Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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).
Vehicle indicated that passenger front door was ajar, this after ten minutes of driving. Door was in fact not ajar. Passenger opened and closed door just to check, door then would no longer fully close. Pulled manual lock to see if it was stuck, whole piece came out. Smoke started pouring out of hole and door metal was very hot to the touch. Removed door panel to put out fire inside. Lock actuator motor melted down and parts were smoldering. During this process the electronic back glass popped open as well and will no longer latch either. Chrysler recalled some 2004 Liberty's for these motors overheating and seizing, was informed that this vehicle was not included and that we should have 'maintained the wiring in the door'. This vehicle is meticulously maintained!
My remote failed to lock or unlock the doors, and liftgate door. The doors had to be locked manually. The liftgate window would not close at all. Remote batteries were replaced . However, it still would not lock or unlock the doors and liftgate. When I pressed the unlock button on the remote, the emergency flashers came on.
My 2004 Jeep Liberty continues to have problems with the door regulator. This is the fourth time it has happened and Chrysler will not recall the defective part. The glass on the door will slide down, and the window will not operate. This has happened twice on the highway and it is very dangerous. The repair cost is approx $500 each time this has happened. It keeps happening to the windows that I have even gotten repaired already. The dealer stated that it was a defective part, they changed the part and now they are going back to the original as that one was no better. So even though I am getting the windows repaired, it continues to happen to all three of the windows. There is only one that it hasn't happen to.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the three doors latches, excluding the driver side door, no longer worked. The contact could not lock them manually or with the remote. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the latches needed to be replaced. She was also informed that her vehicle was not included in recall 04V111000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was 67,455. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Updated 09/27/10 updated 10/01/10
Vehicle has automatic door locks that lock would lock when the vehicle's speed reached 15 MPH, now not working. The vehicle's keyless entry syste was working prior to the consumer taking the vehicle to the dealer. The consumer received a recall notice referencing the vehicle's remote keyless entry system. An appointment was made and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service. After the vehicle was serviced none of the locks would work. Upon further inspection the consumer realized that the swing gate was the only lock that was working properly. The dealer was not able to permanently repair the vehicle.
While driving through congested traffic on the highway, the rear window of my 2004 Jeep Liberty made a grinding noise and unexpectedly fell down inside of the door, my dog nearly fell out and I nearly caused an accident while pulling over to safety. My family and I had to drive 45 minutes in the rain with no rear window. I have since learned this is a very common problem with power windows in the Jeep Liberty years 2002-2006 and there is even a company that stays in business selling replacement parts specifically for this problem (http://www.steigerperformance.com/products/sp13001.html).,
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated he could not unlock the doors using the key fob. The contact could not enter the vehicle unless the doors were manually opened with the key. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that all door locks needed to be replaced. An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V111000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000. Rvk
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact noticed that the front passenger side door and both rear doors were unlocked. The switch was stuck in the unlocked position and could not be locked by remote or manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was a related recall. The manufacturer and an authorized dealer were notified and informed the contact his vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign id number 04V111000, latches, locks, linkages, doors latch. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 34,262.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle's doors continuously locked automatically. The dealer installed two new fuses, but they blew out immediately. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V111000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch), although the failures were identical. A couple of days later, the rear hatch failed to lock; therefore, the vehicle cannot be driven. The current mileage was 66,000 and failure mileage was 58,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The remote key would not lock or unlock the doors. The contact stated that the rear passenger side door lock failed completely. The other doors were able to be manually locked and unlocked. The dealer stated that the solenoids for each door needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V111000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The current and failure mileages were 23,000.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
On some sport utility vehicles, certain remote keyless entry (rke) input May cause the body control module (BCM) software to actuate the door lock motors continuously.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the door latch assemblies and the BCM software will be updated. Owner notification began on May 10, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2004 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2004 Jeep Liberty, 2% of the model year's 1,101 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Liberty door lock & latch problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-111 (latch, Mar 4, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Jeep Liberty door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.