58
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 36
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 17
  • Suspension › Rear — 16
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 11
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 9

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,985 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Jeep Liberty complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 22, 2026
i recieved the car from a private party and he stated no issues but since older car and now registration is due it states theres still an open recall is this vehicle still covered for it?
Suspension · at 200,000 miles · reported Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transfer case and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V278000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Suspension · reported Jun 16, 2025
I was driving on a bridge and my ball joint broke. Blew a hole through my tire and my rim and the fender flare blew off. I had had that same ball joint replaced approximately two years prior maybe sooner. I got this Jeep in 2017 and I have replaced the driver side ball joint twice the passenger side ball joint once and the ball joints look bad again.
Steering · reported Jun 16, 2025
Today 6/16/2025 I’m having trouble turning to the right and left leaving from a stop sign we checked to be sure power steering fluid is full and it is. The person who checked the power steering fluid level, said that there is rubber grommets under the hood with the suspension and staring that look like they are all decayed or dry rotted. I have not had a problem with it breaking yet, but I’m sure that’s coming. Not sure it’s safe to drive.
Suspension · reported Jan 19, 2024
About 6 months ago the passenger side front end to hit the ground, just after going 60 miles an hour thankfully turning in daughter's driveway. Lower ball joint passenger side came apart. On Monday doing 35 mph the driver side hits the pavement hard! Luckily I ditched in a driveway on the left! The tire slammed into the fender well breaking the plastic there and the piece that goes back under the doors? Ball joint broke completely into? I'm on my third day of working in the rain alongside a road repairing this?

Other Jeep Liberty years

Compare all Jeep Liberty years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 Jeep Liberty: 18V-278 (suspension), 13V-252 (structure, fuel system, gasoline), 12V-085 (suspension), 06V-288 (suspension), 05V-460 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Jeep Liberty?

Owners report suspension problems most often (272 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (192). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,985 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.