Owners have filed 766 complaints
about the 2008 Jeep Liberty with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 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 — 39
Against the median year of the Jeep Liberty. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% 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.
Body
4846.6%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
2625.2%
Roof AND Pillars
1312.6%
Horn
43.9%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
43.9%
Valve
32.9%
Automatic Transmission
32.9%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
21.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
81.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
243.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
396.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14523.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
12520.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11418.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11718.7%
150,000+ miles
548.6%
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.
Nov 2007peak 22Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 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.
DP14004Opened 25 Sep 2014Closed 24 Jul 2015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to...
Recalls on the 2008 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
13V121000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
Risk: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
10V550000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS THAT CONTAIN EXCESS ADHESIVE THAT MAY ALLOW FOR WATER INTRUSION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUALLY INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION.
Risk: A FAILING OR INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM WILL REDUCE A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A 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.
08V525000
PARKING BRAKE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.
Risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
08V455000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 494 MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD AND/OR FIXED REAR QUARTER GLASS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED USING INCORRECT URETHANE ADHESIVE. THIS COULD AFFECT GLASS RETENTION.
Risk: IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20131021,036 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the tunnel heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, which could eventually result in the drive shaft breaking and loss of motive power. In conjunction with traffic and road conditions and driver reactions, this could increase the risk of a crash. A broken drive shaft could also impact the tunnel with sufficient force to cause airbag deployment. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation could startle the driver which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install a heat shield support bracket.
Recall 20103841,291 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may contain excessive adhesive that may also experience water ingestion which could result in intermittent and eventual inoperative windshield wipers. A loss of windshield wipers could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor.
Recall 2008372720 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the park brake lever clutch drum may distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system. This could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without any warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the park brake lever assembly.
Recall 200832768 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the windshield and/or the fixed rear quarter glass may have been assembled using incorrect urethane adhesive. This situation could affect glass retention. Should the glass separate while the vehicle is underway, it could strike a motorist or pedestrian, which could result in personal injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will replace windshield and/or fixed rear quarter glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Montgomery, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact's husband owned a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag and traction control warning lights would flash on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned while crossing a puddle of water and landed in a ditch. The side curtain air bags deployed; however, the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that an abnormal odor was emitted from the vehicle. The contact sustained bruising on the left arm but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was later towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11675909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
POWER TRAIN
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
ENGINE
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,880 milesFlat Lick, KYFire
SUSPENSION
ONCE PARKED THE HEAT SHEILD CAME UP AGAINST THE HEATER CORE AND MUST HAVE SPARKED CAUSING IT TO CATCH FIRE UNDER THE HOOD! NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE CAUSING A POSSIBLE FATAL ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11407745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,880 milesFlat Lick, KYFire
ENGINE
ONCE PARKED THE HEAT SHEILD CAME UP AGAINST THE HEATER CORE AND MUST HAVE SPARKED CAUSING IT TO CATCH FIRE UNDER THE HOOD! NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE CAUSING A POSSIBLE FATAL ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11407745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Idaho Falls, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Twice it’s happened my turned. I went to turn my my key to power to open the doors and the heater went off. The horn started blaring. The windshield wipers came on. They was squirting out windshield fluid and I wasn’t even in the car yet I couldn’t get it to shut off so I got under. I took a fuse out. It turned off and now my car doesn’t run. The first address is my home address at [XXX], and the second one was at the [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Idaho Falls, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Twice it’s happened my turned. I went to turn my my key to power to open the doors and the heater went off. The horn started blaring. The windshield wipers came on. They was squirting out windshield fluid and I wasn’t even in the car yet I couldn’t get it to shut off so I got under. I took a fuse out. It turned off and now my car doesn’t run. The first address is my home address at [XXX], and the second one was at the [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
AIR BAGS
Airbag light has been coming on and stays on. When I start my vehicle the airbag in the dash on passenger side sounds like it’s trying to escape. Scary. I have a service appointment for April 2, 2026, Thursday. They can’t get me in sooner. I understand the recall doesn’t apply. I’m stating that it SHOULD! Please expand your recall to more Jeep models. I want this on record as I am deeply concerned about my safety.
