2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 2,051 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 82 involved a crash and 24 involved a fire. 74 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignition, switchJul 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V438000 on NHTSA.gov
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.
If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
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.
Campaign 13V175000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionJun 19, 2009
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.
Campaign 09E039000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionSep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2,051 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System). While placing the key in the ignition, it was extremely tight. The driver thought the key could possibly break. The Uconnect and power train warning lights were illuminated. The contact was alerted that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was serviced with no brake lights and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After taking possession of the vehicle, there was an abnormal sizzling sound coming from the dashboard, and the radio was inoperable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,677.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times, including three times while driving to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair might not be able to be performed because of the age of the vehicle. In addition, the contact was informed that if the repair was approved by the manufacturer, the labor fee might be at the owner's expense. The contact was informed that the manufacturer needed to approve the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer made the manufacturer aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,111.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2025
Every single code is displayed when using a ODB2 scan tool. I have many electrical issues that go away and come back. Sluggish performance. Random components inside the jeep will fail at random. I’m thinking the ECU is faulty. Somedays it will run fine with all the codes still present.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2025
Lights on the dashboard were blinking, there were no turning signals, the gas gauge was not working, and the check engine light was flashing. My safety was put at risk because I could not let people know when I was turning. I took it to the dealer, and they said there were too many codes, but none were active for them to fix the problem. So, I have to drive the jeep, but this is dangerous. The warning keeps showing me that there is a problem with the ignition switch that was previously recalled. I want this taken care of, please.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 28, 2024
Dash will read "ESP System Disabled" during this the engine light and red lightning in brackets ( ) turns on, on the dash. This affects the acceleration there is none and brakes work but is slow to come to a full stop. An inspection can be scheduled. This happens anytime and randomly, getting safely off the road is hard. First happened April 1, 2024 then April 3, 2024. Had a family mechanic work on it got it back and less than a day having it back and it happened 5 more times just driving to work on August 28, 2024.
Engine, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes and the power steering were inoperable. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that after enabling the parking brake, the vehicle independently shut off. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,191.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
P41 Ignition switch recall was completed on my vehicle 11/2015. Prior to receiving recall notification I experienced no problems with accidently hitting the key while driving. Now I am experiencing great difficulty turning the ignition switch. One of my vehicle keys broke off while trying to turn the car on to drive. Most times I get in the car to go somewhere there is always an issue getting the key to turn allowing the car to turn on. The warranty for the recall has expired and I am very upset that there is nothing that can be done to rectify this problem without having out of pocket expenses. This is very frustrating and I am afraid my last key is going to break off while trying to start vehicle.
Engine, Aug 28, 2023, fire
I was at the light a and the truck caught on fired
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2023
The Jeep would not start. When the key was inserted into the ignition switch and turned to the start position, all that would happen is a single click. The starter would not engage. The key had to me jiggled in order to start the Jeep. The ignition switch has very high sensitivity.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
While driving the transmission will go into neutral without warning. I have to coast to a spot I can pull over then put into park then back into drive again and vehicle will go . It has done this three times.
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine turned over but then failed to restart. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was possibly the wiring ignition module switch. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2023
Ignition system was repaired under recall in 2016. The cars ignition system continues to have issues and will shut off and cause the car not to restart. Very dangerous to be driving and have the engine fail. This happened on the highway recently. Chrysler says there is nothing they can do. Car has been looked at by independent mechanics and I have notified the dealership. They say it is my responsibility now.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2023
The fuel tank skid plate has completely rusted and has broken off. My tank (that has a date of 2004 stamped on it) is completely exposed. I am afraid that my tank is going to fall off and cause harm to myself or the driver/vehicle behind me. The vehicle is mostly city street / highway driving… no off road driving. I am concerned of the considerable amount of pot holes ️ in my area that damage can be done based on the area I live in. Southwestern Pennsylvania has a lot of pot holes.
