52 of the
1,732 complaints about the 2003 Jeep Liberty are about the
steering — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
80,200 miles.
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the steering wheel was difficult to turn due to a loss of power steering assist. There was a grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. The sound was loud enough to hear outside of the vehicle. There was an unknown orange warning light displayed briefly. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact found information online related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V119000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vale, NCCrash1 injured
STEERING
The ball joint and cv axle broke making me wreck. I had no control of the steering.
NHTSA complaint #11503737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesStoughton, MACrash
STEERING
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, WHEN I ACQUIRED IT, I HAD IT SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY PREFORMED ALL RECALL WORK. IT HAS BEEN KEPT SERVICED AND UP TO DATE ON ANY RECALL WORK SINCE. DURING THE DAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2019 I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A VISIT AT MY MOTHER'S HOME AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE JEEP. THERE WAS LOUD NOISE AND THINGS BREAKING OFF THE VEHICLE AS I FOUGHT TO CONTROL IT AND PULL OVER. UPON INSPECTION, SAW THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE SUSPENSION, TORE OFF THE FENDER WHEEL WELL AND BROKE A PIECE OFF THE RIGHT-SIDE RUNNING BOARD. UNDRIVEABLE, I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WERE CLOSED UNTIL AFTER NEW YEARS. IN EARLY JANUARY I FOUND OUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A SHEARED LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. I LOOKED IN MY FILES AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS ONE OF THE RECALLS THAT HAD BEEN PREFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL F23- LOWER BALL JOINTS WAS DONE ON 8/1/2006. OBVIOUSLY, YOU ASSUME THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED AND THE VEHICLE IS SAFE AFTER THE WORK IS DONE. I LUCKILY WAS TRAVELING AT 30MPH, AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEED, SO I HAVE ONLY ENCOUNTERED A FINANCIAL BURDEN. (ABOUT $4K FOR RENTAL, REPAIR & BODYWORK) I AM SURE IF I WAS GOING FASTER OR IN TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. HOW DO THE THOUSANDS OF JEEP LIBERTY OWNERS STILL ON THE ROAD WHO ARE UP TO DATE ON RECALLS CONFIDENTLY DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES IF THE RECALL WORK FAILS IN THE EXACT MANNER DESCRIBED AS THE PROBLEM MEANT TO BE FIXED BY THE RECALL? I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR CLOSE TO 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY VEHICLE SUFFER A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN A CRASH BEFORE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11320572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesIdamay, WVCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MANEUVERING ON ITS OWN AND THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING A CONCUSSION AND BRUISING TO HIS RIB CAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE AND WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL. A POLICE WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V460000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. VIN-(XXXX) REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11241764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesConroe, TX
STEERING
A RECALL WAS MADE FOR JEEP LIBERTY FOR THE CONTROL ARMS UPPER AND LOWER AND THE BALL JOINTS. I WAS TOLD MY VIN DID NOT HAVE THE RECALL. HOWEVER, OTHERS HAD THE RECALL AND JEEP PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. AFTER THE REPAIRS THE WHEEL HUB WENT BAD, AND A RECALL WAS MADE FOR THAT BUT NOT MY BASIC MODEL. AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL HUB THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DAMAGED BY ALL THE ISSUES. A RECALL FOR THE SAME VEHICLE WAS MADE FOR A DRIVESHAFT AND AGAIN THE BASS MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS TIME JEEP SAID THEY WOULD FIX THE DRIVESHAFT AND WHEN IT CAME TIME THEY DENIED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11174399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPeople, FL
STEERING
TOOK MY LIBERTY TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE IT STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE SOUND UP FRONT WHEN EVER I MADE A TURN. UPON INSPECTION MY LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD DISINTEGRATED, CRUMBLED INTO THEIR HANDS. THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT IT DID NOT BREAK WHILE DRIVEN. NOTHING WAS HOLDING IT IN OR TOGETHER. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE RECALLS ON BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I HAVE HAD THE LOWERS FIXED AND PAID FOR WITH LIFETIME WARRANTED PARTS. I NEED REIMBURSED FOR THE LOWER $488.27. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ALSO MUST BE FIXED ON A SEPARATE RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF. DO THESE PEOPLE HAVE ANY IDEA HOW BLOODY AND DEVASTATED AN ACCIDENT WOULD BE WHEN YOUR WHEEL SHEARS OFF AND THERE IS NO STEERING? IT'S CALLED FLIPPING THE FRINGING JEEP OVER!!! NOT ONLY IS IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT I WASN'T NOTIFIED BUT I COULD HAVE KILLED MY FATHER AND OTHERS IN AN ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME STRAIGHT UP IF I HAD GONE OVER A BUMP OR TURNED I WOULD HAVE WREAKED! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS WITH MORE DAMAGE OR A FULL TOTAL OF THEIRS AND OTHERS ARE NOT BEING REIMBURSED FOR THE ENTIRE DAMAGES. THI FIXED WRONG THE FIRST TIME BY THE DEALER, BEFORE THEIR WREAK. HOW IS THAT NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY? THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR ANY OF THOSE JEEPS OR MINE NOT BEING FIXED. THESE ARE STRAIGHT UP RECALLS SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS, REALLY WRONG.