NHTSA complaint #11728193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
SUSPENSION
Suspension rotting out for jeeps were recalled up until 2007. My 2008 jeep has the same issue with rotted suspension bars. Originally recalls were for 2005 they added up to 2007. Mine is a 2008. We need to add another year suspension bar is rusted in half. 158 thousand miles. the rest of underbody is solid. .
NHTSA complaint #11722184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somersworth, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am having problems when I back up and turn the steering wheel it starts to make noise and it slows down line it don't want to turn. And my EPS light will not turn off no matter what I do to it. There is something seriously wrong when I'm backing up n turning the wheels if you could please help me an if it has nothing to do with the recall but I'm sure it dies let me know what it is. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11715318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anoka, MN
SUSPENSION
Both lower rear control arms rusted out, broke off entirely while driving. Under 100k miles. This issue was recalled on the same make and model up until 2007 but they clearly haven't fixed the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11694361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abingdon, MD
AIR BAGS
Steering wheel air bag went off on its own. Started the car and pop. Door locks won’t work on drivers door when unlocking with key fob
NHTSA complaint #11682239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact's husband owned a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag and traction control warning lights would flash on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned while crossing a puddle of water and landed in a ditch. The side curtain air bags deployed; however, the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that an abnormal odor was emitted from the vehicle. The contact sustained bruising on the left arm but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was later towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11675909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Meadow, NY
SUSPENSION
Rear control arms rusted on both sides. One side cracked almost completely through. Mechanic confirmed close to failure which would cause loss of control of vehicle. In 2017 this model was recalled for this danger but only through model year 2007. Appears same defective part was used in this model year (2008). No warning lights of problem. Observed myself and mechanic confirmed problem.
NHTSA complaint #11620263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceburg, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Recently driving down the road heard a very loud noice thought i had a tire blowout. It was both Rear lower control arms broken Completely into( very rusty ).It also broke my exhaust and banged up the driveshaft. This is very expensive to repair and could have very well been Deadly. Would like for someone to contact me asap ty
NHTSA complaint #11587061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bushnell, FL
AIR BAGS
The air bag light has been turning on for no reason I don’t know what’s causing it
NHTSA complaint #11525116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the vehicle the car started having various electrical problems. The wipers kept going on and off and all instrument lights kept going on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11481670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
ENGINE
While driving the vehicle the car started having various electrical problems. The wipers kept going on and off and all instrument lights kept going on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11481670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving the vehicle the car started having various electrical problems. The wipers kept going on and off and all instrument lights kept going on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11481670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belmont, MA
TIRES
I was driving from NY City to Boston, MA when suddenly I hear a big noise thankful to God I didn't lose control on my vehicle, I parked and notice the driver's side tire was completely deflated. I wait for several hours for help. Also one of the rear tires has big bulge on it. I check for any recalls on these tires, but there is none for this size. What can I do? The tires have only 2000-3000 miles on the car. I call Cooper customer service recalls and they were rude and did't help at all. This is a safety issue and I would like my tires to be replaced ASAP. Thank yo
NHTSA complaint #11480831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
AIR BAGS
Airbag system failure due to clockspring malfunction. Identified by owner due to airbag system failuer warning light and repaired by Billion Chrysler, Jeep, Ram in Sioux Falls, SD.
NHTSA complaint #11478887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while at a standstill, the horn and windshield wipers would activate independently. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unavailable. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING.
NHTSA complaint #11440021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while at a standstill, the horn and windshield wipers would activate independently. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unavailable. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING.
NHTSA complaint #11440021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groton, CT
AIR BAGS
Airbag was replaced Sept 2019. I just had to replace coil spring again in the airbag Very costly
NHTSA complaint #11438368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,762 milesLake Orion, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while replacing the brake pads, the contact became aware that the driver’s side lower control arm and rear axle were corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V278000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 74,762.
NHTSA complaint #11427789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
POWER TRAIN
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
ENGINE
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mastic Beach, NYFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
NHTSA complaint #11420737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas burps out every time you fill the tank!
NHTSA complaint #11419258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,880 milesFlat Lick, KYFire
SUSPENSION
ONCE PARKED THE HEAT SHEILD CAME UP AGAINST THE HEATER CORE AND MUST HAVE SPARKED CAUSING IT TO CATCH FIRE UNDER THE HOOD! NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE CAUSING A POSSIBLE FATAL ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11407745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.