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: air bags
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Apr 3, 2011
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE ANNUNCIATED CORRUPTION OF THE SYSTEM. AUTO WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WALLACE JEEP IN STUART, FLORIDA FOR REPAIR. SYSTEM WAS DIAGNOSED AND PARTS ORDERED FOR REPAIR TWO WEEKS AGO. PARTS ARE STILL BACKORDERED. HOW CAN SAFETY ITEMS NOT BE AVAILABLE? *TR
Air bags, Sep 13, 2010, crash
WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING APPROX 30MPH HIT ANOTHER CAR (T-BONE) TRAVELING APPROX 50MPH WITH MAJOR INTRUSION TO OPPOSING CAR WITH SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THIS WAS REPORTED TO COLLISION CENTER THROUGH DEALER POSSIBLY SENDING CAR TO GET TESTED FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS. *TR
Air bags, Jun 26, 2010, crash
ME AND MY ROOM MATE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM MY JOB WHEN A LADY IN A CAR PASSED A RED LIGHT. WE HIT THE LADY HEAD ON AT 45 MPH AND NEITHER ONE OF THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG'S DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 16, 2010, crash
MY DAUGHTER'S 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR GOING 90MPH. SHE WAS SENT AIRBORNE, FLIPPED END OVER END & ROLLED ON THE SIDE BEFORE COMING TO REST UPRIGHT. THE FRONT OF HER JEEP WAS GONE BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WE WERE TOLD BY THE WRECKER SERVICE THAT THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND STEERING WHEEL DURING THE ROLL. HERE EAR ALSO HIT THE WHEEL AND WAS CUT BY THE GLASS FROM THE WINDSHIELDS/WINDOWS. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER BUT WERE TOLD THAT THE BAGS WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. WHEN THE CAR NOSE DIVED INTO THE EMBANKMENT AFTER BEING AIRBORNE AND FLIPPED OVER, I WOULD THINK THAT WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIRBAGS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 23, 2010
LIKE MANY I HAVE READ MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY. I'VE READ THIS IS LIKELY A CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS WITH A "DING" NOISE AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY (EVERY COUPLE OF MINUTES). RESEARCHED ON INTERNET TO SEE WHAT THE CAUSE MAY BE AND NOTICED THAT MANY OTHERS ARE REPORTING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE 1999 TO 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE'S. THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WAS A CLOCK SPRING FAILURE AND MADE TO PAY $310+ TO HAVE IT FIXED.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2010
WHEN IT GOES BELOW 20 DEGREES F, THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSES SOMEONE SITTING IN IT WHEN THERE IS NO ONE THERE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT LIGHTS. IF I PUSH DOWN AND RELEASE THE SEAT CUSHION, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES OFF, THEN THE RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF. IN 30 SECONDS, IT ALL COMES BACK ON AND STARTS DINGING THE ALARM AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR QUITE SOME TIME BUT MY JEEP/DODGE DEALER DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO HELP. *TR
Air bags, Dec 11, 2009, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON A SNOWY ROAD WHEN MY SUV STARTED TO FISH TAIL AND LOST CONTROL AND HIT A LIGHT POLE DOING ABOUT 25-30 ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY SUV AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 25, 2009
AS I DRIVE MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE( HEMI)THE VEHICLE SIMPLY SHUTS OFF. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD TURN ON THEN THE CAR TURNS OFF. I END UP WITH NO CONTROL. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS AND THEN THE VEHICLE TURNS ON ALL BY ITSELF WHILE IM DRIVING. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED IT, I HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER SAID IT WAS FINE. AS I TOOK IT TO THE GAS STATION ACROSS THE STREET, IT HAPPENED. THE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES WITNESSED IT AND WERE NICE ENOUGH TO RUN OVER AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SHOP. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING BUT REPLACED THE BATTERY JUST IN CASE. SINCE THEN IT HAPPENS AT ONCE EVERY TWO MONTHS. CURRENTLY, I HAVE AN AIRBAG ISSUE. THE DEALER CANNOT SEEM TO REPAIR ANY OF THESE ISSUES. THE AIRBAG LIGHTS TURN ON INDICATED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF BECAUSE IT DOES NOT SENSE ANYONE ON THE SEATS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND I AM WAITING FOR A CALL BACK TO RETURN IT SO THEY CAN INSTALL AN ECM. THEY THINK IT MAY BE THE ISSUE. THIS WILL BE THE FOURTH VISIT FOR THE AIRBAGS. SEEMS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE DECEMBER 22ND. IT IS NOW FEB 25. I AM AFRAID OF GOING OVER THE WARRANTY MILES. *TR
