Owners have filed 1,461 complaints
about the 2005 Jeep Liberty with NHTSA between 2005 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 75
Against the median year of the Jeep Liberty. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
14% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Lower Ball Joint
9431.1%
Body
6120.2%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
5819.2%
Automatic Transmission
3611.9%
Torque Converter
175.6%
Rear
165.3%
Engine
113.6%
Frontal
93.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
373.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
252.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
9710.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
20521.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14415.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16917.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
19320.1%
150,000+ miles
909.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2005peak 43Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Jeep Liberty
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA12005Opened 12 Jun 2012Closed 14 Nov 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and...
EA11013Opened 15 Sep 2011Closed 14 Mar 2012SUSPENSION
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
In a letter dated March 2, 2012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA recall No. 12V-085) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding rear suspension lower control arm corrosion in approximately 210,000 model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the Dist...
During Preliminary Evaluation (PE11-013), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) conducted an analysis of consumer field data from its Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database and from complaint data submitted to ODI by Chrysler. ODI's analysis of VOQ data identified 13 complaints alleging failure of either the right or left rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.All of these complaints were associated with vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state (for the purposes of this investigation, 'salt belt' includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mai...
PE07041Opened 8 Aug 2007Closed 7 Dec 2007FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
DIESEL FUEL LEAK
OVERHEATING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE FUEL HEATER ON THE FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR ASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE A FUEL LEAK THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION.OPERATORS REPORT THE SMELL OF DIESEL FUEL, SMOKE, DIFFICULTY STARTING AND/OR POOR ENGINE OPERATION.THE FUEL LEAKAGE IS REPORTED BY SOME OPERATORS AS SEEPAGE, WETNESS, SEVERAL DROPS, AND AN OZ PER MINUTE.EVIDENCE OF OVERHEATING OF THE CONNECTION WAS OBSERVED BY SOME OPERATORS AND REPORTED AS BURNED OR DISCOLORED ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE FUEL HEATER.SEVEN OPERATORS REPORT SMELLING OR SEEING SMOKE.ONE REPORTED A VEHICLE ENGINE COMPART...
EA06008Opened 31 May 2006Closed 24 Aug 2006SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT SEPARATION
ON JANUARY 6, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONIN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON FEBRUARY 7, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.CONSEQUENTLY, THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON MAY 31, 2006 AND THE RANGE OF SUBJECT VEHICLES UNDER INVESTIGATION WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2002-2006 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 566 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING...
Recalls on the 2005 Jeep Liberty
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V278000
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
13V252000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
12E047000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
Timken is recalling certain non-formed, front wheel hubs, part number HA599467, which were sold to retail and automotive distributors in the automobile aftermarket as front wheel hub replacements designed only for use on certain 2002 through 2005, 4X4, non-ABS, Jeep Liberty vehicles. These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4X2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.
Risk: If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep Liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
12V085000
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
09E039000
SUSPENSION
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.
Risk: 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.
06V288000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V460000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2013220167,318 units in Canada
Structure
Chrysler Canada has determined that an opportunity to incrementally improve performance in certain types of low-speed impacts may exist in certain vehicles. The company will carry out a voluntary customer satisfaction campaign to offer a structural improvement to mitigate the risks of fuel leakage in certain low-speed collisions. Chrysler will inspect the affected vehicles and install a Chrysler trailer hitch if appropriate. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Recall 201208945,798 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, excessive corrosion could cause a rear suspension lower control arm to fracture and fail. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear lower control arms.
Recall 200619065,809 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the front lower ball joints may become contaminated. With continued operation, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possibly separation from the steering knuckle, causing a loss of vehicle steering control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the front lower ball joints.
Recall 200529919,747 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the cup plug which retains the park pawl anchor shaft in the 42RLE automatic transmission could be missing or not properly staked in its bore, potentially allowing the shaft to move out of position and preventing the transmission from being placed in the PARK position. If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause an accident without warning. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket to ensure that the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Tyner, KYCrash
POWER TRAIN
The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11694634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyner, KYCrash
SUSPENSION
The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11694634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
WHEELS
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
STEERING
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
SUSPENSION
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesMexico, MOCrash
WHEELS
MY FRONT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BROKE WHY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11397044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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?
NHTSA complaint #11726196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyner, KYCrash
POWER TRAIN
The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11694634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyner, KYCrash
SUSPENSION
The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11694634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAlexandria, VA
POWER TRAIN
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 failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to submit the repair documents regarding the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the replacement of the transfer case and the transmission replacement were not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11690719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAlexandria, VA
SUSPENSION
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 failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to submit the repair documents regarding the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the replacement of the transfer case and the transmission replacement were not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11690719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennsville, NJ
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11667311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennsville, NJ
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11667307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
WHEELS
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
STEERING
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Afton, TNCrash
SUSPENSION
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?
