2011 Jeep Liberty engine problems

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · MO

I have owned this vehicle since 2011 and began having issues with passenger airbag light coming on intermittently or sometimes staying on during trip whether a passenger was in the seat or not. Had to install a new motor in 2025 due to antifreeze overflowing into engine components apparently after overheating even though gauge on dash never indicated issue. Squeeking sound when putting vehicle into reverse, cert mechanic installed front pads and rotors and rear brake pads and left rear brake caliper for a total cost of $620. Traveled to kc (appx 100 miles) one day later and vehicle began losing acceleration, stuttered and seeemed to surge intermitently then rear brake began locking up and smoking excessively before illuminating a check engine light. Draggin/locking rear brake broke loose on drive back home but still had check engine light. Took back to mechanic who diagnosed rapid misfire on cylinder no. 1 but was not able to trace cause. Recommended taking to dealership for diagnostic at a cost of $150 per hour. All 3 issues I am reporting are apparently pervasive with this vehicle as I have read numerous documented complaints from customers having the same or similar issues. However, the federal safety agency website indicates that there are no recalls associated with my vehicle. This is unacceptable!!

Filed Feb 15, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 151,000 miles · AL

Purchased vehicle used in january 2020. Five days later, the first dtc illuminated, and it has been an absolute nightmare ever since. So far I have replaced the purge valve, water pump, serpentine belt, radiator, alternator, pcv valve, tensioner assembly, front brakes, left exhaust manifold, door seals, sway bar bushings/links - all within the first 10,000 miles. Brake caliper pistons seized and locked, causing brakes to smoke and overheat, discovered exhaust leak only after developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Even after all of that, the vehicle still sounds awful and has serious performance issues. I fully expect that the engine will be toast any day, and I still have almost three years worth of payments left on it.

Filed Oct 30, 2019 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MI

Oil pan rusting out around drain plug. Oil leaking.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep liberty. The contact stated that the soft top cover underneath the sun roof would not pull out correctly. The soft top was part of the electrical system. The failure caused an electrical short in the engine and the check engine, tire pressure, and sun roof warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to garavel jeep (300 westport ave, norwalk, ct 06851, (203) 424-2688) where it was diagnosed that a new egr valve needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2019 · Engine · 76,310 miles · NC

2011 jeep liberty with 76,310 experienced immediate and catastrophic engine failure while driving on a city street. Just prior to failing the oil pressure and check engines lights came on. A knocking noise occurred right before failure. Oil blew from the engine covering roadway under the vehicle. The vehicle was always serviced by the local jeep dealership per the recommended schedules. The vehicle was towed to the same dealership where it was serviced. Tear down of the engine by jeep certified technicians revealed several failed components making exact root cause of failure unknown. Cost to replace the engine and related parts was $7,800. Chrysler customer care was contacted about covering the cost of the engine. Any assistance by chrysler was denied.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Engine · 142,000 miles · OH

My husband had driven to a doctors appointment. When he got in the jeep to leave it wouldn't start. We had it towed to our mechanic. After he inspected the vehicle he said a piston ring had come off the #1 cylinder and fallen below the piston causing the cylinder to be damaged. It will require a new motor which will cost $4000-$5000 if we can find a decent engine. Apparently these engines can be difficult to find and are more expensive because this is a common problem.

Filed Oct 2, 2018 · Engine · 97,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep liberty. The contact stated that the engine seized without warning and the vehicle was unable to be driven. Quirk chrysler dodge jeep ram (830 plain st, marshfield, ma 02050, (781) 319-3000) diagnosed that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed May 23, 2018 · Airbags, Electrical · NE

The check service engine light comes on because of the gas cap even if the gas cap has been replaced with a manufacture gas cap. The air bag light comes on and off for no reason.

Filed Nov 20, 2017 · Engine · 120,000 miles · FL

While sitting at a stop light, my jeep just shut off with no warning. When I tried to restart it, it made a strange sound while it was turning over. I called a tow truck to take it to the dealership & was told that the engine valves were damaged & will require a new engine at $8100.00

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Acceleration, Electrical · 52,000 miles · KY

While driving my 2011 jeep liberty with the cruise control set at 70mph on I-65 interstate coming out of gary indiana the tell-tales lit up and the car dropped out of cruise control and it took the car a few seconds to gain power again. This all started with the drivers door not unlocking with the remote. A diagnostics was run on the car and they said they couldn't find anything wrong, other than a rear sensor on the brake making the brake light come on. Doing an internet research the tipm sensor is the cause of most of these problems which chrysler doesn't want to admit. This same issue was deemed not an issue a few years back by the federal safety agency with the liberty but deemed no good by the federal safety agency for the jeep cherokee and dodge durango. This was a dangerous situation for me and my family. If I hadn't took action as quick as I did we would have been rear ended by a semi. I don't feel safe driving this SUV and this is my wife's car which she takes my son to school in. The federal safety agency needs to do something about this issue now.