The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l engines and nag1 automatic transmissions, the air conditioner evaporator condensate water May enter the transmission at the fill tube grommet seal. This can result in shudder during torque converter clutch engagement.
The risk
It can lead to increased transmission operating temperatures, boiling of the water, and a subsequent purging of transmission fluid into the engine compartment potentially resulting in an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the transmission for leakage at the fill tube grommet seal. If no leak is detected, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If the presence of a leak is detected, the vehicle will be evaluated for shudder during torque converter engagement. If no shudder is detected, the transmission will be triple flushed, and new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If shudder is detected, the torque converter will be replaced, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. The recall began on October 31, 2005. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 05V-396 (05V396000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | E13 |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | September 14, 2005 |
| Owners notified | October 31, 2005 |
| Vehicles affected | 101,925 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 05V-396 repair free?
Yes. Jeep dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the transmission for leakage at the fill tube grommet seal. If no leak is detected, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 101,925 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.