IllustrationAT INTERSTATE SPEED THE JEEP ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY AS IF THE THROTTLE IS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. ACCELERATES TO 80 MILES PER HOUR ALMOST INSTANTLY.
2004 Jeep Liberty
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Liberty years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Jeep Liberty are substantially higher than the model-year median of 541.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Liberty 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
1070–25K
17425–50K
13250–75K
11075–100K
152100–150K
76150K+
751 reports with mileage · 349 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.
- Suspension. Review the 455 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 108 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
86 crash reports39 fire reports53 injury reports
Engine complaints
32 reportsIMPORTANT THIS IS TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH TO ENGLISH IN GOOGLE TRANSLATOR. MY REASON FOR MY COMPLAINT IS, TO HELP ME WITH THE PROBLEM I HAVE, REALLY DO NOT KNOW IF THIS MERCHANT EXISTS OR IS SOMETHING GHOST. I HAVE TRIED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE SELLER AND WITH THE LOCAL DEALER BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NO ANSWER, AS THE PLACE IS F…
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IMPORTANT THIS IS TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH TO ENGLISH IN GOOGLE TRANSLATOR. MY REASON FOR MY COMPLAINT IS, TO HELP ME WITH THE PROBLEM I HAVE, REALLY DO NOT KNOW IF THIS MERCHANT EXISTS OR IS SOMETHING GHOST. I HAVE TRIED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE SELLER AND WITH THE LOCAL DEALER BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NO ANSWER, AS THE PLACE IS FAR TO GO, I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO THE LOCAL. FOR THIS REASON I THINK I AM A VICTIM OF FRAUD. I HAVE ALSO TRIED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEM USING BARIOS PHONE NUMBER, BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT ANSWER. SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER 2016 I WAS CLEANING THE SUV WHEN I REALIZE THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT LACKS A TURNILLO AND SAFETY BELTS OF DEFECTS ARE REMOVED. I QUICKLY CALL THE SELLER BUT NOT ANSWERED. THAT SAME DAY I INFORMED MY MECHANIC AVIA COME TO MY HOUSE, TOLD MY SUV HAS A WATER LEAK AND BURNED IN THE MUFFLER, WHEN MY CHECK MECHANIC TELLS ME IS NOT WATER IS OIL, AGAIN I CONTACT THE SELLER AND I SENT HIM A TEXT MESSAGE AND DOES NOT ANSWER ME, MY MECHANIC INFORMS ME, THE TRADER CAN NOT SELL TIRE TRUCK WITH BAD QUALITY, MY SUV THE TIRE ARE WORN, NOT REALLY SAP THAT INFORMATION. UNTIL TODAY I CALL AND LEAVE A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE SELLER BUT HE DOES NOT ANSWER WHEN I CALL THE MERCHANT I END THE CALL. FOR THIS REASON I THINK I AM A VICTIM OF FRAUD. PLEASE ASK FOR HELP BECAUSE NOW I HAVE NO CAR AND NOT THINK IT'S SURE I USE THE SUV IN THESE CONDITIONS, ANOTHER THING I WANT TO ADD ON THE WATER LEAK, THE REALITY IS THAT THE RADIATOR IS BROKEN, THE SELLER LIED TO ME DECEIVED ME, THE ME I SWINDLED. THAT DAY WHEN I GOT HOME IT WAS NIGHT, I WHEN I GET HOME CHECK THE PART OF THE FRONT OF THE SUV, THE PART WHERE THE ENGINE IS, THE WATER RESERVOIR HAD NO WATER, FOR ME THAT WAS STRANGE AND CONTACT THE SELLER, I TOLD THE SALESMAN THAT THE WATER RESERVOIR HAD NO WATER, THE SELLER TOLD ME THAT WAS NORMAL.
ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015, I WAS ON MY WAY TO A WORKSHOP FOR MY JOB ON ROUTE 73 IN BERLIN, NEW JERSEY. I HAD STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO GO. THE CAR STALLED OUT ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD BLINKED ON AND OFF AND THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.…
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ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015, I WAS ON MY WAY TO A WORKSHOP FOR MY JOB ON ROUTE 73 IN BERLIN, NEW JERSEY. I HAD STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO GO. THE CAR STALLED OUT ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD BLINKED ON AND OFF AND THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SO AS I WAS SITTING CONTEMPLATING WHAT TO DO NEXT. I LOOKED UP AND THE DRIVER IN THE CAR NEXT TO ME STARTED YELLING THAT THERE WAS FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE CAR AND CROSSED THE STREET ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. WHEN I REACHED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET. PITCH BLACK SMOKE ALONG WITH RED FLAMES BILLOWED OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFIRE RESCUE TRUCK ARRIVE AND IMMEDIATELY USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO DOUSE THE FIRE. THEN, THE FIRE TRUCKS AND POLICE CAME TO FOLLOW UP. THE FIREMAN LIFT THE HOOD UP AND ALLOWED ME TO VIEW THE DAMAGE. THE BATTERY ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS ON THE ENGINE WAS MELTED LIKE CANDLE WAX. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY, HOWEVER AS THE CAR WAS PLACED ON THE FLATBED OF THE TRUCK, MY TRUCK STARTED SMOKING AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE CAR. CAR HAS BEEN DECLARED TOTALED. THAT WAS A VERY SAD DAY FOR ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE REMEDY TO INSTALL A TRAILER HITCH WAS INADEQUATE AND WOULD NOT IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SMOKE AND SPARKS APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SMOKE AND SPARKS APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WHITE CLOUDY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND INTO THE INNER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT NOTICED SPARKS AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WHITE CLOUDY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND INTO THE INNER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT NOTICED SPARKS AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE) YEARS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. MA 10/25/15
THIS VEHICLE IS GIVING ME A BUNCH OF PROBLEM IN THE SUSPENSION, THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BALL JOINTS WHICH IS A RECALL, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED YEARS AGO BUT HOW CAN IT BE FIXED AND STILL DEFECTIVE? THEY ACCEPT THE CONDITION AND WERE WILLING TO REPAIR BUT ONLY THE LOWER BALL JOINTS BUT…
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THIS VEHICLE IS GIVING ME A BUNCH OF PROBLEM IN THE SUSPENSION, THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BALL JOINTS WHICH IS A RECALL, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED YEARS AGO BUT HOW CAN IT BE FIXED AND STILL DEFECTIVE? THEY ACCEPT THE CONDITION AND WERE WILLING TO REPAIR BUT ONLY THE LOWER BALL JOINTS BUT THEY SAID I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WHICH IS OVER $1000, I DID NOT DO IT AND THE CAR DRIVES VERY UNSAFE, THERE IS A HEAVY VIBRATION IN THE WHEEL WHEN DRIVING OVER 30 MILES, ALSO THE BACK TIRES GOT WORN OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS AND I HAVE TO CHANGE THEM AND THEY SAID WILL CALL ME WHEN THE PART FROM THE FUEL TANK WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CHANGE IT BUT HASN'T HAPPEN YET IN MORE THAN 5 MONTHS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT AND REAR CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS WERE CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND GASKET VALVE COVERS HAD TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIME…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT AND REAR CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS WERE CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND GASKET VALVE COVERS HAD TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR A RECURRING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS INCLUDING TODAY, MY 2004 JEEP LIBERTY HAS FALLEN OUT OF GEAR. PREVIOUSLY I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE CAR SWITCHED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. TODAY THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT I WAS LEAVING WAWA TO GET COFFEE AND ON MY WAY TO WORK, AT THE RED LIGHT THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, FOOT ON BRAKE…
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ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS INCLUDING TODAY, MY 2004 JEEP LIBERTY HAS FALLEN OUT OF GEAR. PREVIOUSLY I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE CAR SWITCHED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. TODAY THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT I WAS LEAVING WAWA TO GET COFFEE AND ON MY WAY TO WORK, AT THE RED LIGHT THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, FOOT ON BRAKE AS ONE WOULD NORMALLY DO. WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCHED TO GREEN I LIGHTLY TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR/GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR SAT THERE FOR A MOMENT WITHOUT MOVING AGAIN AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. SO I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED TO REVERSE, AS THE GEAR SHIFT CLEARLY SHOWED THAT I WAS AGAIN IN DRIVE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, THANK GOD BOTH TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED THAT NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS BEHIND ME OR ELSE THEY MAY HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE READ ONLINE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER JEEP OWNERS I AM VERY DISSATISFIED THAT IT SEEMS THERE WAS NO RECALL WITH THIS ISSUE AS FAR AS MY RESEARCH SHOWS. I DO HOPE THAT SOME ONE SINCERELY TAKES THE TIME TO LOOK OVER THE DATA AND ANY OTHER OCCURRENCES OF THIS ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 3/17/16 *JS
CAR SMOKES AND SMOKE COMES INSIDE THE CAR. IT IS EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE WHEN IT IS SITTING STILL CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. *TR
Official recalls
718V278000 · Suspension:rear
May 1, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The rear suspension lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion, causing a loss of vehicle control.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U38. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-085. Vehicles included in that campaign are not included in this recall.