Seat belts, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2022
1. Fuel tank started leaking on the top. 2. Middle backseat belt was stuck. It would not pull out. No matter what we tried it just got tighter and tighter, had to cut it. 3. Can't use seat warmer on passenger side because it will burn the person sitting there because the seat tore.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2022
1. Engine over heating problems numerous times and coolant leak. Even after replacement of radiator and hoses. 2. Went to pick up jeep from mechanic due to oil leak, when they brought it around, I noticed pink fluid dripping. Had Transmission serviced in March/April 2020 due to a leak., Flushed system, new filters and fluid. Last few months vehicle says "Transmission over Temp" a few times. Replaced transmission pan, due to a leak, new fluid added, in September 2022. Vehicle indicated "Transmission over Temp" a few weeks later. Didn't drive it a few days, haven't seen the warning sign yet. 3. Numerous oil leaks. Serpitean belt replaced along with other repairs. 4. When I bought vehicle, it had no heat and coolant was leaking in on passenger side floor. 5. Jeep shifts to 3rd gear and won't shift down or back into drive until I turn off vehicle and back on. Very dangerous I was a busy road, US 41 heading north, and had to pull over.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Dec 18, 2022
1. Airbag light was on when I purchased the vehicle from SRQ in Bradenton Florida February 2020. 2. The hood handle inside the vehicle was broke replaced it, it broke again. 3. The hood will not shut properly due to the latch inside the vehicle broke. Now the Hood will not stay up by itself property, began in August 2022. 4. Both door handles inside vehicle in the back were broken now the passenger side is broken no way to open vehicle door from inside. 5. December 2022 battery light is coming on, battery is no more than 2 years old check engine light keeps coming on. 6. Sunroof is leaking inside the vehicle when it rains. Hardly ever use/open sunroof. 7. Traction control light comes on blinking quite often since I purchased a vehicle in February 2020. 8. Sometimes vehicle will go into third gear from drive and will not switch down to any other gear or back into drive. It stays in 3rd. I have to turn vehicle off then back on for it to be back into drive. Bought vehicle in February 2020 and spent well over $6,000 in repairs. I have all receipts. Have many more problems that I will send next. It only let me select 3 at a time.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 3, 2022
The ECM in trans has defect which can throw jeep into another gear. Electrical issues confuses trans module check engine light us on.. differential is loose now. Unsafe to drive gears could shift causing a crash . Vehicle has been diagnosed at Mr Transmission. 773-768 7676. For full REPORT!+=
Power train, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while idle, the vehicle would overheat with the transmission temperature sensor warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shudder and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the vehicle had to be serviced by an authorized dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V396000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2022
DOOR HANDLES HAVE CRUMBLED INTO NOTHING, EVERY DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE THIS IS RIDICULOUSLY AN EMERGENCY EXIT PROBLEM, JUST LIKE OLD REFRIDGERATOR DOORS AND KIDS GETTING LOCKED INSIDE, JUST THINK IF A CHILD CRAWALED INTO THE JEEP ON A 90-100 DEGREE DAY , THIS IS CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE, HOW CAN YOU MAKE SUCH A PASSENGER DEATH TRAP , AND NOT FIX THIS , THERE IS OVER 1MILLION JEEPS WITH THIS PROBLEM , YEA HOW DO YOU ESCAPE A FIRE , OR FLOOD, THOUGHT JEEP WAS AMERICAN MADE , BEST OF THE BEST, GET YOU THERE AND BACK SAFELY, GUESS JUST NOT IN OR OUT LIKE THE BACK SEAT OF A COP CAR , OR YOUR FAMILIES TOMB.
Structure, Aug 17, 2022
drivers side rear interior door handle plastic cup securing the handle broken. Cannot open door from inside.
Engine, Jul 24, 2022
Vehicle slips into neutral when driving. Only ways you fix is to put in park turn off the car and turn it back on.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2022, fire
Entering my exit I noticed my 1month old was no longer sound asleep but screaming I turned around noticing she was being approached by smoke arising from the back of the vehicle.As panic set in I immediately tried to come to stop moving off the exit. At the same time clear fluid gushed out of the hood and smoke immediately entered the front of the vehicle making it difficult to come to a stop see or breath. I went blank out of fear or pure confusion as I reached for my infant in the back as quickly as I could at that point she was. No longer crying. I shot out of the vehicle as fast as possible and stayed in a safety spot attempting to shield her from the sun as I watched the jeep ignite and continue to smoke itself out witnesses gathered around one allowing me to sit in her vehicle with my baby until help arrived. NO warning signs once so ever no indication of an over heating vehicle drove perfectly and not frequently it may be inspected at the towing it was taken to as for the safety of my newborn and myself we both could’ve tragically ended up gone because I was not and would not have thought twice about leaving my daughter in that vehicle. she just got into this world to be taken that fast it wasnt an option. I’ve been very uneasy since the incident with absolutely anything that functions or is electronic. Continues replay in my head over and over again in detail and nothing new pops up truly a very Traumatic experience and an unexpected loss. appointments I can’t make it to have had to cancel I do not have family here especially not close by to help me this accident was by far caused by the vehicle because it definitely look like he had a mind of its own suddenly
Air bags, Apr 27, 2022, crash
The vehicle flipped down an embankment and into a creek and none of the air bags deployed, frontal or side curtains. Insurance adjuster has inspected vehicle. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure.