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 2008 Jeep Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We had a fire in the engine compartment. Fire started at the engine manifold ! We took pictures of the damage! This could have killed my son in law ! We gifted the vehicle to him so it could be used as a station vehicle. A dangerous situation Exist ! There is no recall or acknowledgment of this problem being identified!
1st incident occurred in March 2013. I was driving to work in a 25mph zone. Suddenly, the horn started beeping, windshield wipers (front and rear) were going, washer fluid was pouring out, power door locks where going on and off. Had to pull over because I could not see with the fluid spraying out at full speed. I turn the car off and removed key from the ignition and this continued to go on for 5 minutes. Brought the car to manfredi dealership. They replaced the TIPM module which was very costly. A year and 1/2 later on May 18, 2015, I experienced the same exact problem. There is definitely a major flaw with this part. It's extremely dangerous when this occurs on a highway/turnpike doing the speed limit. This part should be recalled immediately. I should not be responsible to pay for yet another TIPM. …
09/5/2010 after my purchase of my Jeep I took it to brandon courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep , I have had nothing but problems with my Jeep since then they damaged my Jeep and refused to take ownership of all they had done. I keep telling management of the issues no real response do to my spinal cord injury no other choice in dealership mantinance. 08/2014 last yr I was on i75 going about 70 when my slider roof flow open taking parts with it.I paid them over 100.$ plus they changed my insurance over $2000. I have taken it back over ten times it still leaking. And stained from the leaks. They no longer reunion my calls. Plus they did not replace the slidder roof as charged but repaired.my batteries don't last. Since my first visit with brandon courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership I had told them of the exssive wind noise. …
Was informed by my dealership that the crossmember that goes between the frame and holds the engine and transmission in place was rusted out and needed replacing. Was also informed that there was a recall for the part on 2007 Jeep patriots, but not on 2008 and I'd have to pay for the repair. Was told not to drive the vehicle until repaired as it was a serious safety issue!!. What choice did I have? I paid. . . Through the nose for something that would have been covered had I bought a 2007 model. I was given this website to make a complaint. …
Amongst other issues: vehicle fails to start occasionally, from both cold and warm states. From completely off, turning the key begins ignition but often does not start the vehicle. Engine sputters but does not complete the start. On some occasions, depressing the gas pedal while trying to start the vehicle works, leading me to believe this is one of the widely reported TIPM issues plaguing jeeps from 2007-2014. I conclude the fuel pump fails to receive a signal to start from the TIPM which causes the ignition failure. In addition, I have had multiple electrical issues including doors locking and unlocking when the opposite corresponding buttons are pressed, windshield wipers turning on when the turn signal is used, warning lights on the dashboard reporting non-issues, failure of power steering, and failure to accelerate when the gas pedal is depressed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while attempting to move from a parked position, the vehicle called. The contact stated that the check engine light then illuminated. The contact stated also stated that the failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contacted stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The contact also stated that the fuel pump and the fuse panel was replaced on three separate occasions by an independent mechanic however, the failure recurred. The contact was also informed that the failure was similar to manufacturer communication number: 10136536 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. While driving unknown speeds, the check engine indicator illuminated and there was an abnormal sound emerging from the vehicle. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that the heat shield became detached and was on the drivetrain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (port jeff Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 5130 nesconset hwy, port jefferson station, ny 11776) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and did not assist. The failure mileage was 188,112.
The rocker arm of my Jeep became attached from the engine because there is a flaw on the passenger's side of the engine. The way the cam turns makes it a very real possibility that the rocker arms on that side can detach. Apparently this is a very common problem and very well known among mechanics for the company as well as third-party mechanics, but the company themselves claimed they've never heard any issues on the matter. I actually have had a friend have the same issue with her vehicle a couple years back, and she wrote and they stonewalled her as well. I really think this is a dangerous issue that should be examined more seriously. There's tons of people who have written online who have had the same issue.
I was parking my Jeep Liberty at the Jeep dealer. I had an appointment to have the engine checked because of a malfunction light that would not go out after starting the car. I had pulled into a parking space and then backed up to straighten the vehicle out in the space. When I started to pull into the parking space again the vehicle surged forward striking the dealership building damaging the concrete block structure, damage to the front bumper lights, and front fenders. The driver side airbag deployed. This is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me. The vehicle is currently being repaired and I will attempt to have all sensors and parts available returned to me.
Car would not start after being parked for about 45 minutes. We guessed it was a battery, starter or alternator. Had towed to dealership and was advised that the TIPM was bad and needed to be replaced. After further review, I see that I was a lucky one as the TIPM has all manner of issues when it starts to go bad. The dealer is telling me I have to wait 3 weeks for a backordered part due to a national recall of other model years. This is going to cost an unreasonable amount in both repair and rental car costs.
Engine complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Jeep Liberty, 7% of the model year's 541 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Liberty engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Jeep Liberty, though it has 4 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 2008 Jeep Liberty engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 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.