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 Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to three different independent mechanics to be diagnosed, and the third mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Chrysler Campaign Number: E05 due to the engine build date. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. Several gauges became inoperable with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,666.
Engine failed, speedometer, tach went to 0, all gauges went to 0, power steering failed after I declutched and then coasted to a full stop (power brakes failed but still had some brake input) safely on the shoulder of an off ramp. (This not the first time this has happened, however it was the first time pulling a full trailer, so I drive as if it could happen again) Vehicle was at Branhaven Jeep in Branford, CT last July @ 64429 miles... they were unable to duplicate. It is now at Gengras Jeep in East Hartford, CT, same story. I've asked Gengras to replace the ignition switch again. I have the ignition switch from Branhaven which I found the copper plate worn off to steel and evidence of arcing on the contacts
Engine warning light has been coming on since about 70k miles(190k now). Scanner says O2 sensor is bad. After replacement of the O2 sensor, the fault continues to show up randomly. I carry a scanner to reset the engine code on the road. All wiring has been checked and is ok. When I clear the code, the error does not show up again for anywhere from 125 miles to around 300 miles. Clearing the code starts the process all over.
The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.
The camshaft sensor upper bushing does not get lubricated seizes up causes camshaft to wear out. In my jeep I replaced three of them on the inline 4.0 6cyl. I only have 66,660 miles on my jeep. June 4, 2021.
This is an update to NHTSA complaint 10919983 - regarding chrylser e05 campaign camshaft replacement - I still need a new camshaft but have performed a temporary fix in replacing the opda. The new gear on the opda has prevented enough wear gap for the engine to not go into limp mode and will start immediately when temps are under 40 degrees f. I still need a new camshaft to complete this fix. I May try the Chrysler customer service to resolve, but the e05 recall does not cover my manufacture date and the campaign has been closed. I am stuck with a used lemon! Buyer beware of this model year, there is a camshaft gear issue that will prevent engine timing to run correctly and ability to pass emissions! Codes p340 and p344 plus engine will not rev beyond 2500rpm (limp mode) are the tell tale signs. A new opda is worth a try temporary fix $80. …
I was driving my Jeep to work on Sunday June 4th going approximately 35mph when my check engine light and check gauges light came on and I had no oil pressure and it was making a horrible noise from the engine bay so I immediately shut the vehicle off. After doing some research I had found that there was an e05 recall on 2005 and 2006 jeeps for the camshaft synchronizer, camshaft gear and oil pump drive assembly. The recall covers all jeeps with the 8th caracter of the VIN being letter s which mine is and they also cover specific build dates and my Jeep falls 1 month short of those dates but I am experiencing all the same problems as others. I had called Chrysler and they are making a case for me but said it is not certain that anything can be done and that I should file on NHTSA as well. …
This specific part was recalled eleven or so years ago. Since that time, the same part has been replaced 6 times. One time requiring a total engine overhaul. Upon researching this part, I have found that there are many complaints with the failure of this same model year of Jeep wranglers and this part (oil pump drive). We have poured over $5000 into this vehicle due to this part and we still have a vehicle that does not run. I have called Jeep three times now and they have no advice for me or offer of assistance for this part. Engine locked up while driving down the highway.
July 2016 - 83,000 mi. -failure of oil pump gear drive. Repaired by Jeep dealer in montrose, co. June 2017 - 88,000 mi. - oil pump gear drive failed again, this time cam shaft gear drive also failed requiring a major engine overhaul. Repaired by Jeep dealer in montrose, co. Researching on internet I discovered this is a reoccurring problem with this vehicle. A recall was issued by Jeep/Chrysler for a limited number of VIN numbers but there are many complaints outside of their recall range, including mine. I contacted Chrysler warranty dept but they refuse to make an exception.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, 6% of the model year's 650 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 1 recall 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 Wrangler engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
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.