13V252000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Structure
Jun 19, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
12V085000 · Suspension:rear
Mar 5, 2012
IN JUNE 2012, CHRYSLER EXPANDED THIS RECALL TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES, REPRESENTING AN ADDITIONAL 137,176 VEHICLES. THIS RECALL NOW CONCERNS CERTAIN MY 2004-2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. THE TOTAL NUMBER VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 346,900. THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 3, 2003 THROUGH JUNE 29, 2007. THE RECALL ADDRESSES THOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS THAT CAN EXPERIENCE A REAR SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION DUE TO APPLICATION OF ROAD SALTS DURING WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FRACTURE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
06V288000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Aug 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE CONSTANT TENSION FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE CONTAMINATION. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE WEAR AND LOOSENESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITH THIS CONDITION, THE CONTAMINATION CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLY SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V337000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Jul 8, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES ONLY, TWO VALVE COVER STUDS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESSES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD PROTECTIVE CAPS TO THE VALVE COVER STUDS AND RE-ROUTE THE AFFECTED WIRING HARNESS TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V111000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Mar 4, 2004
ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CERTAIN REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) INPUT MAY CAUSE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SOFTWARE TO ACTUATE THE DOOR LOCK MOTORS CONTINUOUSLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE THE LOCK MOTOR BEARINGS TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, AS NECESSARY, THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND THE BCM SOFTWARE WILL BE UPDATED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V048000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A RECENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE VEHICLE OWNER WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION FOR THEIR VEHICLE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED TIRE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD 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
5EA12005 · Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Opened Jun 12, 2012 · Closed Nov 14, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
EA11013 · Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Opened Sep 15, 2011 · Closed Mar 14, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear
In a letter dated March 2, 2012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA recall No. 12V-085) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding rear suspension lower control arm corrosion in approximately 210,000 model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia).According to Chrysler, excessive corrosion could result in fracture of a rear suspension lower control arm which may result in a loss vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Chrysler, ODI identified 54 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of one or both rear lower control arms due to excessive corrosion.Thirteen of these complaints allege that the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional 11 complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the rear lower control arm failed.All of the complainant vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in a Salt-belt state.ODI did not identify any reports (complaints or warranty claims) related to rear lower control failure due to excessive corrosion in the approximately 138,000 MY 2004 and 2005 Liberty vehicles that are not included in this recall (i.e., not sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state).In Chrysler?s Defect Information Report, Chrysler stated that during the investigation a field survey of MY 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles was conducted.In total, Chrysler is aware of 83 incidents alleging rear control arm fracture (including complaints and field study results).Based on Chrysler?s decision to conduct a safety recall this investigation is closed. The associated VOQs are: 10449912, 10448981, 10448406, 10448119, 10447069,10446737, 10445029, 10443863, 10443222, 10441248, 10438681, 10437308, 10436416, 10436231, 10436024, 10434927, 10434157, 10433963, 10430852, 10429346, 10428006, 10427087, 10426644, 10426393, 10419094, 10417697, 10416623, 10410148, 10409668, 10402048, 10397413, 10392160, 10388448, 10365118, 10360057, 10360049, 10345985
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
