IllustrationALL FOUR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE CRACKED AND BROKEN FROM REGULAR WEAR. REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOW ONLY OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE 2005-2006 OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPEN.
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 THE REAR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED AND DETACHED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE ONLY HANDLE THAT WAS FUNCTIONAL WAS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE; HOWEVER, IT WAS ALSO FRAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED AND DETACHED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE ONLY HANDLE THAT WAS FUNCTIONAL WAS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE; HOWEVER, IT WAS ALSO FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR PANELS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
INTERIOR DOOR LATCH ON REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AND DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR LATCH BEGINNING TO CRACK AROUND PLASTIC AND INCUR SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE ONE WOULD BE TRAPPED INSIDE VEHICLE UNABLE TO EXIT PRESUMABLY DYING FROM INJURIES. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS …
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INTERIOR DOOR LATCH ON REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AND DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR LATCH BEGINNING TO CRACK AROUND PLASTIC AND INCUR SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE ONE WOULD BE TRAPPED INSIDE VEHICLE UNABLE TO EXIT PRESUMABLY DYING FROM INJURIES. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE JEEP CHEROKEE AND I FEEL CHRYSLER NEEDS TO OWN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND INCUR THE EXPENSE OF ALL REPAIRS.
THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON 3 OF THE DOORS HAS BROKEN AWAY. ONE OF THOSE DOORS NOW CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THERE IS A WRECK AND/OR FIRE THAT THE OCCUPANT NEEDS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A HUGE P…
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THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON 3 OF THE DOORS HAS BROKEN AWAY. ONE OF THOSE DOORS NOW CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THERE IS A WRECK AND/OR FIRE THAT THE OCCUPANT NEEDS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEMS IN MODELS 2005-2010
3 OUT OF THE 4 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES IN MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED HAVE SEVERELY CRACKED AND ARE EVEN MISSING PARTS OF THE PANEL. DURING MY RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT I AM NO WHERE NEAR THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH THESE MODELS AND IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY HAS CRACKED ON ALL 4 DOORS (HANDLE HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF ON RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR) AND HANDLES ARE NOW INOPERABLE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZAARD. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. IF IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE NO WAY FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE TO EASIL…
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INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY HAS CRACKED ON ALL 4 DOORS (HANDLE HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF ON RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR) AND HANDLES ARE NOW INOPERABLE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZAARD. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. IF IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE NO WAY FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE TO EASILY EXIT. JEEP/CHRYSLER DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. THE ONLY OPTION AVAILABLE IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY $700+ PER DOOR. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD. JEEP/CHRYSLER NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE THEY ARE TRAPPED INSIDE A VEHICLE WHOSE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE.
THE TRUNK DOOR FOR THIS CAR DOES NOT STAY OPEN AND HITS YOUR HEAD OF CAN CLOSE ON YOUR HAND IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS THAT HOLD THE DOOR OPEN NEED TO BE CHANGED (THEY LOOK LIKE HYDRAULIC ARMS).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED. THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FOURTH INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS CRACKED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED. THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FOURTH INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS CRACKED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, A DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, A DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY FRACTURED WITH NUMEROUS CRACKS. THE CONTACT LOWERED THE WINDOW GLASS TO ACCESS THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND BOTH REAR INTER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY FRACTURED WITH NUMEROUS CRACKS. THE CONTACT LOWERED THE WINDOW GLASS TO ACCESS THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND BOTH REAR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CRACKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,415.
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