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 2004 Jeep Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that an abnormal noise would emit from the suspension. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and she was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
On Tuesday, August 25, 2015, I was on my way to a workshop for my job on route 73 in berlin, new jersey. I had stopped at a light. When the light turned green, I proceeded to go. The car stalled out all the lights on the dash board blinked on and off and the car shut completely off. Then white smoke came out from under the hood. So as I was sitting contemplating what to do next. I looked up and the driver in the car next to me started yelling that there was fire underneath the car. I immediately exited the car and crossed the street on a busy highway. When I reached the other side of the street. Pitch black smoke along with red flames billowed out from under the hood. Afire rescue truck arrive and immediately used a fire extinguisher to douse the fire. Then, the fire trucks and police came to follow up. The fireman lift the hood up and allowed me to view the damage. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that a white cloudy smoke emitted from the front of the vehicle and into the inner compartment. The contact noticed sparks and pulled over to the side of the road as a fire erupted under the hood. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The VIN was not available. The contact was later notified of NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure) years after the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Ma 10/25/15
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Jeep Liberty. While driving 50 MPH, smoke and sparks appeared from the engine compartment. Approximately five minutes later, the vehicle burst into flames. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and the contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and no medical attention was required. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 09/10/15 updated 10/26/2017
About a month ago I was coming up the mountain and it was hard to stere and it made me hit a gard rail on the other side of the road and then about a week ago I was going to town and I stopped at the store to get gas and turn it off and it would not start back so I don't no what is wrong
Jeep was shut off and in park in parking lot when flames were seen coming out from under the hood. By the time the fire dept. Arrived, the fire had started to breach the firewall in the front of the Jeep.
On numerous occasions including today, my 2004 Jeep Liberty has fallen out of gear. Previously I was on the highway doing about 60 MPH and the car switched from drive to neutral on its own. Today the most recent incident I was leaving wawa to get coffee and on my way to work, at the red light the car was in drive, foot on brake as one would normally do. When the light switched to green I lightly tapped the accelerator/gas pedal and the car sat there for a moment without moving again as if it was in neutral. So I pressed the gas pedal again only this time the car started to reverse, as the gear shift clearly showed that I was again in drive. This is very dangerous, thank god both times this has occurred that no other vehicle was behind me or else they May have been a fatal accident especially when I was on the highway. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stopped the vehicle and upon opening the hood noticed flames. The fire department reported to the scene. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The inspector determined there was not a manufacturing defect. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 04V337000 (engine and engine cooling) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact of the outstanding recalls which did not include the engine recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
My jeep liberty's check engine light has come on I've done every thing my obd2 scanner has said is wrong but this piece of [redacted] will not come outta limp mode so there for the rpms will not go over 2500 rpms and id like to know [redacted] is causing it to do that I've seen videos on YouTube that says it Bent valves and I need to replace with an upgraded version but I just bought this [redacted] thing and only have it maybe 2 months before it started doing this [redacted] and just paid God [redacted] $3,500 for this [redacted] God [redacted] piece of [redacted]some one please help before I put a rag in the gas tank and light that [redacted] on fire I'm [redacted] sick and tired of always getting the [redacted] end of the stick when it comes to me getting vehicles.
Check engine light is on. Running rough not idling correctly. There is no power on acceleration, vibrates and smokes. I took it to tires plus 1st time, cost me $800 for diagnosis, compression tests and repairs they say needed to be done to fix the problem. About a month later check engine light came back on. Took Jeep back and was told this time that the value(s) are not seating. Told to take it to the Chrysler dealer due to a safety issue. I researched on websites and found this is a common issue for 2004 - 2011 Jeep Liberty as well as dodges. Why have they not issued a safety recall on this? The rocker arms are popping out and causing havoc in the engine. Dealer says no recall. Chrysler you know you have a problem why not fix it!! This is a very serious safety issue!!
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l engines only, two valve cover studs May interfere with the fuel injector and alternator wiring harnesses.
Remedy: Dealers will add protective caps to the valve cover studs and re-route the affected wiring harness to provide clearance. Owner notification began on July 19, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Jeep Liberty, 5% of the model year's 1,101 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Liberty engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-337 (engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Jeep Liberty engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 14 fires and 2 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.