In a letter dated March 2, 2012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA recall No. 12V-085) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding rear suspension lower control arm corrosion in approximately 210,000 model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia).According to Chrysler, excessive corrosion could result in fracture of a rear suspension lower control arm which may result in a loss vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Chrysler, ODI identified 54 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of one or both rear lower control arms due to excessive corrosion.Thirteen of these complaints allege that the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional 11 complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the rear lower control arm failed.All of the complainant vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in a Salt-belt state.ODI did not identify any reports (complaints or warranty claims) related to rear lower control failure due to excessive corrosion in the approximately 138,000 MY 2004 and 2005 Liberty vehicles that are not included in this recall (i.e., not sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state).In Chrysler?s Defect Information Report, Chrysler stated that during the investigation a field survey of MY 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles was conducted.In total, Chrysler is aware of 83 incidents alleging rear control arm fracture (including complaints and field study results).Based on Chrysler?s decision to conduct a safety recall this investigation is closed. The associated VOQs are: 10449912, 10448981, 10448406, 10448119, 10447069,10446737, 10445029, 10443863, 10443222, 10441248, 10438681, 10437308, 10436416, 10436231, 10436024, 10434927, 10434157, 10433963, 10430852, 10429346, 10428006, 10427087, 10426644, 10426393, 10419094, 10417697, 10416623, 10410148, 10409668, 10402048, 10397413, 10392160, 10388448, 10365118, 10360057, 10360049, 10345985
Suspension:rear
In a letter dated March 2, 2012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA recall No. 12V-085) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding rear suspension lower control arm corrosion in approximately 210,000 model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia).According to Chrysler, excessive corrosion could result in fracture of a rear suspension lower control arm which may result in a loss vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Chrysler, ODI identified 54 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of one or both rear lower control arms due to excessive corrosion.Thirteen of these complaints allege that the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional 11 complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the rear lower control arm failed.All of the complainant vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in a Salt-belt state.ODI did not identify any reports (complaints or warranty claims) related to rear lower control failure due to excessive corrosion in the approximately 138,000 MY 2004 and 2005 Liberty vehicles that are not included in this recall (i.e., not sold or currently registered in a Salt-belt state).In Chrysler?s Defect Information Report, Chrysler stated that during the investigation a field survey of MY 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles was conducted.In total, Chrysler is aware of 83 incidents alleging rear control arm fracture (including complaints and field study results).Based on Chrysler?s decision to conduct a safety recall this investigation is closed. The associated VOQs are: 10449912, 10448981, 10448406, 10448119, 10447069,10446737, 10445029, 10443863, 10443222, 10441248, 10438681, 10437308, 10436416, 10436231, 10436024, 10434927, 10434157, 10433963, 10430852, 10429346, 10428006, 10427087, 10426644, 10426393, 10419094, 10417697, 10416623, 10410148, 10409668, 10402048, 10397413, 10392160, 10388448, 10365118, 10360057, 10360049, 10345985
PE11013 · Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Opened Apr 18, 2011 · Closed Sep 15, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear
During Preliminary Evaluation (PE11-013), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) conducted an analysis of consumer field data from its Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database and from complaint data submitted to ODI by Chrysler. ODI's analysis of VOQ data identified 13 complaints alleging failure of either the right or left rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.All of these complaints were associated with vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state (for the purposes of this investigation, 'salt belt' includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia).All of the complaints were associated with vehicles manufactured in model years (MY) 2004 or 2005. Three of these complaints also allege a loss of vehicle control due to the rear lower control arm failure. No complaints related to the alleged defect were identified on vehicles manufactured during MYs 2002 or 2003. Similarly an analysis of Chrysler complaint data identified 11 complaints (2 of which are duplicative of VOQs) alleging failure of a rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.All 11 of these complaints were from consumers operating vehicles in a salt belt state and vehicles manufactured in either MY 2004 or 2005. Three of these complaints (not duplicative of VOQs) also allege a loss of vehicle control due to the rear lower control arm failure.The original scope of PE11-013 included MY 2002 through 2005 Jeep Liberty vehicles as they were in the same generation.In response to an Information Request (IR) letter sent by ODI, Chrysler provided information and sample components identifying a substantial design change of the rear lower control arms after MY 2003 and beginning with MY 2004.Analysis of complaint data from both data sources (ODI and Chrysler) did not identify any applicable complaints (lower control arm failures due to excessive corrosion) from vehicles manufactured during MY 2002 or 2003.Similarly no complaints from either data source were found in states outside of those identified as salt belt states.Chrysler stated in its IR letter response that its investigation and analysis is ongoing to determine the scope, possible root causes of the unusual lower control arm corrosion, and define possible consequences to motor vehicle safety. Based on ODI's data analysis from both sources (ODI and Chrysler data), this investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-013) focused on vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state and produced during MY 2004 and 2005, to further assess the scope and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.