Air bags, Tires, Dec 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND ORDERED THE PART FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 55,000. UPDATED 2/9/09 *CN THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. UPDATED 02/13/09. *JB
Air bags, Nov 9, 2008, crash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I HAD A SEIZURE AND RAN INTO A GAS STATION AT 50 MPH. I WAS DRIVING A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 4, 2008
RANDOMLY WHEN STARTING UP MY VEHICLE THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES. FIRST ATTEMPT 01/29/08: THEY INSTALLED SOP DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND REPAIR SHORT IN CONNECTOR AT HARNESS UNDER SEAT. SECOND ATTEMPT 05/06/08: REPAIR HARNESS CONNECTOR WITH NEW CONNECTORS. THIRD ATTEMPT 8/7/08: DRIVER SEAT WIRING HARNESS BAD, ORDERED SEAT HARNESS DEALER WILL CALL WHEN IS (THEY NEVER CALLED). FOURTH ATTEMPT 10/10/08: PART ON SPECIAL ORDER, STILL WAITING FOR THE PART TO COME IN 11/5/08. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Tires, Aug 7, 2008
PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT AND RED AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY THEN STAYS ON . AIR PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND TIRES ARE AT NORMAL PSI. SOME DAYS BOTH LIGHTS COME ON TOGETHER. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 10, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE AT FAULT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AS WELL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HE STATED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE COMPONENTS FAILED TO PROTECT HIM FROM BODILY HARM, WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO BEING SEVERELY INJURED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 27,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 20, 2006, crash
TL* - WHILE DRIVING 40 - 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON A GRAVEL/DIRT ROAD WHICH CAUSED A COLLISION WITH A POST. THE CONTACT'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEATBELT DIDN'T SECURE HER IN THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOSE 4 FRONT TEETH AND, SEVERELY INJURE HER JAW BONE AND CHIN.
Air bags, Tires, Aug 5, 2006
RED AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY THEN STAYS ON. AIR PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND TIRES ARE AT NORMAL PSI. SOME DAYS BOTH LIGHTS COME ON TOGETHER. I HAVE TAKEN JEEP IN FOUR TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM IN 17 MONTHS AND ITS DOING IT AGAIN WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF LAST SERVICE. *JB
Air bags, Jul 9, 2006
CAR'S SIDE AIRBAG KEPT SWITCHING ON AND OFF ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING THE JEEP. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Seats, Jun 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE GEAR FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE ENGINE MADE A ROARING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED. THE DEALERSHIP REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER NO OTHER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 6/27/2006 - THE VEHICLE BATTERY WOULD NOT HOLD A CHARGE. THE HEADLINER HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS UNRAVELING.. THE SUNROOF MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT ON 2-27-06 WITH ON 90000 MILES. THE MEMORY SEAT DID NOT MOVE BACK AT TIMES WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS BINDING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT FLUSH WITH THE WINDSHIELD. *NM
Air bags, Mar 2, 2006
ORANGE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WITH PASSENGER SEAT UNOCCUPIED SINCE DAY OF PURCHASE. CUSTOMER WAS TOLD AT DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS NORMAL IF SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THE ORANGE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT ARE ON CONTINUOUSLY, OR THE ILLUMINATIONS ALTERNATE EVERY FEW MINUTES. JEEP CHEROKEE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. CUSTOMER WAS TOLD IT WAS A CALIBRATION PROBLEM, AND THAT THE ORANGE LIGHT SHOULD ONLY BE ON IF BETWEEN 1 AND 25 POUNDS OR SO WHERE IN THE SEAT. NO PROBLEMS FOR ONE MONTH (LIGHTS WERE OFF, NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE). ORANGE AND RED LIGHTS NOW ALTERNATING AGAIN EVERY FEW MINUTES YESTERDAY AND TODAY (MARCH 1&2, 2006). *NM
Air bags, Jun 16, 2005
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY. JEEP TOLD ME IT HAS TO DO WITH THE SWITCH IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. JEEP SAID THAT AFTER SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT A FEW TIMES THAT SWITCH WILL WORK PROPERLY AND THE LIGHT WILL NOT GO ON ANYMORE.
Air bags, Mar 31, 2005, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT A INTERSECTION AND WAS REAR ENDED, FORCING IT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK