Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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.
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. …
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. …
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. [phone]. For full REPORT!+=
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at an unknown speed, the entire instrument panel illuminated and the engine stalled. The contact was able to maneuver to the emergency lane and shut off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the engine, but the failure recurred. In addition, smoke appeared from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator fractured and the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
My Jeep jumps to third gear randomly, and it ends up jittering and shaking. My car got stuck so many times and ended up being stalled on a busy highway and almost got into an accident. I was once parked and had shifted to drive but instead the Jeep suddenly jumped to 3rd and my car started to go backwards and ended up hitting another car behind me. I had to pay the guy $500 and also got all the fluids and oils changed in hopes of getting this fixed, but to no avail. Yesterday, I spent $450 on these fluid and oil changes only to have the problem continue. Thousands of people are having the same issues and Jeep has no answers. You guys need to do a total vehicle recall since Jeep has no answers. Many people can die from this defect. I have a video to prove the car jumping to third and all the issues I just described.
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, [phone]) 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.
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, [phone]) 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.
Engine complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 212 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 10% of the model year's 2,051 complaints. The component named most often is engine (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 14 fires and 6 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.