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.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 25, 2018
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE AND AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING AND TRANNY DOESN'T SHIFT CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES AND REVVING OF ENGINE
Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2018
MY VEHICLE HAS, ON MULTIPLE AND SEPARATE OCCASIONS, SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THANKFULLY NO ONE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN HURT YET BECAUSE I HAD TIME TO THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL AND STAND ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT'S A MATTER OF TIME. SOMEONE WILL GET KILLED IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T FIXED SOON AS I ASSUME THERE ARE TONS OF THESE ON THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2018
THE SKID PLATE THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK IS RUSTED THRU AND NEED REPLACED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DESIGN FLAW.
Structure, Nov 6, 2018
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE CONNECTED BY PIECE OF CHEAP PLASTIC AND THE PLASTIC BREAKS EASILY; RENDERING THE INTERIOR HANDLES USELESS. IT'S HAPPENING ON 3 OF MY 4 HANDLES. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT MAKES THE INDOOR HANDLES UN-USEABLE. IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, IT MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE MANY,MANY COMPLAINTS. I BELIEVE IT'S INVOLVES MOST GRAND CHEROKEES FROM YEARS 2005-2010 AND JEEP IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. HOWEVER THEY HAVE OFFERED NO RESOLUTION OTHER THAN REPLACING THEM. THIS REQUIRES REPLACING THE ENTIRE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AT AN EXPENSE OF AT LEAST $500 PER DOOR. I AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THEM. NOR SHOULD CONSUMERS HAVE TO FOOT THE BILLS FOR AN OBVIOUS, COSTLY AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. WILMINGTON AUTO CENTER (LOCATED AT 1780 ROMBACH AVE, WILMINGTON, OH 45177, (937) 382-7714) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NEEDED TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE LOCAL DEALER (MILLER MOTOR SALES, 1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Sep 25, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL ODOR, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE HOOD. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SECURITY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (345 MERRICK RD, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701, 631-240-0824) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD COME TO INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, IT OVERHEATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HOT AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND FAILED TO START. ALSO, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE "TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING" MESSAGE WAS ALSO DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT CALLED PIEDMONT CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (4015 CLEMSON BLVD, ANDERSON, SC 29621, (864) 260-5750) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V396000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 247,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2018
WHILE DRIVING MY JEEP THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TELEPHONED MY MECHANIC NOT SURE IF I SHOULD CONTINUE DRIVING IT. MY MECHANIC THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE IT THE SHORT DISTANCE I HAD LEFT AND TO BRING IN INTO HIS GARAGE. MY MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE VEHICLE AT LENGTH AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. WHEN HE THOUGHT HE HAD IT FIXED THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. MY MECHANIC BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER IN NORWICH,, NY AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS PART OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. I JUST GOT MY JEEP BACK AFTER A $972.00 BILL. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT TYPICALLY GOES WRONG; HAVE OTHERS HAD ISSUES WITH THIS; WAS IT SAFE ETC.?
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2018
BRAKE BOOSTER FAIL AND, I HAVE REPLACE. THIS COST ME PART ONLY $219 PLUS LABOR $180.00. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS RECALL SINCE IS NOT BRAKE PADS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2018
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND BROKEN CAME OUT THE OTHER MORNING TO PASSENGER INSIDE HANDLE CRACKED AND BARELY HOLDING ON OR WORKING
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2018
PROBLEM WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND AC COMING ON WITH TURNING ON IGNITION OR STARTING THE VEHICLE. IGNITION WAS REPLACED A YEAR PLUS AGO UNDER THE RECALL. I CAN SHUT OFF THE CAR AND USUALLY GET THEN TO WORK. THIS IS A BIG CONCERN FOR DRIVING ESP. HAS NOT GONE OFF WHILE DRIVING AT THIS POINT ALTHOUGH!
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2018
PLASTIC SURROUNDING ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES CRACKING. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE INOPERABLE DUE TO CRACKING.
Power train, Jun 12, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON THE INFO CENTER DISPLAYING "TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP" THE FAN KICKS ON HIGH AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN 25MPH. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, WAIT 30 SECONDS, TURN IT BACK ON AND IT GOES AWAY. HAD MY VEHICLE AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND HAD IT THOROUGHLY LOOKED THROUGH AND THE PCM IS TO BLAME. IT IS VERY COMMON ON THESE VEHICLES. I FEEL IT IS A SAFTEY CONCERN DUE TO THE "TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP" DISPLAYING EVERY COUPLE OF MILES AS I DRIVE. CALLING CHRYSLER DIRECTLY TO ASK OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND HUNG UP ON ME. NOT HAPPY!!
Structure, Jun 1, 2018
DOOR HANDLES BROKEN DRIVER SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE ALSO BROKEN. PLASTIC BROKEN THAT HOLD HANDLE IN PLACE.
Air bags, May 28, 2018
AIRBAG LIGHT REFUSES TO GO OFF. I'VE BEEN TOLD THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED.
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT STARTED THE ENGINE AND PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE PRESENT, BUT NO REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAXTER CHRYSLER/DODGE/JEEP (2010 S 124TH CIRCLE, LA VISTA, NEBRASKA 68128) FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN JANUARY AND MARCH, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, May 12, 2018
WILL GO INTO 3RD GEAR WHEN IT IS STARTED AND HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED BEFORE IT WILL GO INTO DRIVE. ALSO IT SHOWS A CODE OF " SERVICE 4X DRIVE" AT RANDOM TIMES.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT ALSO TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,679.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2018
ALL 4 INTERIOR DOOR OPENING HANDLES BREAKING/FAILING: 1 REAR DOOR TOTALLY INOPERABLE. ***THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE ' IF HANDLES BREAK OR ARE INOPERABLE IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, PASSENGERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!*** MANUFACTURER CHARGE TO REPLACE/REPAIR HANDLES IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE: IN MY CASE, THE COST OF EIGHT (8) MONTHLY CAR PAYMENTS! MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL WARRANTED!'
Electrical system, Seat belts, May 2, 2018
MIDDLE BACKSEAT SEATBELT IS STUCK UNFASTENED, UNABLE TO FASTEN SEATBELT, UNABLE TO PLACE SMALL CHILDREN OR BABIES IN THE MIDDLE SEAT. MIDDLE SEATBELT IS NOT A LAP BELT, IT GOES ACROSS THE CHEST. SAFEST SEAT IS NOW THE MOST UNSAFE POSITION IN THE CAR. WHEN TRYING TO START THE IGNITION, THE KEY HAS TO BE TURNED SEVERAL TIMES AND CAN TAKE UP TO FIVE MINUTES UNTIL THE CAR IGNITION WILL TURN ON TO START CAR.
Power train, Apr 11, 2018
THE JEEP WILL RANDOMLY NOT WANT TO BEGIN DRIVING AFTER PUTTING INTO DRIVE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION AND THEN YOU WILL HEAR AND FEEL A LOUD "THUMP" AND THE TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN 3RD GEAR. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO FIX IT BUT SOMETIMES IT DOESNT WORK THAT EASILY. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2018
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER OPENS THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSELY FLOPPING AROUND. THE DOOR MUST BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS WAS FIRST FOUND WHEN THE STOPPED AND MY SON COULDN'T GET THE DOOR OPEN.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 9, 2018
I PURCHASED MY 05 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 3.7L V6 WITH 79K MILES ON IT JUNE 21, 2016. IN JULY OF 2017, IT STARTED TO BOG DOWN WITH A CONSTANT SHUTTER WHEN STARTING UP AND ACCELERATING, THE CEL WAS ALSO ON. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE CEL CHECKED OUT AND IT WAS SHOWING 22 CODES SAYING THAT THE O2 SENSOR HAD A HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT. UPON EXAMINNG AND TESTING THE O2 SENSOR THERE WAS NOTHING FOUND TO BE WRONG. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THE CEL CAME ON AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME IT SHOWED THE SAME O2 SENSOR WAS RUNNING LEAN AND RICH AT THE SAME TIME. I REPLACED THE SENSOR AT THAT TIME. NOW IT IS SHOWING ANOTHER CODE P0430 AND THE TIMING CHAIN FOR THE ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSMISSION IS JUMPING. I WAS INFORMED THIS HAPPENS TO THESE TRANSMISSIONS ALL THE TIME AND THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR IT. ALL I CAN DO IS DRIVE IT UNTIL IT GOES AND BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS NOT FAIR