IllustrationJEEP DOOR HANDLES ARE FAULTY. THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE DOOR HANDLE IS A FAULTY PRODUCT. THE PLASTIC STARTS CRACKING AND FALLING APART. THEN THE ACTUAL HANDLE HAS NO SUPPORT AND BEGINS TO HAVE PROBLEMS. I CAN NO LONGER LOCK THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THREE DOORS ARE AFFECTED THUS FAR. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Cherokee years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1890–25K
16025–50K
29250–75K
27175–100K
324100–150K
127150K+
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
Structure complaints
405 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE FRACTURED AND PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. *TR
I HAVEN'T BEEN IN A WRECK YET; BUT THIS IS MORE OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURE. I HAVE LOOKED AT MULTIPLE SITES AND SEEN WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAKING OFF. I NOTIFIED CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WAS THE 1ST THEY HAVE HEARD OF IT, AND WAS WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALL FOUR OF M…
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I HAVEN'T BEEN IN A WRECK YET; BUT THIS IS MORE OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURE. I HAVE LOOKED AT MULTIPLE SITES AND SEEN WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAKING OFF. I NOTIFIED CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WAS THE 1ST THEY HAVE HEARD OF IT, AND WAS WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALL FOUR OF MY HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OFF AND I HAVE RIGGED UP THE DRIVER DOOR, BUT AS FAR AS PASSENGERS THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT IF THEIR WAS AN EMERGENCY. I WOULD THINK JEEP WOULD STEP UP AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS POORLY MADE PRODUCT. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 GRAND CHEROKEE WITH A DOOR HANDLE. MY DRIVER DOOR HANDLE IS JUST ABOUT TO DROP OFF.. I NOTICED THE "LOOSE" HANDLES BUT MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOESN'T HAVE A HANDLE FOR THE SAME REASON. JEEP DEFINITELY NEEDS TO RECALL THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS. MASSIVE LIST OF COMPLAINS IN THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND JEEP/C…
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I HAVE A 2005 GRAND CHEROKEE WITH A DOOR HANDLE. MY DRIVER DOOR HANDLE IS JUST ABOUT TO DROP OFF.. I NOTICED THE "LOOSE" HANDLES BUT MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOESN'T HAVE A HANDLE FOR THE SAME REASON. JEEP DEFINITELY NEEDS TO RECALL THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS. MASSIVE LIST OF COMPLAINS IN THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND JEEP/CHRYSLER HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL...HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ALL OF US THAT HAVE KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT AND OTHER PASSENGERS AND GOD FORBID THERE'S AN ACCIDENT OPENS LIKE YOU MENTIONED A FIRE OR AN ACCIDENT AND YOUR PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT THE VEHICLE. *TR
WHERE YOU OPEN UP THE DOOR BY THE DOOR HANDLE IT HAS STARTED BREAKING ON MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND BOTH OF THE DOORS IN THE BACK SEAT. *TR
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE INOPERABLE. CANNOT OPEN DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HANDLES CRACK AND BREAK EASILY. THIS CAUSES OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE IN A TIMELY FASHION. DOORS MUST BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE PANEL AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PASSENGERS COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE PANEL AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PASSENGERS COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE HANDLES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 5.7L HEMI AND AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HAD SNAPPED OFF SO THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS CRACKED, BUT NOT COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF YET. THERE IS SOME SPIDER…
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I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 5.7L HEMI AND AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HAD SNAPPED OFF SO THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS CRACKED, BUT NOT COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF YET. THERE IS SOME SPIDER CRACKING ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE HANDLE AS WELL. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I REALIZED THAT IT'S NOT A PART THAT CAN JUST BE REPLACED, IT MUST BE REPLACED BY JEEP AND CAN COST UPWARDS OF $3,000. I SEE THIS AS A VERY URGENT SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I GET IN A CAR WREAK OR THERE IS A FIRE, MY PASSENGERS AND I WOULD HAVE TROUBLE EXITING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY JEEP AND SOON BEFORE THIS TAKES A TRAGIC TURN. *TR
ALL FOUR OF MY DOOR HANDLES ARE CRACKED. I CAN NO LONGER OPEN MY REAR DOORS FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE THE HANDLE IS COMPLETELY BUSTED. MY TWO FRONT HANDLES ARE ALMOST THE SAME. IF I HAVE PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT I HAVE TO OPEN THEIR DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I FEAR THAT IF I'M EVER IN AN ACCIDENT NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO EXIT…
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ALL FOUR OF MY DOOR HANDLES ARE CRACKED. I CAN NO LONGER OPEN MY REAR DOORS FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE THE HANDLE IS COMPLETELY BUSTED. MY TWO FRONT HANDLES ARE ALMOST THE SAME. IF I HAVE PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT I HAVE TO OPEN THEIR DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I FEAR THAT IF I'M EVER IN AN ACCIDENT NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE UNLESS AN OUTSIDE PERSON IN PRESENT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I FEEL THAT JEEP HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ITS CONSUMERS TO FIX SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Official recalls
314V438000 · 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
1PE14017 · 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