2005 Jeep Liberty: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · 200,000 miles · VA

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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2016 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · PA

Transmission failed which ruined the transfer case. Jeep also recommends installing a transmission cooler. So, why is 2005 not covered? They tell me the parts are over $4,600 not including labor. If it was one year newer it would all be free. Explain that to myself and the other owners. 'q1: how do I know if I'm covered by the new chrysler lifetime powertrain warranty? 'a1: you're covered if you're the first registered vehicle owner ' retail or lease ' in u.s., puerto rico and the virgin islands. This applies to 2009 model year vehicles. As well as 2006, 2007 and 2008 model year vehicles. 'q2: what does the new powertrain limited warranty include? 'a2: the chrysler lifetime powertrain warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components ' engine, transmission and drive system ' on most new chrysler, jeep and dodge vehicles. 'q3: what powertrain parts and components are covered? 'a3: gasoline engine, transmission and drive systems (fwd, awd, rwd or 4wd). 'q6: why did chrysler change its warranty coverage? 'a6: our confidence level in our vehicles is very high. Our dealers are telling us that our products are the best quality they've seen in a very, very long time ' maybe ever. So, we'd like to take this level of confidence and share it with you, our customers. This new powertrain warranty demonstrates our commitment to you as a chrysler, jeep or dodge customer and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. We want you to feel that same confidence. Is that why you fired the executive dealing with quality? 'q15: what does 'lifetime' mean? 'a15: lifetime means lifetime.

Filed Sep 7, 2015 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · VT

When shifting my jeep from 1st to 2nd it sometimes makes a grinding noise. I brought it to my mechanic today and he took it for a ride. He told me that he thinks it's a little ball inside the transmission that is covered with nylon, and a couple of forks make it move. He is going to try changing my transmission fluid to a synthetic brand in hopes that will slow down the wear on the nylon ball, but eventually I will need a new transmission. I asked him what will happen when the ball finally breaks, and he told me the vehicle will cease to move, rather I am driving it or not. He also told me that this problem is a known problem with jeeps. If this is a known problem with jeeps then why haven't they been recalled and/or fixed?

Filed Dec 26, 2012 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · PA

Was stopped at a red light waiting to turn left. When the stop light turned green I attempted to proceed with the vehicle. Initially when I depressed the accelerator nothing happened. After about 15 seconds the vehicle lurched dramatically forward into opposing traffic. We were very lucky that the oncoming cars were able to swerve to avoid the vehicle. I took it in to a repair facility and the inspection showed that it was a transmission failure.the vehicle has been previously repaired on 5 separate occasions for similar transmission problems. In speaking with the mechanic performing the repair he indicated that chrysler had severe problems with the 42rle transmissions. I'm filing this complaint as I am very concerned that manufacturer has been allowed to produce a vehicle with an inherent defect that creates a severe safety impairment.

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Transmission · 45,500 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 jeep liberty diesel crd. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire twice, in june 2011 and again five weeks later, for the same related failure. The contact stated that the fires were caused by the transmission vent that released fluid onto the exhaust pipe. The transmission failed and while driving, caused the fluids to leak and cause a fire under the hood. There were no injuries during either fire. A fire report was filed. The insurance company was contacted and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure was a reported as a mechanical problem and the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 45,500 and the current mileage was 46,000.

Filed Apr 11, 2011 · Electrical, Steering · 85,100 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 jeep liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic where he was advised that the ignition switch and steering column would need to be replaced. There was no electrical current passing through the starter and the mechanic advised that there were aluminum pieces that fractured in the steering column and caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts needed were on backorder. The contact believed that the manufacturer was ignoring the issue which he stated was a severe safety issue. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced twice since owning the vehicle. The failure mileage was 85,100. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · WA

2005 jeep liberty, automatic, with 71k miles. Traveling on freeway with cruise control on when sudden loud "thud" followed by forward jerking motion. Disengaged cruise control. Was able to continue to destination. On return, jeep started but will not move in any gear. Towed to repair center. Diagnosis showed that the transmission failed but not due to lack of maintenance or driving habits. Transmission just failed. Replacement transmission is on backorder from jeep for two weeks as of this writing. I will write to chrysler as transmission are not to just fail after 71k miles. This is a defect that chrysler needs to acknowledge.