EA06008 · Front Suspension Ball Joint Separation
Opened May 31, 2006 · Closed Aug 24, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
ON JANUARY 6, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONIN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON FEBRUARY 7, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.CONSEQUENTLY, THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON MAY 31, 2006 AND THE RANGE OF SUBJECT VEHICLES UNDER INVESTIGATION WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2002-2006 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 566 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INVOLUNTARY FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE OF ONE NON-INJURY CRASH AND THREE ALLEGED INJURY INCIDENTS (TWO CRASH INCIDENTS AND ONE NON-CRASH INCIDENT) RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES.THE COMPLAINT COUNTS REPORTED ABOVE ONLY INCLUDE THOSE MY 2002-03 LIBERTY VEHICLES WHERE THE ALLEGED BALL JOINT SEPARATION OCCURRED AFTER PRIOR RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED (SEE BELOW) OR IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIOR RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A PRIOR SAFETY RECALL (03V-460) TO ADDRESS THE SUBJECT ISSUE IN CERTAIN MY 2002-03 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S NOVEMBER 4, 2003, DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT (SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 49 CFR PART 573), ?THE CONSTANT TENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION WHICH CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLY SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.A CONSTANT TENSION BALL JOINT WHICH HAS SEPARATED FROM THE KNUCKLE MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH MINIMAL ADVANCED WARNING.?HOWEVER, EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT SOME VEHICLES SERVICED UNDER RECALL 03V-460 CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE INVOLUNTARY BALL JOINT SEPARATIONS.THE MANUFACTURER HAS MADE NUMEROUS CHANGES IN THE DESIGN, MATERIAL COMPOSITION, MANUFACTURE, QUALITY CONTROL, SUPPLY, AND INSTALLATION OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS SINCE THE PRIOR SAFETY RECALL WAS INITIATED IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE WITH RESPECT TO SEALING, LUBRICATION, AND JOINT RETENTION CAPABILITY.BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 1, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS IN APPROXIMATELY 826,687 MODEL YEAR 2002-2006 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2, 2001 AND MARCH 15, 2006, INCLUDINGALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR RECALL.THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER ASSIGNED TO THIS RECALL IS 06V-288 (DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL CAMPAIGN F23).DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS WITH IMPROVED COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE06004 · Front Suspension Ball Joint Separation
Opened Jan 6, 2006 · Closed May 31, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
ON JANUARY 6, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON FEBRUARY 7, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 93 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE INVOLUNTARY FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE OF TWO ALLEGED INJURY INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT (ONE CRASH INCIDENT AND ONE NON-CRASH INCIDENT), BOTH RESULTING IN MINOR INJURY.THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A PRIOR SAFETY RECALL (03V-460) TO ADDRESS THE SUBJECT ISSUE IN CERTAIN MY 2002-03 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO THE AGENCY (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 49 CFR PART 573) DATED NOVEMBER 4, 2003, ?THE CONSTANT TENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION WHICH CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLY SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.A CONSTANT TENSION BALL JOINT WHICH HAS SEPARATED FROM THE KNUCKLE MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH MINIMAL ADVANCED WARNING.?THE MANUFACTURER HAS MADE NUMEROUS CHANGES IN THE DESIGN, MATERIAL COMPOSITION, MANUFACTURE, QUALITY CONTROL, SUPPLY, AND INSTALLATION OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS SINCE THE PRIOR SAFETY RECALL WAS INITIATED IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE WITH RESPECT TO SEALING, LUBRICATION, AND JOINT RETENTION CAPABILITY.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-008) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY AND SCOPE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE REMEDY PROVIDED BY THE PRIOR SAFETY RECALL.