Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while replacing the brake pads, the contact became aware that the driver's side lower control arm and rear axle were corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V278000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 74,762.
Rear control arms rusted on both sides. One side cracked almost completely through. Mechanic confirmed close to failure which would cause loss of control of vehicle. In 2017 this model was recalled for this danger but only through model year 2007. Appears same defective part was used in this model year (2008). No warning lights of problem. Observed myself and mechanic confirmed problem.
Suspension rotting out for jeeps were recalled up until 2007. My 2008 jeep has the same issue with rotted suspension bars. Originally recalls were for 2005 they added up to 2007. Mine is a 2008. We need to add another year suspension bar is rusted in half. 158 thousand miles. the rest of underbody is solid. .
I purchased my Jeep from a private owner back in 10/2013. I thought I wrote a complaint out but I can not find it here. I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty with a roll back top. While driving with my grandson the top blew back and broke the clip broke when it flew back.. To fix, it will cost 2,000.00 to 2,500 dollars . It was out of warranty and Chrysler would not help me in any way I called Chrysler direct and a local dealer. I did not think it was the right thing to do being that I do not believe a roof she be able to blow off your vehicle. I could have been on a highway driving 50 or 60 miles per hour and that roof could have blown totally off my Jeep and really caused a problem. Extremely dangerous.as far as look at it this it is a huge defect. . I have driven many convertible cars and never had the roof blow back. Plus the noise factor is just awful. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. When the contact removed the rear tire in order to change the brake, he noticed that the rear lower control arm was corroded. The vehicle was taken to northtown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Fiat (2020 niagara fall blvd, tonawanda, ny 14150 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that both rear lower control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 114,660.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Liberty. While the vehicle was parked, a burning odor emitted from the rear driver side wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear axle drain plug and both front and rear brakes were replaced. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions. The rear driver side axle drain plug was replaced twice, including the rear driver side brakes. The failure persisted after the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,100.
When I am driving my Jeep the parking break will randomly come on when I am driving down the highway or street. The heat shaft under my Jeep completely fell off while I was driving 30 miles per hour on a city street. The electric windows, locks and auto start frequently glitch out where they just do not work at all. The cruise control works only about half of the time and will not turn on at all the other half of the time.
Severe rusting of all suspension components. Rf and lf cv joints rusted beyond repair. Front brake rotors beyond repair. Jeep dealers said vehicle has severe rusting and unsafe to drive. Was told May not be worth repairing. Most Jeep liberties are covered under a recall except 2008. Dealer said repairs would be in the thousands.
Takata recall, and suddenly heard a pop in the rear, the vehicle shook, cut off and would not start, lighning bolt light and traction light came on. It did start but would not go about 20. Made it home and parked. Shop thinks it May be drive shaft but several things showing up on monitor.
Both lower rear control arms rusted out, broke off entirely while driving. Under 100k miles. This issue was recalled on the same make and model up until 2007 but they clearly haven't fixed the issue.
Suspension complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Jeep Liberty, 4% of the model year's 541 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower arm (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Liberty suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.