NHTSA complaint #11096444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAnthony, FL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A LOUD SQUEAKING AND CLANKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT BECAME HARD TO CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED SLIGHTLY, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10862015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAcworth, GA
STEERING
I WANT MY CAR INCLUDED IN RECALL J17. MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL "CHRYSLER RECALL NO. J17", CAMPAIGN # 09V119000 . I HAVE VERIFIED WITH CHRYSLER THAT MY CAR WAS BOTH BUILT AND SOLD IN ILLINOIS, AND THEREFORE IN THE TARGET RECALL POPULATION. SEE FOLLOWING EXCERPT FROM RECALL TEXT: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 42,469 MY 2002-2003 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR, AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10816856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesTabor City, NCCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WHEN IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A ACCIDENT,ALSO THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID IN FACT TOTAL THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10744225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesPrinceton, NJ
STEERING
THIS CAR LEAKS POWER STEERING FLUID. MANY SIMILAR JEEP 2002 AND 2003 HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 50000 MILES. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10733723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesPhoenixville, PA
STEERING
EVERY TIME I TURN A CORNER MY STEERING MAKES A VERY SQUEAKY NOISE. I HAVE VISITED THE JEEP FORM AND MANY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WHEN ITS HOT
NHTSA complaint #10725570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesSeminole, FL
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING AN EXTREMELY SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY HOME DRIVEWAY (MAYBE 50 FEET), MY "DRIVER SIDE" SEATBELT PRETENSIONER AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR AIRBAG/SEATBELT PRETENSIONER ON MY VEHICLE (M35 (12V-527) OR N13 (13V-040) R06). WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO SUNCOAST CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, THEY TO TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS FOR ONLY THE "PASSENGER SIDE" AND "DRIVER SIDE" WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY REASON WHY THE "DRIVER SIDE" AIRBAG AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYED. THEY SAID THE COST TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONER WOULD BE JUST UNDER $1500.
NHTSA complaint #10724878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesBaltimore, MD2 injured
STEERING
WE WERE DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET TO GO OUR HOUSE WHEN WE HEARD A WARNING TONE WHEN WE WERE TURNING OVER A ROUNDABOUT. AFTER 10 SECONDS, THE AIR BAGS BLEW UP ALL OF A SUDDEN. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT WE ARE RUNNING ONLY AT 10 MILE PER HOUR OR SLOWER AS IT WAS RUSH HOUR AND THERE WAS TRAFFIC. ALSO MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. WE WERE BADLY SHAKEN, TRAUMATIZED AND HAD BRUISES ON OUR ARMS AND CHESTS DUE TO SOME PARTS BURSTING TOWARDS US. THE STEERING WHEEL COVER AND DASHBOARD WHERE THE AIR BAGS WERE ARE PRETTY DAMAGED. WE TOTALLY CUT OUT THE AIR BAGS TO AVOID THE REPEAT OF THIS INCIDENT. MY HUSBAND IS NOW TRAUMATIZED TO DRIVE THE JEEP. WE ALSO HEARD SOME STRANGE SOUNDS IN THE SERPENTINE BELT. WE DON'T NOW IF IT'S CONNECTED TO THE AIR BAG EXPLOSION. OUR CAR WAS BOUGHT SECOND. THE FIRST OWNER WHO IS AMERICAN IMPORTED THE JEEP FROM THE US AND BROUGHT IT HERE (ANOTHER COUNTRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA). WE ARE LIVING ABROAD (NOT IN US) AND WE DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN FILE THIS COMPLAINT ON THE DEFECTS OF THE JEEP LIBERTY WE ARE USING. WE HOPE SOMEONE CAN RESPOND AND HELP US. I AM PUTTING THE CONTACT DETAILS OF MY BROTHER WHO LIVES IN THE US IN THE PERSONAL INFORMATION IN CASE SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT US.
