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2005 Jeep Wrangler problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 50,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical Wrangler model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
69/100
Owner complaints
650
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
14-17mpg

The worst 2005 Jeep Wrangler problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Fuel pump 21Check engine light 13Ball joint 9Grinding brakes 6Fire or smoke 6Won't shift 6Sudden acceleration 6Engine failure 5Jerking 5Stalling 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler mention

P0344 2

Recalls 1

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 6, 2005 · 256,409 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Risk
If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler 51

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 51 bulletins for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler

2005 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD161917
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD1316-1714-15

What 2005 Jeep Wrangler owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · 154,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to three different independent mechanics to be diagnosed, and the third mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Chrysler Campaign Number: E05 due to the engine build date. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · Engine · NV

Engine warning light has been coming on since about 70k miles(190k now). Scanner says O2 sensor is bad. After replacement of the O2 sensor, the fault continues to show up randomly. I carry a scanner to reset the engine code on the road. All wiring has been checked and is ok. When I clear the code, the error does not show up again for anywhere from 125 miles to around 300 miles. Clearing the code starts the process all over.

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Steering · NJ

As I was driving home from work on Feb. 14, 2023, in Rocky Hill, NJ. the vehicle developed a sudden loss of steering control. I had it towed to Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Princeton, NJ. The service manager informed me that the area of the frame to which the steering gear box is bolted had completely rotted, and the steering box had separated. The car was not driveable and could not be repaired. The vehicle will be available for inspection until April 15, 2023.

Filed Aug 27, 2022 · Transmission · TX

Ecm computer , o2 heater sensor from ecm and controls transmission shift points . Replaced o2 sensors and transmission is controlled by ecm not shifting correctly will stay in first gear and hard shift to second can create loss of control in wet weather conditions.

Filed Aug 10, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Keep wobble almost caused head on collision afraid to drive vehicle over 55 mph

Filed Jul 14, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · MD

The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · CT

Engine failed, speedometer, tach went to 0, all gauges went to 0, power steering failed after I declutched and then coasted to a full stop (power brakes failed but still had some brake input) safely on the shoulder of an off ramp. (This not the first time this has happened, however it was the first time pulling a full trailer, so I drive as if it could happen again) Vehicle was at Branhaven Jeep in Branford, CT last July @ 64429 miles... they were unable to duplicate. It is now at Gengras Jeep in East Hartford, CT, same story. I've asked Gengras to replace the ignition switch again. I have the ignition switch from Branhaven which I found the copper plate worn off to steel and evidence of arcing on the contacts

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Engine · 66,666 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. Several gauges became inoperable with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,666.

Filed Jun 15, 2021 · Fuel system · MI · 2 injuries

At every fuel fill up, gasoline splashes back out onto the vehicle, the person filling the vehicle and creates a very unsafe puddle of gasoline on the ground. There is never a time that it does not happen. I would be readily available to make my vehicle available for inspection of this concern. Chrysler has issued recalls for this exact problem on several of their vehicle models all within the same time period of manufacturing. The fuel tank inlet check valve is a widely known and dangerous issue that should be seriously considered to repair the remaining vehicles on the road with this problem. It has been documented by numerous owners of Jeep Wranglers from 2005-2006 while the same issue forced a recall of the same Jeeps in later model years, 2007-2008. The Jeep has been inspected by a certified mechanic where I was notified of much of this information. With the amount of gasoline that spills out and the motorist re-enters their vehicle, there could be a static charge that could ignite the gasoline and cause extreme personal harm and property damage. There is no indication or warning sign to alert you that it is going to splash out gasoline. I am left to rarely fill my fuel tank to the maximum level to avoid being soaked in gasoline and irritating my skin or worse. I have owned this Jeep for going on 4 years and it has been a concern since day 1. I am noting this report of having been injured but the injuries at this point are only skin irritations as a result of gasoline coming in contact with our skin. I also noted the date as the first time this happened but as mentioned before, it happens or will happen at every fill up.

Filed Jun 4, 2021 · Engine · AZ

The camshaft sensor upper bushing does not get lubricated seizes up causes camshaft to wear out. In my jeep I replaced three of them on the inline 4.0 6cyl. I only have 66,660 miles on my jeep. June 4, 2021.

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Compare the 2005 Jeep Wrangler

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Is the 2005 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

Owners have filed 650 complaints about the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, 1.2 times a typical Wrangler model year.

What is the 2005 Jeep Wrangler year score?

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Jeep Wrangler: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Jeep Wrangler?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 448 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is steering (58).

How many recalls does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have?

1 recall, covering power train.

What year does the Jeep Wrangler have the most fuel system problems?

The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (479 complaints), 2005 (448 complaints) and 2010 (228 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 16 city and 19 highway.

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