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2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 726.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,363 reports with mileage · 688 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 927 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 405 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

82 crash reports24 fire reports50 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

23 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2025
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

Lights on the dashboard were blinking, there were no turning signals, the gas gauge was not working, and the check engine light was flashing. My safety was put at risk because I could not let people know when I was turning. I took it to the dealer, and they said there were too many codes, but none were active for them to fix the…

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Lights on the dashboard were blinking, there were no turning signals, the gas gauge was not working, and the check engine light was flashing. My safety was put at risk because I could not let people know when I was turning. I took it to the dealer, and they said there were too many codes, but none were active for them to fix the problem. So, I have to drive the jeep, but this is dangerous. The warning keeps showing me that there is a problem with the ignition switch that was previously recalled. I want this taken care of, please.

NHTSA ODI #11643852

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeat BeltsSeats

1. Fuel tank started leaking on the top. 2. Middle backseat belt was stuck. It would not pull out. No matter what we tried it just got tighter and tighter, had to cut it. 3. Can't use seat warmer on passenger side because it will burn the person sitting there because the seat tore.

NHTSA ODI #11497963

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

1. Engine over heating problems numerous times and coolant leak. Even after replacement of radiator and hoses. 2. Went to pick up jeep from mechanic due to oil leak, when they brought it around, I noticed pink fluid dripping. Had Transmission serviced in March/April 2020 due to a leak., Flushed system, new filters and fluid. …

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1. Engine over heating problems numerous times and coolant leak. Even after replacement of radiator and hoses. 2. Went to pick up jeep from mechanic due to oil leak, when they brought it around, I noticed pink fluid dripping. Had Transmission serviced in March/April 2020 due to a leak., Flushed system, new filters and fluid. Last few months vehicle says "Transmission over Temp" a few times. Replaced transmission pan, due to a leak, new fluid added, in September 2022. Vehicle indicated "Transmission over Temp" a few weeks later. Didn't drive it a few days, haven't seen the warning sign yet. 3. Numerous oil leaks. Serpitean belt replaced along with other repairs. 4. When I bought vehicle, it had no heat and coolant was leaking in on passenger side floor. 5. Jeep shifts to 3rd gear and won't shift down or back into drive until I turn off vehicle and back on. Very dangerous I was a busy road, US 41 heading north, and had to pull over.

NHTSA ODI #11497962

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFireInjury

Entering my exit I noticed my 1month old was no longer sound asleep but screaming I turned around noticing she was being approached by smoke arising from the back of the vehicle.As panic set in I immediately tried to come to stop moving off the exit. At the same time clear fluid gushed out of the hood and smoke immediately en…

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Entering my exit I noticed my 1month old was no longer sound asleep but screaming I turned around noticing she was being approached by smoke arising from the back of the vehicle.As panic set in I immediately tried to come to stop moving off the exit. At the same time clear fluid gushed out of the hood and smoke immediately entered the front of the vehicle making it difficult to come to a stop see or breath. I went blank out of fear or pure confusion as I reached for my infant in the back as quickly as I could at that point she was. No longer crying. I shot out of the vehicle as fast as possible and stayed in a safety spot attempting to shield her from the sun as I watched the jeep ignite and continue to smoke itself out witnesses gathered around one allowing me to sit in her vehicle with my baby until help arrived. NO warning signs once so ever no indication of an over heating vehicle drove perfectly and not frequently it may be inspected at the towing it was taken to as for the safety of my newborn and myself we both could’ve tragically ended up gone because I was not and would not have thought twice about leaving my daughter in that vehicle. she just got into this world to be taken that fast it wasnt an option. I’ve been very uneasy since the incident with absolutely anything that functions or is electronic. Continues replay in my head over and over again in detail and nothing new pops up truly a very Traumatic experience and an unexpected loss. appointments I can’t make it to have had to cancel I do not have family here especially not close by to help me this accident was by far caused by the vehicle because it definitely look like he had a mind of its own suddenly

NHTSA ODI #11471460

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

ALL SAFETY RECALLS AND RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN DONE

NHTSA ODI #11337820

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

THE JEEP HAS STARTING PROMBLES IT WILL RUN AND START FINE THEN THE NEXT IT DOSE NOT WANT TO START. SO I COULD JUST RUN IN THE STORE AND COME OUT AND IT WON'T START AND I HAVE TO SIT A HOUR OR TWO AND THEN IT STARTS AGINE. IT DOSE THIS AFTER RUNNING TO THREE PLACES IT WILL STALL AGINE ON ME AND WON'T START. I HAVE BRAND NEW START…

