Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 idle, the vehicle would overheat with the transmission temperature sensor warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shudder and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the vehicle had to be serviced by an authorized dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V396000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
PCM HAS BEEN REPLACEMENT MULTIPLE TIMES BY DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP. When computer fails it has failed a circuit with 02 sensors which kills engine power randomly while driving on highways. It has turned ABS light on and Service 4x4 randomly and won't let the vehicle travel over 10mph. Very dangerous on roads. I've had three computers installed in the last Year and a half and have given me 3 close calls almost causing accident. That's 3 too many. I'm not the only one with the computer issues ask around to owners with these jeeps. How many close called does someone need for Chrysler to not even repair but Just to look into. Do people need to die in an accident for people to take this seriously. The issue is NOT from lack of maintenance either. If my ABS module was failed I would no. …
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. …
Automatic Transmission contamination caused from rain water or AC condensation dripping directly on to transmission dipstick tube . During times of heavy rainfall, contaminated transmission fluid will overflow and puddle underneath the vehicle. Transmission fluid has been analyzed at Blackstone Laboratories and provided results showing h2o being present in the fluid, with no traces of engine coolant. Transmission shutters and shifts hard, reaches excessive temperatures under moderate loads. Dealership and independent transmission shop both have acknowledged an issue with the transmission and a water contamination.
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 owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05V396000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the heat was activated, and there was a odor of fumes coming from the vents. The contact also stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, and transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the transmission hose was detached from the transmission. The hose was replaced and the transmission fluid was replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While parked, the contact exited the vehicle and it rolled backwards without warning. The contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a turn at approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The vehicle accelerated independently without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,497.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: 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…
Transmission complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 253 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 12% of the model year's 2,051 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (71 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-396 (automatic transmission, Sep 14, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 8 fires and 7 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.