Jeep Liberty overheating 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 8, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · MS

Well my 2002 jeep liberty has been messed up lately,it will just not crank so I thought it was the battery but it turned out to be the ignition switch also it did this off an on for about 6months ,the heat went out when I bought it and it will act as if it is overheating but it won't do anything for while then all of my windows have problems with the motor s in them the suspension, control arms I've had to change ,and the cruise control button will stick and keep going while you are driving it almost caused me to wreck on the interstate you have to turn the vehicle completely off once you get it to stop if you can get it to stop. out of all the vehicles I've had this is the first to take off by itself

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · NH

The entire dashboard set of alarm lights go ON as soon as the vehicle starts. The speedometer stops working, the hand break light is on so it appears as it actually activates it and it slows the vehicle impacting drivability, the radiator fan is constantly working, the 4WD mode is activated by default also impacting drivability, impossible to see if the car is overheating, and it could very well be that the airbags would not work if needed. This all adds to a very unsafe drive.

Filed Apr 25, 2021 · Lights · 155,000 miles · AR

The brake light doesn't work and the bulb has been replaced. Apparently, since so many other people have reported the same problem in various forums; this is a known problem. It would seem that the contact overheats and melts into the plastic housing, causing a potential fire issue and resulting in no contact to make the light bulb work.

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 28, 2020 · Lights · 170,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 jeep liberty. The contact stated that both driver and passenger tail lights had overheated which caused both housing plastic lens to melt from the bulb. The contact also noticed that the wiring harness was also overheated which contributed to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to john elway's claremont chrysler dodge jeep ram(620 auto center dr, claremont, ca 91711) where she given a diagnostic fee to the vehicle inspected, the contact declined the diagnostic fee. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · RI

I had taken the vehicle to get looked at by jeep twice prior due to the check engine light flashing and was informed all it needed was a software upgrade, which was completed. After the first time the engine light came and stayed on so I returned to have it looked at by the jeep dealership again. I was told it was safe and drivable. The next day I was driving about 30 miles per hour when my check engine light began to blink and the vehicle lost power. I had to car towed back and when it was looked at again and I was informed by the dealership the head was warped due to the car overheating. I have owed the vehicle for 60,000 miles and it has never once overheated. I am unsure if the engine ran hot (the needle usually sat half way between the "hot" and "cold" ends. Now that I have had to purchase a new vehicle I am noticing this vehicle runs cooler than my last and I am wondering the engine on my former vehicle was improperly engineered/manufactured and I was sold a defective vehicle. They emphasized that the overheating had to have occurred more than once for that type of damage to occur. Dealership wanted $8000 to repair/replace.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · AR

Once the vehicle has been driven and then turned off, it will not start for 20 to 30 minutes until it has cooled off. It is not showing any codes,not overheating or running hot, spark plugs, spark plug wires, alternator, and battery have been replaced. I've seen several complain about the same issue with 2002 liberties and newer. It is apparently an issue with a transmission shift module being too close to a heat source, and it can't tell the vehicle is in park until the engine cools down. If you drive it and leave it off for less than 5 minutes there is not an issue, but if it's turned off more than 5 minutes it takes between 20 and 30 minutes before it will start. It started several months ago so I'm not sure of the exact date. I can turn it off and do a remote start with the key and it will start back up if the remote start time hasn't expired yet, but I shouldn't have to do that to be able to start it again.

Filed Jul 30, 2018 · Engine · 141,000 miles · CA

My jeep has the heavy duty cooling fan. While driving the electric cooling fan broke into multiple pieces and damaged the radiator making then unable to drive due to overheating. I was drive bout 15mph in a parking lot.

Filed Jun 5, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

The electrical system fails from winter to summer causing miscellaneous information to the computer, the auto can overheat, it can also clear down and open failure of gasoline. The ball joints fail truly. It happened to me in three occasions when I circulated by the city when crossing on a street, while passing a tumble, and on a terrace street. The front brake system breaks causing brake liquid leaks this is caused by the warming of parts and dirt. I saw the stain in the soil when I park in my garage and check.