NHTSA complaint #10704590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V537000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10700575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesTabor City, NCCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WHITEVILLE NC I WAS GOING DOWN ANTIOCH CHRUCH RD,AS I PROCEDED TO GO INTO A CURVE I NOTICED THAT I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND I LOST CONTROL AND WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A REST IN A FEILD THE VEHICLE HAD LANDED ONE SIDE UP I THINK IT LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOWN.I LATER FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION ON THE JEEP.I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT THAT NIGHT,I AM JUST LEARNING ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE JEEP I HAD.I LOST ALOT OF MONEY THAT I HAD INCLUDING THE DOWN PAYMENT,THE PAYMENTS THAT I PAID,THE STEREO SYSTEM ETC.I KNEW FROM THE BEGINING THAT SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE.I TRIED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP THAT I GOT IT FROM TO FIX IT,BUT IN RESPONSE I WAS TOLD THAT IT DIDN'T COME WITH A WARRANTY.SO NOTHING WAS DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10683965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesBristol, CT
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #10682719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Lisbon, WI
STEERING
I HAVE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALL THOSE TIMES THE PUMP WENT BAD RIGHT AWAY, I BELIEVE THERE MIGHT BE MORE TO THE PROBLEM THAN JUST THE PUMP. WHEN THE PUMP FIRST GOES OUT I LOOSE CONTROL OF STEERING. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10678423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,604 milesHall, NY
STEERING
I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO DAIMLER CHRYSLER IN REGARDS TO THE BALL JOINTS I FEEL THE RECALL PARTS WERE NEVER FIXED AND COULD NOT GET AN ANSWER AS TO WHETHER THEY WERE EVER REPLACED THIS VEHICLE AT ONE TIME WAS IN AN ACCIDENT NOT KNOWN WHEN I PURCHASED THIS JEEP TO BE SAFE AND IT IS THE WORSE VEHICLE EVER I HAVE A FOUR YEAR OLD AND LIKE I SAID TO DAIMLER CHRYSLER IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME OR MY FAMILY WHILE RISING IN THIS VEHICLE THERE WILL BE A LAWSUIT.
NHTSA complaint #10644011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLindenhurst, ILCrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesHenrico, VACrash1 injured
STEERING
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES, IT FELT AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE BETWEEN LANES. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING, THEREFORE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SWERVE AND EVENTUALLY SLID OFF ROAD INTO A MEDIAN FULL OF TREES. ONCE IN THE MEDIAN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL OVER. THE VEHICLE ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES, EVENTUALLY COMING TO A STOP PASSENGER-SIDE DOWN. THERE WAS DAMAGE ALL OVER THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE FRONT AND SIDES. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN LESS THAN A YEAR AGO TO GET FIXED DUE TO A RECALL ON THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, BUT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING CRASH. I WAS TAKEN VIA AMBULANCE TO A LOCAL TRAUMA UNIT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10626049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, MO
STEERING
I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2006 AS A SECOND OWNER AND IN THE 7 YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY JEEP I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BALL JOINTS NOW 3 TIMES. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND SERIOUSLY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MAKERS AS TO WHY EVEN AFTER BEING RECALLED THEY HAVE GONE OUT TWICE. LUCKILY I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH (OR I SHOULD SAY CHRYSLER HAS BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH) TO NOT HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING SERIOUS HAPPEN TO ME OR MY FAMILY DUE TO THIS. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10522890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,627 milesShepherdsville, KY
STEERING
LEFT DRIVER SIDE, UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM CONTROL ARM. WHEEL COLLAPSED OUTWARD. FORTUNATELY, IT HAPPENED AFTER LEAVING THE INTERSTATE DRIVING 70 MILES PER HOUR. ENTERING SERVICE STATION WHEEL COLLAPSED. HAPPENED TO TALK TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. INDIVIDUAL SAID THAT THIS IS A CURRENT AND ON GOING PROBLEM WITH TODAY'S VEHICLES. THE FRONT COMPONENTS ARE BEING DESIGNED SO THEY CANNOT BE MAINTAINED PROPERLY. LACK OF GREASE FITTINGS, PRESSED IN JOINT DESIGN ON BALL JOINTS TO CONTROL ARM , INSTEAD OF RE ENFORCED WITH BOLTS OR OTHER SAFE MEASURES. INDIVIDUAL STATED THAT IT IS OCCURRING ON MOST ALL MAKES AND MODELS. INSTEAD OF JUST REPLACING THE DEFECTED BALL JOINT, THE CONTROL ARM, WITH NO OTHER DEFECT, BUT THIS, HAS TO BE REPLACED, COSTING EVEN MORE MONEY. HAS BEEN REPORTED, THAT DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED. THE MENTAL IMPACT AND FEELING INSECURE AFTER A FIX IS ONGOING. I SEE MORE DEATHS AND ACCIDENTS OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10483240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesFishers, IN
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND NO WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10446791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesMilford, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #10407090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,603 milesWalker, LA
STEERING
MY STEPDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2003 JEEP LIBERTY IN HER GRANDMOTHER'S DRIVEWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD THUNK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP DUE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. WE CHANGED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM DUE TO FAILURE AND TIRE SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE. IT WAS WELL THAT MY STEP DAUGHTER WAS NOT TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A FASTER RATE OF SPEED BECAUSE THAT SURELY WOULD HAVE ENDED WITH A MORE SERIOUS RESULT. I SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN THREE RECALLS RELATED TO THE CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINTS. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL THAT ACTUALLY HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL IN 2006, BUT IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I'M VERY MUCH CONCERNED FOR MY STEP DAUGHTER'S SAFETY WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND I HOPE THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE SOON TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10400428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,400 milesEast Strasburg, PA
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A PIECE OF THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE AND WAS PREVENTING THE KEY FROM TURNING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE UNLESS SOMETHING LONG WAS STUCK INTO THE IGNITION LIKE A SCREWDRIVER, THE IGNITION COULD NOT BE TURNED OVER. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER MAKING THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,400. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ UPDATED 05/05/11
NHTSA complaint #10383086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesHouston, TX
STEERING
FOR THE PAST MONTH OR SO, MY STEERING WHEEL IGNITION LOCKING MECHANISM HAS BEEN NERVE RACKING. I PUT THE KEY IN, BUT IT DOESN'T EVEN TURN...ALMOST LIKE I AM USING THE WRONG KEY. IF I JIGGLE A BIT IT WILL WORK...BUT LAST NIGHT NOTHING WAS WORKING. NOW - MY STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED, SO I CAN'T EVEN ATTEMPT TO SPIN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE I TRY THE KEY. IT HAS BEEN TOWED, WHICH NOW WILL COST ME AN ARM AND A LEG I AM SURE TO FIX. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING. WE ARE ALL HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE READ THINGS LIKE BROKEN SHIFT INTERLOCK CABLE, BROKEN IGNITION ROD, ETC... I AM PUZZLED WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN BROUGHT TO THE SURFACE AND THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE THAT HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN, LIKE MYSELF, INCASE I AM STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. WHO KNOWS WHAT LOWLIFE WOULD CROSS MY PATH ALL BECAUSE JEEP WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HASN'T SO MUCH AS EVEN RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE. I WILL NEVER BUY A JEEP AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10312365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesChicago, IL
STEERING
MY 2003 JEEP LIBERTY WILL NOT START. I REPLACED THE KEY LOCK COMPONENT 4 MONTHS AGO. NOW, MY DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT I NEED AN ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AT THE COST OF $1000. I AM NOT ALONE GO TO WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/JEEP-LIBERTY/T4EDN8HGLD2H8123L/P3 FOR A WEALTH OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A RECALL? THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO EXIST TO THE NEWEST OF JEEP LIBERTYS. THE PART IS IN ON A 1-2 MONTH BACK ORDER. I AM VERY STRESSED OUT OVER THIS. MY VIN # IS INCORRECT BECAUSE IT IS AT THE DEALER AND I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO IT.
NHTSA complaint #10282417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRuidoso, NM
STEERING
THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. DIFFICULTY TURNING KEY IN IGNITION. STEERING WHEEL MUST BE FORCED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. DEALER SAYS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO BEARING SEIZURE. COST = $630. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL. CHECKING VARIOUS FORUMS, NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY WITH IGNITION AND STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10282248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,078 milesWrightsville, PA
STEERING
ON FRIDAY JUNE 12TH, 2009, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 JEEP LIBERTY HOME. AFTER STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN, SHE TURNED TO THE LEFT AND IMMEDIATELY THE UPPER FRONT BALL JOINT GAVE WAY.(IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ON THE INSIDE) THE JEEP HAS 42087 MILES ON IT. FORTUNATELY MY WIFE WAS GOING VERY SLOW, OTHERWISE THERE IS NO TELLING HOW SEVERE AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. CHRYSLER/JEEP SAID THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, YET I FOUND A APRIL 15, 2009 POSTING ON THE INTERNET SAYING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (RECALL N. J17) ON MODELS SOLD IN THE "SALT BELT STATES". WE ARE IN PENNSYLVANIA. I'VE HAD THE PART REPLACED BUT WOULD CAUTION OTHER JEEP LIBERTY OWNERS ABOUT A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10273860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.