Filed Dec 1, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 15,528 miles · OH

1.a) ck engine lt came on, heavy black smoke, jeep would stall, fuel mil decreased,b) A/C quit working,c) jeep violently jerked while accelerating/braking, jeep would lurch after coming to a complete stop, jeep stalled during turns and in middle of intersections leaving the jeep stuck in the path of oncoming traffic,d) safety recall of lower ball joints,e) while out of state, driving home at pm on highway, the elect throttle and battery warning lights started flashing, electronics and lights on jeep failed, jeep stalled on highway and would not restart, f) after p/u the jeep up from the shop for a new starter and battery, within 30 miles, same warning lights appeared, electr quit, and jeep again stalled in traffic and would not restart, rear hatch opened and windows stuck down 2.a) wouldn't run properly, unsafe to drive b)A/C quit c)not safe operate jeep for 5 days until auth dealer could take in thejeep d) recall replacement e) had to have chrysler tow to shop (first site didn't even work on diesels, second didn't have a certified diesel tech in) f) had to have chrysler tow to shop 3.a)egr etc replaced but in shop for 5 days due to backorder on parts b) transducer switch replaced, refrigerant refilled; safety backup switch on A/C not replaced because part was on backorder,part installed a month later c) authorized dealer stated diagnostics showed transmission failure to include front pump, seals, and other misc. Parts with the torque converter out of range, service bullentin issued by chrysler indicated parts were on backorder, parts installed after 10 days in the shop d) lower ball joint kit installed, in shop and unable to drive for 1 day e) installed new starter, let jeep sit for 1 day and was not able to start, put in new battery and stated jeep was fixed, unable to drive jeep 7 days f) jeep still there, no power, may be the alternator but because battery is dead, the failure history is unretrievable, not able to diag problems other thean prob electrical.

Filed Nov 11, 2006 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · MO

Tc converter and transmission failure on jeep liberty crd diesel when tc fails it can cause you to crash and loose control of the jeep,dc knows there is a problem and does not help the customer and the dealer has had my jeep for 3 weeks and still not fixed yet!

Filed Oct 14, 2006 · Transmission · 22,303 miles · CA

I almost lost my life on a cliffside corner on hwy 1 when my 2005 jeep liberty crd (common rail diesel) torque converter failed causing both rear wheels to lock up at 55 MPH. Happened again a couple miles later and then continued to repeat itself as I was attempting to get it to the dealership. It has been at the dealer 5 times to date for the initial problems (stalling at highway speeds and going into limp modes). I knew it was the torque converter preparing to go out because I had researched consumer reportings of similar problems online. The dealership, however, explained that they would only follow chrysler corporate's rules and corporate wasn't allowing them to replace the converter. Instead the dealership replaced transmission solenoid, then transmission control module, then called to tell me it was my aftermarket installation problem (twice). Each time this meant that they sent me out in a "fixed" vehicle that stalled on me and caused me to put emergency hazards on and drive in limp mode in right hand lane or on shoulder. Then when the dealership service manager drove it and personally felt what a "safety issue it was", has now looked at the postings and is befuddled why corporate wasn't advising them of this problem. I believe that this is a design defect with these 2005 and 2006 jeep liberty crds and that chrysler is aware of it but doesn't know how to fix it. Chrysler is putting its consumers at grave risk for loss of life. Please keep in mind that (1) chrysler has stopped production of them in the u.s. And maybe we now understand why and (2) only 11,000 were sold in the u.s. I am a lawyer and will exercise lemon law right as this vehicle cannot be repaired because it is a design defect. However, all 11,000 of these vehicles will most likely fail and the potential for loss of life and property exists 11,000 times.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Transmission · 18,500 miles · MD

My 2005 jeep liberty diesel had a catastrophic transmission failure on the drive home from the purchase from the dealer. I bought it used with 18,000 miles and during the drive home I had irregular shifting followed by high engine revs and then a loss of power on the highway with multiple warning lights (almost as if I had lost a gear). After taking it to the dealer the first time, they replaced an internal component in the transmission, I drove it home (approx. 30 mi.) and had the same thing happen. The second time the dealer said that the originally, they did not replace enough of the trans. To fix the problem. I ended up needing a new torque converter and various other internal transmission components. This must have been quite the popular repair because the dealer had my car for 3 1/2 weeks as the part was on chrysler backorder. Sometimes the transmission still seems awkward and I get an occasional shudder however, the occurrences vary and it is almost impossible to predict or pinpoint when something strange happens.

Filed Aug 25, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · MD

My 2005 jeep liberty crd has a transmission "shudder" and looses power between 55 and 60 MPH. This appears to be a common problem with crd owners and jeep has issued several tsb's that consist of computer reflashes that have not corrected the problem. I am to the point where I do not transport my children in this vehicle because it looses power at 55 MPH on highway merges and cruising. I am very concerned with the safety, because other crd owners have experienced transmission failure following the "shudder" symptom. Jeep only made 11,000 crd's (discontinued in 2006, however still part of their marketing campaign!) and the owners are having a difficult time getting them to respond to several safety problems. The erg valve is another issue. Mine has been replaced once, other crd owners have had multiple replacements. My jeep crd totally lost power when the egr valve failed. It was on an interstate traveling 65 MPH. Luckily I had a clear path to coast to the shoulder.