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 Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I went to start my Jeep and it caught on fire under the hood. Also, it sometimes doesn't start, when it does and I'm driving, it stalls in the middle of traffic. This happens when I'm in the middle of making a left turn and I'm afraid I'm going to get hit! It mostly happens when it's raining or a lot of moisture in the air. It pulls and hesitates while I'm driving as well. My insurance paid for the damage when I had the fire, but I'm now learning that it's a big issue with jeeps. I have 3 children and I'm afraid for their safety. I can't afford a new vehicle.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Jeep Liberty. While driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the lights on the instrument panel started to flicker and an odor of smoke emitted from the front of the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle caught fire and was extinguished by the fire department. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I have had numerous issues with this vehicle. I have had to replace the cooling fan, three window motors, the alternator, head gaskets, the fuel pump sensor is broken, the oil sensor is broken, when I pump gas it spills out, the radiator, the electrical system on both the left and right side. The tail lights don't work properly and I have replaced both the lights and fuses as well as the sockets numerous times. These are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. I've spent thousands of dollars, literally, on this car. I feel like it's a death trap waiting to happen and can't wait until I am able to purchase something else, it won't be a Jeep product. Jeep doesn't care if you have numerous issues with their product. When I first started having issues I called the dealership I purchased from to talk to my salesman and I was asked what my mileage was. …
The radiator on this vehicle has been replaced times in the 8 years I have owned it. It has 7 recalls, the window on the passenger side is broken, the sensors in the engine have been replaced twice. The radiator is plastic and looks like something out of a bubble gum machine. It also has a plastic cooling fan, not metal, which also broke. I have put as much money in this vehicle as I paid for it. The brakes are horrid and go out constantly. I only have a 5 mile commute to work. The vehicle is serviced on a regular basis. It is a huge disappointment. I got this vehicle because we had owned several jeeps and liked them. This vehicle is always breaking down. The fan doesn't work on the heater except on high. The alternator has been replaced twice. The exhaust has been replaced twice. I would never buy a Jeep product again after this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. While driving various speeds, the engine warning light continuously illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the engine misfired. As a result, the spark plugs and engine air filter needed to be replaced. The oil was changed as well; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer because it shook while driving. The dealer stated that the psi was very low. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission independently shifted out of four-wheel drive mode without warning. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road as flames ignited from under the hood. The contact exited from the vehicle safely and the fire department extinguished the massive flames. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000....updated 02-28-14 the consumer stated the e-mail address is incorrect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving at relatively low speeds, the vehicle stalled. While attempting to restart the vehicle he noticed a small fire coming from under the hood. The police were called and the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed accordingly and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was left in the dealers possession. The contact stated he had previously had the EGR valve replaced but could not confirm if it was linked to the current failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 86,376 and the current mileage was 86,385.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the air bag failed to deploy. The contact was involved in three crashes and the front driver's air bag failed to deploy. The contact suffered injuries to the head, mouth, and clavicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileages were 20,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. While driving 25 MPH, the dashboard lights illuminated then the vehicle shut off. The contact waited five minutes then was able to restart the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. Approximately three months later while driving 25 MPH, the dashboard lights illuminated then the vehicle shut off which resulted in total loss of power and a head on collision into another vehicle. As of May 20, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,500 and current mileage was 35,623.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that he went out to start his vehicle. After 50 seconds of trying, he noticed that there was black smoke coming from under the hood. A police officer drove pass and extinguished the flames for the contact. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who stated that it might not be possible to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Jeep Liberty, 7% of the model year's 1,118 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Jeep Liberty engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Jeep Liberty, though it has 5 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 Liberty engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 34% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 9 fires and 1 injury 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.