NHTSA complaint #11566413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesGrand Prairie, TX
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle swerved to the left across three lanes of traffic and the contact turned the steering wheel to the right to prevent the vehicle from veering to the left. The contact then stopped on the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the Police were on scene and determined that the vehicle could not be driven. The contact stated the Police Officer picked up the ball joint that had detached from the driver’s side front suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V288000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmers Branch, TX
TIRES
P235/70R16 The car was parked, when I left on the morning of July 14 to go to work, it had already exploded. I thought it was the excess heat but the strange thing was the separation that occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11532507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midland, NC
SEATS
While driving on a long trip, a burning smell was noticed. The heated seats had not been turned on, as they are rarely used & the indicator light for the heated seats was not on. When the driver stopped to inspect, the back of the seat had burned through the lumbar support pillow. The seat is severely charred and damaged through the inner foam layer of the seat. The seat will need to be replaced. The driver could have been seriously injured if the seat had caught fire. Jeep was notified, but expressed absolutely no concern & offered no assistance. An online review revealed that this is a known problem for Chrysler/Jeep (in particular Jeep Liberty) and there have been severe injuries. How many instances must occur before a safety recall occurs? We had no idea that this safety concern existed prior to our own experience.
NHTSA complaint #11492431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IN
WHEELS
Lower ball joints gave out on driver’s side while turning, snapping the wheel/tire from the car and dropping vehicle down abruptly. Dealership who fixed the lower control arm and hitch recalls, did not fix and said there was no Lower Ball Joint recall- which was a confirmed recall and lead to vehicle damage and safety hazard
NHTSA complaint #11490828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IN
STEERING
Lower ball joints gave out on driver’s side while turning, snapping the wheel/tire from the car and dropping vehicle down abruptly. Dealership who fixed the lower control arm and hitch recalls, did not fix and said there was no Lower Ball Joint recall- which was a confirmed recall and lead to vehicle damage and safety hazard
NHTSA complaint #11490828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IN
SUSPENSION
Lower ball joints gave out on driver’s side while turning, snapping the wheel/tire from the car and dropping vehicle down abruptly. Dealership who fixed the lower control arm and hitch recalls, did not fix and said there was no Lower Ball Joint recall- which was a confirmed recall and lead to vehicle damage and safety hazard
NHTSA complaint #11490828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The connection "bolt" { situated under the vehicle} between the transmission Shift lever and the rod responsible for actually shifting between park, neutral,, forward and reverse transmission gears completely` rusted away.( See attached picture) causing a complete disconnect rendering the gear shift lever useless. The component is available for inspection upon request? It was shear luck that I was in slow city driving when I realized that the vehicle was damaged and not drivable. Until a final repair is made the vehicle is "dead in the water" so to speak. If this failure occurred during a trip, in an isolated place, I would have been abandoned and helpless as soon as I stopped. The fact that the "bolt" situated under the chassis was made of metal that rusted is incomprehensible to me, especially in a vehicle that is sold as suitable for "rough riding" over rocky terrain, through streams and generally roughing it. Common sense dictates that this critical part should have been constructed of sturdier stuff , not metal that rusts. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I can't afford to have it repaired at this time. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11481515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesToms River, NJ
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the suspension suddenly failed, causing the front end of the vehicle to drop down and the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side lower ball joint had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #11454785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2005 Jeep liberty renegade, there was recall issued (N46 Trailer Hitch recall) I contacted Chrysler Customer Care. they sent me this, [XXX] Hello [XXX] Thank you for contacting Jeep Customer Care. We have received your email stating you are about to purchase this 2005 Jeep Liberty and understand your concern with a recall that has not been completed. We are happy to look into this for you. After review of the vehicle information we have found that the N46 Trailer Hitch recall has not been completed. Jeep attempts to perform recall repairs regardless of the vehicle age or the recall issue date. Any authorized dealership will be happy to repair the vehicle within the terms of the recall at no charge to you. Please contact us at [XXX] if you require additional assistance. Best wishes, [XXX] Jeep Customer Care I contacted Pine Belt of Lakewood NJ and got this response [XXX] Wed, Jan 19 at 1:13 PM We can not work on this vehicle at this time because we are not taking new customers . [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11448457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, MO
STEERING
I was traveling on the highway at about 60 mph, hit a small bump in the highway and nearly lost total control. Pulled over and came to a complete stop. Re-entered the highway and nearly lost control even at a slower speed, 55mph.
NHTSA complaint #11447418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, MO
SUSPENSION
I was traveling on the highway at about 60 mph, hit a small bump in the highway and nearly lost total control. Pulled over and came to a complete stop. Re-entered the highway and nearly lost control even at a slower speed, 55mph.
NHTSA complaint #11447418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Senatobia, MS
SUSPENSION
Slowly crossed railroad tracks ball joint came disconnected forcing disconnection of the front drive shaft
NHTSA complaint #11443559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSlidell, LA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V288000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the same symptoms. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11442020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, IN
WHEELS
I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport. I was backing out of my driveway when I heard a crunching sound. I got out of the car and saw that the passenger side of my car was much lower than the driver's side. I noticed that their was windshield wiper fluid pouring out of the front end. Upon inspection, I noticed that the ball joint had snapped and the control arm was almost on the ground. Had I been able to get to the freeway as planned, I could have been seriously injured. I called to verify recall information and was informed that the ball joint recall issue had been resolved. However, with further investigation, it seems that this issue is happening after the repairs as well. I have attached pictures. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11440190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, IN
SUSPENSION
I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport. I was backing out of my driveway when I heard a crunching sound. I got out of the car and saw that the passenger side of my car was much lower than the driver's side. I noticed that their was windshield wiper fluid pouring out of the front end. Upon inspection, I noticed that the ball joint had snapped and the control arm was almost on the ground. Had I been able to get to the freeway as planned, I could have been seriously injured. I called to verify recall information and was informed that the ball joint recall issue had been resolved. However, with further investigation, it seems that this issue is happening after the repairs as well. I have attached pictures. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11440190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.