Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 34 | 9% | 56,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 6% | 36,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 30 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 2007 | 40 | 6% | 26,000 miles |
| 2006 | 76 | 6% | 53,000 miles |
| 2005 | 97 | 9% | 39,000 miles |
| 2004 | 52 | 5% | 48,000 miles |
| 2003 | 64 | 5% | 35,000 miles |
| 2002 | 84 | 5% | 55,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% | 25,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal wobbling coming from the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local tire shop where the four tires were replaced and an alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that several days later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter seized, and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and inspected the vehicle. The contact called a local mechanic who drove to the scene to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the VCM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. …
.The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle delayed getting up to speed while making abnormally loud sounds. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond and stalled while making a turn. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road but could not restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to an independent transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed that the transmission torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a clicking sounding and the vehicle lunged forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by a dealer. The contact was referred to the dealer. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Always had Transmissions / power train problems with it until now my mechanic and his Transmissions specialist said that I need a new transmission. They and all other mechanics and people who owned these jeeps or known people who owned these jeeps said they have major Transmissions / power train problems that eventually require new Transmissions on short timings compared to all other vehicles.
2010 Jeep Liberty spontaneously caught on fire and exploded on Friday April 15, 2016. My stepdad and I were out and we stopped and picked up a pizza on the way home and everything was just fine the whole drive home, no smell, no driving issues, no smoke, no overheating dings, no funky sounds. We pulled into the driveway to park and turned off the car, my stepdad got out first, and when I opened my door I said 'ooh it smells like fall!' (I thought the neighbors were having a bonfire or something.) then I saw it and told him 'the car is smoking!' and I got out of the car and got away from it. He tried to open the hood thinking it was a radiator or something but it was so hot it burned his fingers and then he lifted it a bit with a screwdriver as we went to get the fire extinguisher and we saw the fire start shooting out of the sides. It was so hot and so fast. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Jeep Liberty. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the contact exited the vehicle to run an errand. When the contact returned, he noticed that the vehicle rolled away. On a separate occasion, while driving approximately 15-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back home and noticed air coming from the vicinity of the brake pedal. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The contact also stated that the brake pedal seized in place. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 10V315000 (service brakes, hydraulic) or 10V009000 (service brakes, hydraulic). …
Tl contact owns a 2009 Jeep Liberty. While attempting to accelerate, the contact noticed that both the driver and passenger side curtain air bags deployed without warning. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the drive shaft had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that water had gotten into the heat shield which caused it to fracture and affected the air bags. The manufacturer advised him to speak with the dealer to resolve the matter but offered no additional assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Liberty. The contact was driving 25 MPH when the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle successfully restarted after the failure. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions. The dealer stated that the power train control module and engine coils needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 26,123 and the current mileage was 26,150. Updated 03/09/12
Related recalls (3)
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft May be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle May not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on November 28, 2005.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Liberty years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (97), 2002 (84), 2006 (76), 2003 (64) and 2004 (52) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Jeep Liberty transmission problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 15V-222 (pedal/hand lever(motorcycle), Apr 15, 2015); 06V-341 (automatic transmission, Sep 7, 2006); 05V-460 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Liberty transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (134 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › torque converter (31).
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.