IllustrationDOOR HANDLE BROKEN, UNABLE TO GET OUT AFTER AN ACCIDENT. *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
What owners actually said
2,051 reportsIN COLD WEATHER (ANYTHING BELOW APPROXIMATELY 30F) ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATOR LIGHTS LIGHT UP, THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES DROP TO ZERO, AS DO THE FUEL AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGES. THE REVERSE ASSIST INDICATOR LIGHTS IN THE TAILGATE ALSO LIGHT UP. THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE DASHBOARD. THE ENGINE CONTINU…
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IN COLD WEATHER (ANYTHING BELOW APPROXIMATELY 30F) ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATOR LIGHTS LIGHT UP, THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES DROP TO ZERO, AS DO THE FUEL AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGES. THE REVERSE ASSIST INDICATOR LIGHTS IN THE TAILGATE ALSO LIGHT UP. THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE DASHBOARD. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN, BUT THE ABS SERVICE REQUIRED INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATOR LIGHT DOES STAY LIT UP. THIS IS AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE IN COLD WEATHER, AND STARTS HAPPENING 10-12 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN BEFORE IT STOPS HAPPENING. UNTIL STOPPING AND RESTARTING, IT JUST KEEPS ON OCCURRING. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS YEAR MODELS OF THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP SIMPLY PLEADS IGNORANCE AFTER CHARGING ME SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO 'FIX' A LOOSE CONNECTION UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OF THIS NATURE POSES A DEFINITE ELECTRICAL FIRE HAZARD. DO WE NEED TO WAIT FOR THAT BEFORE TAKING ACTION OR CAN WE BE PROACTIVE? *TR
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OF MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE ARE BREAKING, RENDERING THEM INOPERABLE. I HAVE ATTACHED A VIDEO LINK DETAILING THE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QSFRZ7CIBKY I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT WILL COST ME $700.00 PER DOO…
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THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OF MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE ARE BREAKING, RENDERING THEM INOPERABLE. I HAVE ATTACHED A VIDEO LINK DETAILING THE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QSFRZ7CIBKY I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT WILL COST ME $700.00 PER DOOR. I DID NOT CAUSE THE DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM WEAK PLASTICS. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN AND INQUIRE IF A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH STATED THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO PLANNED RECALL. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESS! I HAVE SPOKE WITH NUMEROUS OWNERS AND REPAIR SHOPS, THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHAT IF I WAS IN A LIFE TREATING SITUATION AND NEEDED TO GET OUT OF MY VEHICLE? HOWEVER I CAN NOT BECAUSE MY HANDLE IS BROKEN. I DON'T HAVE CHILDREN, BUT WHAT IF THEY ARE IN A SIMILAR SITUATION AND CAN'T GET OUT? IT REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT A TRAGEDY MUST HAPPEN BEFORE CHRYSLER WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. I DO HOPE SOMEONE WILL INVESTIGATE THIS AND FORCE A RECALL. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
WHEN OPENING REAR DOOR, HANDLE BROKE IN SEVERAL PLACES. PERSON OPENING DOOR WAS ONLY 4 SO IT WAS DUE TO THE OVER EXERTION. IT IS NOW NOT POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BECAME FRACTURED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. HE HAD TO WIND THE WINDOWS DOWN IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST HIM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BECAME FRACTURED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. HE HAD TO WIND THE WINDOWS DOWN IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST HIM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
BACK DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE CAN OFF WHEN A PASSENGER WAS TRYING TO EXIT. THIS DOOR IS HARDLY EVER USED. *TR
JEEP 2005 GRAND CHEROKEE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKEN AND CRACKED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN IN OUR JEEP DUE TO WEAK DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
I OWN A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN AND THERE IS NO WAY TO REPLACE JUST THE DOOR HANDLE. YOU HAVE TO REPLACE EACH DOOR HANDLE. AND THAT COST ABOUT 2000.00 A PIECE FOR EACH DOOR PANEL.*TR
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OFF OR ARE ABOUT TO BREAK OFF IN MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED HEMI. THERE IS A COMMON MANUFACTURERS MATERIAL DEFECT, AS THE DOOR HANDLE "POCKET" IS MADE OUT A BRITTLE PLASTIC THAT SHATTERS UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE…
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THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OFF OR ARE ABOUT TO BREAK OFF IN MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED HEMI. THERE IS A COMMON MANUFACTURERS MATERIAL DEFECT, AS THE DOOR HANDLE "POCKET" IS MADE OUT A BRITTLE PLASTIC THAT SHATTERS UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK. YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE POWER WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE, OBVIOUSLY THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
WHEN DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK AND SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. AFTER HITTING THE BRAKES THE DASHBOARD AND HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AUTO. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT …
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WHEN DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK AND SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. AFTER HITTING THE BRAKES THE DASHBOARD AND HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AUTO. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT JEEP HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS ON THEIR 2005 JEEPS AND IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS IF NOT FIXED. *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