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: latches/locks/linkages
163 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 27, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS (ALL 4 DOORS) HAVE CRACKED/CRUMBLED AROUND THE DOOR HANDLES MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE 75,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THEREFORE IT IS NOT UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD REPLACE THE ENTIRE PANEL ON EACH DOOR FOR ABOUT $500-$700 EACH. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, May 14, 2010
I OWN A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE THAT HAS 4 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKEN. TO GET OUT OF MY CAR I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW, OPEN MY DOOR AND THEN OPEN THE REST OF THE DOORS FOR MY 3 KIDS. THIS IS A SCARY SITUATION IN CASE I AM INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THERE IS A FIRE. IF MY JEEP TURNS OFF HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO ROLL DOWN THE ELECTRICAL WINDOW AND ESCAPE OUT OF MY CAR. OUR SAFETY IS IN GREAT DANGER BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES THAT ARE NOT EVEN FORCED AND BREAK OFF SO EASILY. ANOTHER PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY JEEP IS THAT WHEN I START IT AND START DRIVING, THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT, THE ENGINE LIGHT, THE ABS LIGHT AND SOME OTHER LIGHT TURN ON. AFTER THE LIGHTS TURN, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NO LONGER WORK, I CAN'T SEE HOW MANY MILES PER HOUR I AM DRIVING. I HAVE TO TURN OF THE JEEP, RESTART IT AND THAT WILL MAKE THE SPEEDOMETER WORK BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. IN A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS I HAVE COME TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE VEHICLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL TURN OFF DEAD. I HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 12, 2010
INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKEN DUE TO CHEAP PLASTIC. IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY IS A SAFETY RISK. DEALER WON'T SELL DOOR HANDLES BUT INSTEAD A ENTIRE PANEL FOR OVER 500 DOLLARS AND I HAVE ALL 4 BROKEN. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 17, 2010
ALL 4 PLASTIC INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BRACKETS/INSERTS IN 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED (4.7L) HAVE DISINTEGRATED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF CAR W/O REACHING OUTSIDE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 8, 2010
3 OF 4 DOOR HANDLES BROKEN. STRESS FROM HANDLE CABLE OPERATIONS CREATES A CRACK. WHEN THE CRACK BECOME A BREAK THE DOOR BECOMES INOPERABLE, AND CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS IN EDMUNDS CAR SPACE ON THIS PROBLEM SINCE NOVEMBER 2007. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THE DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE INCASE OF AN EMERGENCY. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 16, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS AND HANDLES TO OPEN THE DOORS ARE ALL BROKEN. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $600-700 PER DOOR TO REPLACE. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT RENDERING THE PASSENGERS UNABLE TO OPEN UP THE DOORS. THE CHRYSLER CORP SHOULD DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS OBVIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN/MANUFACTURING ISSUE. AS A RESULT OF THE BROKEN DOOR PANELS, THE DOOR HANDLES WILL NOT PROPERLY OPEN UP THE DOORS FOR BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS. IF THERE IS EVER AN ACCIDENT AND THOSE DOORS ARE THE ONLY ESCAPE ROUTE, THEY WILL RENDER THE PASSENGERS TRAPPED IN THE CAR. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 10, 2010
INSIDE DOOR HANDLES TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE BROKE OFF. THERE IS ONLY ONE DOOR HANDLE LEFT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER BUT THEY SAID I BOUGHT A USED CAR 2005 JEEP CHEROKEE, AS IS. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE OCTOBER 2008. THE VEHICLE LOOKED NEW, IT ONLY HAD 29,000 MILES. THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE ALONG WITH THE CASING WITH NO FORCE WHAT SO EVER. I TOLD CHYSLER THAT I HAVE YOUNG GRAND CHILDREN, THAT IF AN ACCIDENT IS TO OCCUR THERE IS NO WAY THE CHILDREN CAN GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I LIVE IN BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS WHERE THE WEATHER GETS VERY HOT IN THE SUMMER. IF EVER ONE OF MY CHILD GETS IN THE VEHICLE AND LOCKS HIM/HER SELF IN, THERE IS NO WAY THE CHILD CAN GET OUT. THE TEMPERATURES IN THE SUMMER SOMETIMES REACH 100 DEGREES. RIGHT NOW, THE DRIVER HAS TO GET OUT FIRST AND OPEN THE DOOR FOR EVERYONE ELSE. MY WIFE, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, LOWERS THE WINDOW FIRST AND OPENS THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. EVEN MY WIFE, IF BY CHANCE I TURN OFF THE MOTOR GET OFF THE VEHICLE AND WALK AWAY, THERE IS NO WAY MY WIFE CAN GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE CAN NOT REACH THE DRIVERS HANDLE OR CROSSOVER THE SHIFT GEAR TO GET ACCROSS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE RUNNING IN ORDER FOR THE WINDOW'S MOTOR TO WORK TO LOWERE THE WINDOW. I AM JUST LETTING YOU KNOW, MAYBE THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT AN AUTO DEALER CHEVOLET THAT HE SAW A JEEP JUST LIKE MINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THE HANDLES BROKEN. I WILL BE REPORTING THIS TO MY INSURANCE ALLSATE, FOR SAFETY REASONS IN CASE AN ACCIDENT EVER OCCURS. I READ THE ARTICLE ON THE TOYOTA RECALL, CONCERNING FARMERS INSURANCE WHERE THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2009
2005 GRAND CHER LIMITED DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE BROKE,WHEN PULLED TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE DOOR HANDLES DISPLAYED SMALL CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BEGAN TO BREAK OFF IN PIECES. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND REQUEST THAT THEY TAKE PICTURES OF THE HANDLE AND SEND THEM TO HEADQUARTERS. SHE WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT WHEN THE PHOTOS ARE RECEIVED SOMEONE FROM HEADQUARTERS WOULD CONTACT HER. NO ONE HAS NOTIFIED THE CONTACT WITHIN THREE WEEKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 16, 2009
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE CASINGS DISINTEGRATED AND NO LONGER OPERABLE, CANNOT EXIT VEHICLE FROM EITHER REAR DOOR, AND DRIVER DOOR ALSO CRACKED AND NEARING COMPLETE FAILURE. DEFECTS APPEARED AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURER NOT RESPONSIVE EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE AND APPARENT MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MANUFACTURER QUOTED PRICE IS ABOUT $2,000 TO MAKE 3 DOORS OPERABLE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 27, 2009
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. LETTER FORWARDED FROM FTC-FROM CONGRESSWOMAN GINNY BROWN-WAITE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE PROBLEMS WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATION. *NJ THE CASINGS BEHIND THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH BEGAN TO GRADUALLY DETERIORATE UNTIL ALL FOUR DOOR CASINGS CRACKED WHICH RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS APPARENT THE MATERIALS USED FOR THE CASINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. A CASE IN POINT WAS THE TWO BACK DOOR CASINGS WHICH DISINTEGRATED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THOSE DOORS WERE SELDOM USED. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, May 13, 2009
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LETTER FORWARDED FROM FTC - FROM CONGRESSWOMAN GINNY BROWN-WAITE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE PROBLEMS WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATION. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CASINGS BEHIND THE INSIDE DOOR LATCHES BEGAN TO DETERIORATE UNTIL ALL FOUR DOORS CASINGS CRACKED WHICH RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED IT WAS APPARENT THE MATERIALS USED FOR THE CASINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. A CASE IN POINT, THE TWO BACK DOOR CASINGS DISINTEGRATED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THOSE DOORS WERE SELDOM USED. *JB
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jul 26, 2006
PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 7-31-06. UPON TEST DRIVE THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN USING DOOR KEY (ANY DR IN THE CAR). THE REMOTE DID WORK. SALESMAN TOLD US 2 BRING IT IN IF IT CONT'D. TAKEN IN 5 TIMES SINCE THE 1ST TIME IN OCTOBER 05', DEALERSHIPS CANNOT DUPT THE ISSUE. LAST DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IF HE TOGGLED SWITCH ABOUT 10 TIMES IT HAPPENED, BUT THAT WAS JUST "OVERHEATING THE BUTTON & THAT IS NORMAL". PROBLEM IS I WORK IN A BUILDING W/A PRKG GARAGE & WORK ALL HRS. WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR, 4 SAFETY I LOCK THE DRS IMMED. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE I CAN'T DO THAT & HAVE 2 WAIT 2 GET THE CAR MOVING OVER THE 15MI AN HOUR 2 LOCK THE DRS. NEXT ISSUE IS THE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN THE TRANSMISSION GOING 2 REV OR DRV. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN ON 3 OCCASIONS FOR THIS ITEM OF WHICH THE DEALERSHIP CLEARS CODES OR CANNOT DUPT THE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE BECAME A AN ISSUE IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AT A RR TRACK NEAR OUR HOME. GATES WERE DOWN WHEN I DROVE UP & I WAS 3RD CAR BACK, THE GATES WENT UP, 2 CARS WENT THROUGH & I WAS ALMOST AT THE TRACKS WHEN THE RAILROAD ARMS STARTED COMING DOWN AGAIN. I PUT ON THE BRAKES & SHIFTED TO REVERSE 2 BACK UP & THE DELAY NEARLY CAUSED THE RR ARM 2 HIT THE CAR. I BACKED UP JUST ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE RR ARM BY LESS THAN 6 INCHES. THE LAST ITEM IS THE A/C. SINCE LATE MARCH OF 06' WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE A/C BLOWING COLD, THEN THE AIR TURNS 2 WARM OR HOT AIR BLOWING FROM 3 SEC 2 MINUTES OF BLOWING HUMID AIR BEFORE THE SYSTEM WILL KICK IN AGAIN WITH COLD AIR. THIS HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY LIKE THE OTHER 2 ITEMS ABOVE. 3 TIMES INTO THE DEALERSHIPS & AGAIN IT WAS STATED THEY FIXED IT WHEN IT WASN'T OR "IT'S 114 DEGREES OUT, IT IS GOING 2 BLOW WARM AIR". "USING OUTSIDE AIR WILL MAKE THE A/C BLOW WARM AIR'. THE INCIDENT DATE IS HARD SINCE THERE ARE 3 ISSUES SO I PUT THE DAY OF PURCHASE. THE FAILURES ARE ALSO HARD TO CALCULATE, BUT SINCE THESE ITEMS HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY & OR EVERYDAY (A/C) I COUNTED 3 MO WORTH. *NM