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, Nov 11, 2010
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES, ALL 4, BROKE OFF, AT ALMOST THE SAME TIME. THERE IS A COMMON MANUFACTURERS MATERIAL DEFECT, AS THE DOOR HANDLE "POCKET" IS MADE OUT A BRITTLE PLASTIC, AND THEY JUST SHATTERED, OR CRACKED SIMPLY BY USING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF THE DOOR HANDLE BREAKS OFF IN YOUR HAND.
Structure, Nov 3, 2010
THE INSIDE PLASTIC THAT MOUNTS THE DOOR HANDLES CONTINUES TO CRACK AND BREAK AWAY LEAVING THE HANDLES UNMOUNTED. THIS MUST BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE ANY POINT IN TIME THE HANDLES COULD STOP FUNCTIONING LEAVING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS TRAPPED INSIDE. ONCE THIS PLASTIC BROKE AWAY IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 JEEP GCHE WITH 29,385 MILES ON IT. EVENT OCCURRED ON OCT. 28, 2010 AROUND 2 PM. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HARBOR FWY. GETTING CLOSE TO THE EXIT I WAS USING (ANAHEIM STREET). I PUT ON MY BRAKES JUST TO SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKES GRABBED HARSHLY AND THEN RELEASED. AS I NEARED THE PLACE WHERE I HAD TO STOP I PUT ON THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS A CLUNK AS IF SOMETHING FELL OFF AND THE BRAKE GRABBED TO ONE SIDE, RELEASED AND THEN FINALLY AFTER KEEPING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES, HOLDING MY FOOT DOWN, I EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS WHOLE EVENT TOOK SEVERAL FEEL FOR ME TO STOP. THIS WAS NOT A NORMAL BRAKE FAILURE!. I FEEL LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. IF THIS HAD HAPPEN WHILE TRAVELING STILL ON THE FREEWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SOUTH BAY CHRYSLER JEEP DEALER ON HAWTHORNE BLVD. IN TORRANCE, CA. THEY REPAIRED IT AND SAID THAT THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE UNIT ON HAD FALLEN OFF!! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER POINTED OUT TO ME THAT ON THE RIGHT INNER PART OF THE WHEEL WAS METAL SCRAP MARKS (THIS IS WHERE THE BRAKE HAD FALLEN LOOSE AND WAY DRAGGING ON THE WHEEL.) I WAS FORTUNATE, BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND REAR DOOR PANELS WERE CHIPPING AROUND THE DOOR HANDLE AREA, CAUSING THE DOOR HANDLES TO DETACH FROM THE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A FACTORY DEFECT AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE DEALERS STATEMENT AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED FROM THE DOOR PANEL. IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, SHE HAD TO EXIT THROUGH ANOTHER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON EACH DOOR HANDLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2010
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED. BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANELS HAVE BROKEN AND CRACKED. THE PFRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE IS NOW INOPERABLE. IT IS NOW PERMANENTLY INOPERABLE ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 31,000 MILES ON IT. SO FAR THE DEALER CLAIMS NO RECALLS ARE AVAILABLE AND THE PRICE TO REPLACE IS ABOUT 800 PER DOOR. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 20, 2010
DOOR PANEL HANDLES CRACKED ON ALL 4 DOORS, UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE BACK. PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR. PLASTIC CRACKED AND FINALLY GAVE WAY IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE, FRONT DOORS ARE CRACKED AND VERY CLOSE TO GIVING WAY. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE HERE. DEFECTED MATERIALS, DATE INDETERMINABLE OF ISSUE BASED ON DEFECTS. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 17, 2010
MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DOOR HANDLES INSIDE ARE BREAKING. THEY ARE PLASTIC AND SEEM TO BE CHEAPLY MADE. THEY JUST START TO CRACK AND AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE WHOLE HANDLE IS GONE. JEEP NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL OR LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE CANT GET OUT OF THERE VEHICLE IN A EMERGENCY. *TR
Structure, Oct 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND THE 4 DOORS PANEL HANDLE AREA ARE 2 BROKEN AND 2 CRACKED, NOW ITS BECAME TO AN A SAFETY ISSUE ONCE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOORS WITH THE BROKEN PARTS, I HAVE TO SCROLL DOWN THE DRIVES AND BACK DRIVER WINDOWS TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE THE CAR. OCCURS EVERY TIME HAVE TO GET OUT THE CAR. I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SAID IS OUT WARRANTY, I SPOKE TO CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND TOLD ME THE SAME IS OUT WARRANTY AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR MY. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 13, 2010
RE: 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED - INTERIOR DOOR PANELS (WHERE DOOR HANDLE IS ATTACHED) ARE CRACKING AND FALLING AWAY RESULTING IN THE DOOR HANDLES NO LONGER BEING ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. THIS REQUIRES, AT TIMES, THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER WILL NOT REPLACE AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $700 + LABOR (PER DOOR) TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING/MATERIAL DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 13, 2010
REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE FROM DOOR PANEL CAUSING CHILD TO NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE. THE HANDLE IS NOW DANGLING THERE FROM WIRE. THE OTHER DOORS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF SPIDER CRACKS, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO BREAKAGE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 13, 2010
REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE FROM DOOR PANEL CAUSING CHILD TO NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE. THE HANDLE IS NOT DANGLING THERE FROM WIRE. THE OTHER DOORS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF SPIDER CRACKS, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO BREAKAGE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 11, 2010
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY BURNED OUT THREE TIMES. AFTER SEARCH ON INTERNET FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2010
WIRING HARNESS ON MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO BURNED. CHECKED ON INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS JEEP MODEL. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE OR ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2010
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE DEFECTIVE. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DUE TO THE CHEAP PLASTIC AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS ALMOST FAILED AS WELL. I AM AFRAID THAT IN AN EMERGENCY, I AND MY PASSENGERS MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I'VE BEEN READING ONLINE AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE, BUT CHRYSLER REFUSES TO FIX THE DOORS. THEY WANT $700 PLUS TO FIX EACH DOOR HANDLE, BUT YOU CAN'T EVEN GET ONE BECAUSE THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER. *TR
Structure, Oct 7, 2010
2005 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO THE DOOR HANDLES ARE MADE OF A DEFECTIVE PLASTIC AND BRAKES INTO SEVERAL PIECES LIVING THE DOOR HANDLE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM INSIDE. FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHILDREN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOU ARE IN A WRECK OR IN CASE OF A FIRE THE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I BELIEVE JEEP SHOULD RECALL THE DOOR HANDLES AT NO COST TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE A 2005 JEEP AND 3 OF THE 4 HANDLES HAVE ALREADY BROKEN. I HAVE CHECKED INTO FIXING THE PROBLEM AND THE COST WOULD BE $400.00/DOOR AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE DO TO THE FACT THE COST OF VEHICLES ARE AT A RECORD HIGH YOU SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE DOOR HANDLES EVER 5 YEARS. I HAVE ALWAYS DROVE A CHEVY. OR FORD PRODUCT AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A UNACCEPTABLE PROBLEM. I AM STARTING TO DOUBT MY DECISION ON PURCHASING A JEEP PRODUCT. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 1, 2010
I HAVE TWO 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. ALL THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE CRACKING AND SOME ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED TO THE POINT YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. WHICH IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC BEING TOO THIN/BRITTLE. IT'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE EVEN YOUTUBE VIDEOS. *TR
Power train, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METAL PIECE THAT COVERED THE GEAR SHIFT BOX BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,039.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 28, 2010
N/A MATERIAL USED INSIDE VEHICLE FAULTY. *TR
Structure, Sep 24, 2010
THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS (ALL 4) AT THE HANDLE ARE CRACKING AND BREAKING. MANY TIMES THE DOORS HAVE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. I CONTACTED JEEP AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, THAT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON TO REPORT IT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Structure, Sep 21, 2010
MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2005 HAS ONLY 25,900 MILES AND 4 OF THE 4 INSIDE HANDLES ARE BROKEN, GONE DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY PLASTIC. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND CHRYSLER DON'T WANNA DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!!! WHAT WAS GONNA HAVE TO HAPPEN BEFORE CHRYSLER STARTS LOOKING INTO THIS? WHAT IF ME AND MY FAMILY GET TO A CAR ACCIDENT AND CAN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR !!!! MAYBE THEN THEY WILL LOOK INTO IT!!!! *TR
Structure, Sep 20, 2010
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES (2) HAVE BROKEN AND CAVED INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE DOORS MUST BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. IF SOMEONE WAS SOMEHOW TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THIS WOULD CREATE AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $700.00 TO FIX EACH DOOR. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OWNERS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 20, 2010
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. ALL 4 INTERIOR PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE MOUNTINGS HAVE CRACKED. THE TWO REAR HANDLES HAVE FALLEN OFF COMPLETELY. CHRYSLER SAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Sep 16, 2010
2005 JEEP CHEROKEE RACK STEERING WENT OUT ALREADY AND OBVIOUSLY JEEP WON'T BACK THIS FOR ITS NOT UNDER "WARRANTY". BUT WHEN YOU CALL THEY SAY IF YOU GET IT FIXED BY ONE OF OUR GUYS YOU "MAY" QUALIFY FOR SPECIAL FINANCING?...WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?..."SPECIAL FINANCING"...SO THEY CAN MAKE MORE MONEY OFF YOU?...THIS JEEP IS LITERALLY DRIVEN ABOUT 14 MILES A DAY 5 DAYS A WEEK ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK. THE REST OF THE TIME WE DRIVE OUR CAR TO SAVE ON GAS. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THE RACK STEERING WOULD GO OUT ALREADY!!. $1088 DOLLARS LATER. A VEHICLE THIS YOUNG SHOULD NOT HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS. HAS THERE BEEN OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THEIR JEEPS? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2010
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STALLED AT STOP SIGN. *TR