2005 Jeep Liberty: won't start

Filed Apr 3, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 170,000 miles · MD · fire

I went to start my jeep and it caught on fire under the hood. Also, it sometimes doesn't start, when it does and I'm driving, it stalls in the middle of traffic. This happens when I'm in the middle of making a left turn and I'm afraid I'm going to get hit! It mostly happens when it's raining or a lot of moisture in the air. It pulls and hesitates while I'm driving as well. My insurance paid for the damage when I had the fire, but I'm now learning that it's a big issue with jeeps. I have 3 children and I'm afraid for their safety. I can't afford a new vehicle.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 127,000 miles · FL

Received recall notice on my liberty. Went into local service dealer as they stated recall was due. Dealer then stated they had no parts, no technical data or guidance on this particular recall. Additionally, if this vehicle sits for over two days will not start (battery dies). Multiple batteries installed, charging system, no known electrical shorts or errant computer codes. Chrysler will not address issue because it is out of warranty.

Filed Dec 7, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 89,000 miles · NV

Driving 2005 jeep liberty crd (turbo diesel) on highway and engine cut out completely without any warning. All dash lights flashed on and off, asd light remain illuminated. Coasted to shoulder. Engine would not start. Towed to dealership, they replaced fuel pump fuse. Claimed they could find no cause for the blown fuse. Exactly the same asd cut out repeated over next four months, once more at highway speed, once in parking lot. Different fuses blown and replaced each time. Finally dealer traced to frayed wiring in engine compartment. Taped wires, no further asd cut outs. Technician stated he would never drive a liberty outside of city as wiring harness routinely frays due to tight fit over mental body and components in original construction. Claimed very common and very difficult to find or correct as most wiring is inaccessible behind body panels. Claims jeep is well aware, he claims entire harness should be replaced with longer harness and thicker insulation. Extremely dangerous as cut out is instantaneous and occurs without warning.

Filed Apr 7, 2013 · Steering, Transmission · 99,800 miles · MI

Failure of steering column rod to actuate ignition sense switch caused vehicle no start and driver stranded. Rod goes between key cylinder and ignition switch. Key can still be turned, but if ignition switch does not actuate engine does not start. There are no dealer serviceable components in steering column. This leads to the entire steering column needing replacement for the failure of a 3mm aluminum cast rod. Dealer estimate of $1200 for repair. Pictures are available.

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Electrical · 76,057 miles · NJ

Jeep will not start, dealer claims is a broken steel piece in the ignition in the steering column. The car has not had a accident or any other damage. Contacted jeep corporate and they refuse any help due to mileage and age dealer cost for repair will be approx $700.00 for used. Need to replace the whole steering column. A new one will be approc $1300.00 and the part is not available and they have no estimated time of getting new part. They quoted it could months. This will be third time in less than 3 years the car is in the dealer for not starting. Each time it is a different repair. The steering column is not damaged.

Filed Apr 19, 2012 · Steering · 127,784 miles · CA

My jeep recently was unable to start the engine. It was fine just the night before with no indication of a problem, but in the morning I turned the key and all I got was a click at the relay; the starter never engaged and the engine would not turn over. After much diagnosis it was discovered the problem was due to the end breaking off of a small metal cylinder which rotates to engage the starter; the cylinder is located on the left underside of the steering column. I was informed by the mechanic that the cylinder, nor the housing containing the cylinder, is sold as a separate part... I was forced to replace the entire steering column assembly to the tune of $300 (the labor was another $200, and a new ignition cylinder an additional $30), to fix this one small part that probably cost about $5 to make. In my research online, I found that this is a common, well-known problem with jeeps, with many people complaining on forums about the same issue. The only action I knew to take was to file a complaint here to hopefully initiate a recall of this part so that it either a) is replaced with a part made of better material so as to stop so many from breaking, and b) stops leaving people stranded with a non-working vehicle with no warning whatsoever.

Filed Jan 29, 2010 · Fuel system · 86,000 miles · IL

I have a 2005 jeep liberty crd diesel. I bought it used about six months ago at 56,000 mi. From a private owner. It now has 86,000 mi. I began having problems starting a week ago. The car starts and runs for 30 seconds and stalls. Then you cannot restart it. The starter spins the engine but it wont start. If you open the hood and pump the hand pump on the side of the fuel filter, which is mounted on the left fire wall, the car will eventually start and run. Yesterday, as I was pumping the fuel filter hand pump I noticed a drop of fuel come from the connector for the fuel heater on the spin on filter head. When I tried to start it, it started right up as it had before when I pumped the hand pump. As I walked around to shut the hood I could see the fuel dribbling out between the wires of the fuel heater plug on the head of the spin on filter. Halfway home I noticed a strong smell of diesel fuel, opened the hood and saw that the leak was getting worse because the plug was soaked in fuel and running thru the heater plug down the firewall. The dealer (tyson motors of joliet il) denies that there is any problem and said I will have to pay for the repair. I have gone to web sites and there are scores of people with the same dangerous condition with their vehicle. Many have caught on fire. So far I am told there is no recall. I guess there are not enough people dead yet.

Filed Jul 3, 2009 · Electrical, Steering · 75,000 miles · WI · crash

The steering column inside where ignition switch is cracked,that what I was told the vehicle has 90000 miles on it but it was in a crash and now the insurance adjuster says it is normal wear. It will not start, and it shorted out the battery.

Filed Jun 5, 2006 · Electrical · 12,500 miles · NY

Failure to start- using key and remote starter. When the key was turned, it went all the way over and the engine did not crank, no noises from battery- just nothing. This occurred twice over a two month period, usually after about 15-20 minutes it would start. Recently the problem has progressed from failing to start,to the bigger problem of dying when it is running. The vehicle will be running and all of a sudden dies with no warning. This is a safety hazard as it can happen at any time, at any speed. The dealership has had the vehicle now for a week and cannot duplicate the problem. The car has just over 14,000 miles on it and should not be having these problems. I do not feel safe in my own vehicle.

Filed Oct 21, 2005 · Engine · 10,230 miles · FL

2005 jeep liberty crd engine suddenly failed on a major road. Vehicle was pushed off road and taken to dealership where it was found the egr valve failed. Part was replaced 10 days later, and returned. Approx 2 weeks later the egr control valve went bad and 6 weeks later was replaced by dealership, when I went to pick up the vehicle it would not start. I was told the egr valve had gone bad again and needed to be replaced.