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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

Structure complaints

405 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2006
Structure

WITHIN WEEKS OF THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE ON 1/06, PAINT ON BUMPER BEGAN TO HAVE SMALL CHIP MARKS. AS OF 7/06 I HAVE NOTICED MORE CHIP MARKS AND ALSO A RUB MARK WHERE THE PAINT HAS JUST RUBBED OFF EASILY, WITH NO STRUCTURE DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. ALSO PAINT NUBS ( BUBBLING) AROUND DOOR HANDLES AND PAINT IS COMING OFF OF DRIVER …

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WITHIN WEEKS OF THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE ON 1/06, PAINT ON BUMPER BEGAN TO HAVE SMALL CHIP MARKS. AS OF 7/06 I HAVE NOTICED MORE CHIP MARKS AND ALSO A RUB MARK WHERE THE PAINT HAS JUST RUBBED OFF EASILY, WITH NO STRUCTURE DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. ALSO PAINT NUBS ( BUBBLING) AROUND DOOR HANDLES AND PAINT IS COMING OFF OF DRIVER DOOR HANDLE AT CREASES. IT SEEMS AS IF PAINT IS POORLY APPLIED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10163584

421 miles · Feb 21, 2006
Structure

BRAND NEW 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS BEING OPENED, A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE DOOR AND HYPER-EXTENDED IT CAUSING IT TO BE MISALINGED. THE NEXT TIME THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE FRONT LIP OF THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE REAR OF THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER AND CAUSED A DENT IN THE FENDER APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHE…

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BRAND NEW 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS BEING OPENED, A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE DOOR AND HYPER-EXTENDED IT CAUSING IT TO BE MISALINGED. THE NEXT TIME THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE FRONT LIP OF THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE REAR OF THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER AND CAUSED A DENT IN THE FENDER APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES LONG AND 3 INCHES WIDE. TO PROPERLY FIX DAMAGE, RIGHT FRONT FENDER WAS REPLACED AND PAINTED, RIGHT FRONT DOOR WAS REPAIRED AND REPAINTED, HOOD WAS REPAINTED TO BLEND WITH NEW PAINT ON FENDER AND DOOR. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,300. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, NO OTHER DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER VEHICLES, PROPERTY OR PEOPLE WAS CAUSED BY THIS GUST OF WIND. IT HAPPENED IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND THERE WERE LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE, CARS AND PROPERTY AROUND. NOTHING ELSE WAS DAMAGED AND THE GUST OF WIND SEEMED VERY MINOR. IN 30+ YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED DAMAGE TO A DOOR DUE TO A WIND GUST NOR HAVE I EVER HEARD FROM ANYONE I KNOW OF RECEIVING DAMAGE TO A DOOR DUE TO A WIND GUST. THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DOOR HINGE DESIGN FLAW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10150777

40 miles · Oct 5, 2005
Structure

WHILE DRIVING AGT 40 MPH AND ABOVE IF ONE BACK WINDOW IS OPEN THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE. BY THE TIME YOU REACH 60 MPH THE SHAKING IS OUT OF CONTROL. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND HE CLAIMS THIS NORMAL WIND RATTLE. I DISAGREE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10138616

7,500 miles · Aug 15, 2005
SeatsStructure

I ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A CAR SEAT FOR A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY 2005 GRAND CHEROKEE. HOWEVER, THE HEAD REST INTERFERED WITH PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE CAR SEAT. THE HEAD REST WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEAT TO BE TIGHTLY MOUNTED TO THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR, BUT RATHER HELD THE CHILD SEAT OUT BY ABOUT 2-3 INCHES. THIS…

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I ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A CAR SEAT FOR A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY 2005 GRAND CHEROKEE. HOWEVER, THE HEAD REST INTERFERED WITH PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE CAR SEAT. THE HEAD REST WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEAT TO BE TIGHTLY MOUNTED TO THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR, BUT RATHER HELD THE CHILD SEAT OUT BY ABOUT 2-3 INCHES. THIS PREVENTED THE SEAT FROM BEING SAFELY INSTALLED. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE HEAD REST FROM THIS VEHICLE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET THIS DONE. BUT WHEN THE HEAD REST IS REMOVED, THERE ARE TWO "PRONGS" THAT PROTRUDE OUT, MAKING THE SITUATION EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. I CALLED CHRYSLER TO GET ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO. THEY SAID GO TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM EITHER. I THEN CALLED CHRYSLER AGAIN, AND THEY INSISTED THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. BUT IT IS! DAIMLER- CHRYLSER NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A DESIGN FLOW. AT THE VERY LEAST THEY SHOULD PROVIDE A LIST OF INFANT CAR SEATS THAT CAN BE PROPERLY INSTALLED -- IF ANY SUCH SEATS EXIST. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10132813

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2005
StructureInjury

CAR PURCHASED 6/20/05 WITH 0 MILES. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR 7/11/05 WITH 450 MILES. SOME WHERE ON THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS A PEBBLE WENT INTO THE CAR AND DAMAGED THE AIR COMPRESSOR. FREON HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE THE IMPACT. THE SERVICE DEPT CAN NOT PIN POINT JUST HOW LONG THE FREON HAS BEEN LEAKING BUT ALL I KNOW IS THAT I AM 6 MO…

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CAR PURCHASED 6/20/05 WITH 0 MILES. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR 7/11/05 WITH 450 MILES. SOME WHERE ON THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS A PEBBLE WENT INTO THE CAR AND DAMAGED THE AIR COMPRESSOR. FREON HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE THE IMPACT. THE SERVICE DEPT CAN NOT PIN POINT JUST HOW LONG THE FREON HAS BEEN LEAKING BUT ALL I KNOW IS THAT I AM 6 MONTHS PREGNANT AND HAVE 2 OTHER LITTLE GIRLS THAT HAVE BEEN INHAILING THIS FREON. THE CAR DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARANTY SINCE THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD. HOWEVER, THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAINS AND ROCKY ROADS. THERE IS A DESIGNER FAULT SINCE THE NEW CARS DO NOT HAVE A PROTECTION GRID /NET TO PREVENT DEBRIS FROM DOING SUCH DAMAGE. THE OLDER MODELS DO HAVE THIS. WHEN I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPT OF PREVENTION DEVISE THEY ONLY STATED THAT THE CAR WAS DESIGNED THIS WAY AND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS SIMULAR PROBLEM WITH THIS NEW JEEP LAREDO 2005.

NHTSA ODI #10128610

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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