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THE JEEP HAS STARTING PROMBLES IT WILL RUN AND START FINE THEN THE NEXT IT DOSE NOT WANT TO START. SO I COULD JUST RUN IN THE STORE AND COME OUT AND IT WON'T START AND I HAVE TO SIT A HOUR OR TWO AND THEN IT STARTS AGINE. IT DOSE THIS AFTER RUNNING TO THREE PLACES IT WILL STALL AGINE ON ME AND WON'T START. I HAVE BRAND NEW STARTER IN IT AND BATTERY. HAD THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND ITS FINE AND ALSO THERE WAS RECALL ON INGINTION SWITCH AND THAT GOT REPLACED BUT STILL HAVING PROMBLES WITH IT STARTING.

NHTSA ODI #11320848

215,904 miles · Oct 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

MY CAR JUST STOP ONE DAY I PUT IN NEW STUFF AND IT JUST WON'T CRANK ANYMORE IT'S LIKE IT DON'T WANNA GET GAS THE SYSTEM AND COMPUTER IN CAR DON'T WORK

NHTSA ODI #11269768

124,600 miles · Sep 30, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

AUGUST 2018, I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK FROM AUSTIN TEXAS TO EL PASO. BEFORE MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NYLE MAXWELL JEEP ASSESSED AN EVAPORATIVE LEAK CODE. DICK POE JEEP IN EL PASO ASSESSED AND ATTEMPTED REPAIR TWICE. DICK POE DODGE FINALLY ASSESSED A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. CHRYSLER PAID FOR THE REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #11258943

78,000 miles · Jun 14, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

FIRST OF ALL I AM 70 YEARS OLD...SO IF I DESCRIBE ANYTHING WRONG...PLEASE BARE WITH ME....I BOUGHT THIS JEEP IN SEPT 2018.....I LOVE JEEPS....PREVIOUSLY I HAD A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WITH 190,000 MILES...I ACTUALLY HAD NO VEHICLE RUNNING PROBLEMS...THE BODY FRAME RUSTED OUT...SO I WANTED A GOOD RUNNING JEEP AT A REASONABLE P…

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FIRST OF ALL I AM 70 YEARS OLD...SO IF I DESCRIBE ANYTHING WRONG...PLEASE BARE WITH ME....I BOUGHT THIS JEEP IN SEPT 2018.....I LOVE JEEPS....PREVIOUSLY I HAD A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WITH 190,000 MILES...I ACTUALLY HAD NO VEHICLE RUNNING PROBLEMS...THE BODY FRAME RUSTED OUT...SO I WANTED A GOOD RUNNING JEEP AT A REASONABLE PRICE....WHENEVER I DRIVE MY JEEP TO GO SHOPPING....IF I MAKE A 20 MILE TRIP..THEN STOP...GO TO ANOTHER STORE & TRY TO START IT ....IT WILL NOT TURN OVER....A FEW TIMES I HAD TO CALL AAA TO CHECK THE BATTERY....II WANT TO FEEL SAFE IN MY JEEP...& MY MECHANIC SAID SOMETHING ABOUT VAPOR LOCK....NO RECALL...CANNOT BE FIXED....PLEASE HELP ME

NHTSA ODI #11219965

84,265 miles · Jun 23, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I JUST HAD MY JEEP INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THAT A MANIFOLD BOLT WAS BROKEN AND WOULD CAUSE OTHER ISSUES IF NOT FIXED. DAMAGE TO MANIFOLD & GASKET, ETC.) THEY ALSO SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH JEEPS CHRYSLERS AND DOGE ENGINES.

NHTSA ODI #11000816

Official recalls

3

14V438000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Jul 21, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

13V175000 · Electrical System; Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

May 7, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

05V396000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Sep 14, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES AND NAG1 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR CONDENSATE WATER MAY ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IT CAN LEAD TO INCREASED TRANSMISSION OPERATING TEMPERATURES, BOILING OF THE WATER, AND A SUBSEQUENT PURGING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FOR LEAKAGE AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. IF NO LEAK IS DETECTED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE EVALUATED FOR SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER ENGAGEMENT. IF NO SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE TRIPLE FLUSHED, AND NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE14017 · Air Bag Non-deployment

Opened Jun 16, 2014 · Closed Dec 23, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:ignition

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Electrical System:ignition:module

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

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