Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Jeep Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the headlights and the interior lighting dimmed. The air bag indicator illuminated. The lights came back on after approximately two minutes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
On several occasions my car has stalled. Prior to it stalling it would have power surges, backfire, the RPM needle would go crazy, and then just shut off loosing all power to brakes and steering. Stalling would occur mostly at lower rates of speeds (under 50mph). It wouldn't turnover immediately. I would have to wait 20 to 25 seconds each time and then it would start, almost as if the system resets itself. It's pretty scary when you have to young children and your on a freeway and your car all of a sudden stalls. The second problem I'm having is a very loud noise coming from the rear end. I pointed my side mirror down towards my backtire. I watched as the rearend made a load cluncking noise and it was as if the back tire was being pushed outwards. The third problem is my passenger side rear window just dropped into the door. The motor still works I can hear it. …
I had issues with my headlights flicking on and off, remaining off upon using my turn signal. I own a Jeep Liberty 2003. I was told the car was not registering any issue on the computer analysis run, on oct 6th upon taking it in however it seemed like a multi-functional switch to the mechanics. The lights literally would go off on their own accord driving on a straight away at times as well. There was also a time they would click high beam, park light, then low beams and out then come back on all by them selves while you are driving. Very unsafe and dangerous. I went to tom o'brien Jeep, 4630 e. 96th street, indpls, in 46240. And had this replaced on November 4th. However the multi-functional switch and labor cost me 165.00 and the new switch installed was not operating correctly, so I paid that for a bad switch. …
Driving at night when I heard clicking noises near fuse panel left side of steering wheel column; shortly thereafter headlights flashed on and off for approximately 10 seconds. Problem became intermittent but usually occurred while driving at night. Clicking noises persist near fuse panel and headlights flash off and on. Dealership unable to duplicate problem as they said they have not heard of this particular problem, but they tried swapping headlamp relay with driver's door lock relay. However, this solution did not fix the problem. In fact, clicking noises are now heard every time I drive my Jeep, and the headlights continue to randomly flash on and off. …
All lights on veh flickered off for about 1-2 sec turned on and then quick flicker then on again and remained on. The first time I thought it was a fluke then it occurred a total of 3 other times within the year. Last was just recently 1/20/2013 and it shut off for a longer period of time maybe 3-4 sec. I was distance traveling on a high traffic highway at night and now see the safety concerns. Since the first occurrence I have replaced the battery. The entire light panel inside the vehicle as well as the exterior lights are affected. Other issues I have experienced since owning the veh in 2002 is the side passenger power lock no longer functions, still does not function. I have had to replace the passenger rear window regulator. In 2007, the glass just fell down one day did not break. Placed a stick in door panel to hold up glass and finally replaced it in 2011.
After turning on the headlights they flicker or go out completely while driving. There is also a loud clicking noise from under the driver side dash board while the lights flicker. I've checked many online websites/community forum sites and there are many postings about this same issue for just about every Jeep make, year and model. Many people have referenced issues with the multi-function switch. With the numerous people reporting this dangerous issue (due to the lights going out while driving at night and some people have experienced issues with aggressive driver thinking the person in the Jeep was flashing their lights in an aggressive manner) I'm surprised their isn't a recall or technical service bulletin...the local dealerships have confirmed on multiple calls they were not aware of any technical service bulletin for the lighting issue.
The headlights on my Jeep turn themselves on and off randomly. When the lights turn on and off there is a "clicking" noise inside the car near the drivers seat/dashboard. This has been happening since October/November 2010 and after several mechanics have tried to troubleshoot there has been no way to rectify and diagnose the problem since it is an intermittent issue. This is a major safety issue and could cause an accident that could involve many vehicles and maybe death of some passengers and drivers due to the ability not to see my vehicle. I recommend that Chrysler place a recall on this issue asap since I am not the only Liberty owner that has this issue. It seems to be affecting liberties crossing over several years in this time frame.
I was leaving from work going about 45 MPH, I smelled electrical components burning,before I could pull the Jeep over to the side of the road it shut off unexpectedly leaving me with no power steering and no power brakes,I nearly lost control of the Jeep,by the time I got to the side of the road the smoke had filled the cabin,the smoke was coming from front drivers side dash. Now I have no headlights,wipers,door locks, radio,alarm,int lights,speedometer,engine light is now on. Mechanic investigated and found that the BCM has a large burn hole in it the size of a silver dollar,I was very glad that my daughter was not in the Jeep with me that day,,
3 of the 4 driver side seat mounting brackets broke where the seat mounts to the floor. This is dangerous and I fear that driver's seat will come completely unattached from floor of vehicle in an accident, sudden stop or very soon! Many others seem to have these exact same problems with seat mounting brackets. Jeep, Chrysler nor dealers will help with these problems! Interior lights come on by themselves unexpectedly and sometimes will not shut off when attempts are made to switch them off. Light switch control seems sporadic and defective. I fear a short circuit resulting in electrical fire from defective light switch control.
Headlights begin to flicker off and on then they go out for several seconds while driving in the dark needless to say. Then come back, then continue to flicker off and on numerous times before staying on for a period of time. This can cause a serious accident and is not safe for no one. A recall should be made for Jeep Liberty. After looking up the problem on headlights flickering I noticed that there are many complaints about this issue. Please check into the matter as soon as possible. [redacted]
Headlight complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Jeep Liberty, 2% of the model year's 1,352 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Jeep Liberty headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2003 Jeep Liberty, though it has 7 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 2003 Jeep Liberty headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
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.