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2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 726.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,363 reports with mileage · 688 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 927 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 405 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

82 crash reports24 fire reports50 injury reports

Engine complaints

134 reports
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142,088 miles · Jun 26, 2014
EnginePower TrainStructureFire

IN ROUTE TO OPEN GYM FOR MY 3YR OLD, AFTER EXITING EXPRESSWAY IN TRAFFIC APPROX 5-7MINS, SUV SHUTS OFF. AFTER IT SHUT OFF IT WOULD NT START FOR APPROX 4 MINS, IT DID NOT FULLY CRANK YET CRANKED, IN A PUTTING PATTERN, I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OUT OF TRAFFIC INTO AN OFFICE PARK LOCATED AT 3525 PIEDMONT RD NE ATL, GA 30308 IN FRONT OF…

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IN ROUTE TO OPEN GYM FOR MY 3YR OLD, AFTER EXITING EXPRESSWAY IN TRAFFIC APPROX 5-7MINS, SUV SHUTS OFF. AFTER IT SHUT OFF IT WOULD NT START FOR APPROX 4 MINS, IT DID NOT FULLY CRANK YET CRANKED, IN A PUTTING PATTERN, I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OUT OF TRAFFIC INTO AN OFFICE PARK LOCATED AT 3525 PIEDMONT RD NE ATL, GA 30308 IN FRONT OF BUILDING 7 ENTERING FROM PIEDMONT RD. ONCE PARKED, MY TEMP GAUGE WAS ON HOT PANNED HARD RIGHT, THE SUV WOULD NOT START, I ALLOWED IT TO COOL DOWN TO HALFWAY, DURING THAT TIME I MADE 4 ATTEMPTS TO START THE SUV. EACH TIME IT WOULD PUTTER, OR SOUND AS IF IT WAS OUT OF GAS. ONCE SUV COOLED TO HALF I ATTEMPTED TO START AND IT STARTED IN THE SAME PUTTER FASHION AS BEFORE, YET APPEARING TO CATCH AS IF IT WAS START NORMAL, ALL THE WHILE SMOKING OUT THE BACK A SLIGHT POP COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, YET AS IT APPEARED TO START I WOULD GIVE IT GAS WITH HOPES THAT IT WOULD CATCH AND THEN IT JUST SHUT OFF AND STARTED SMOKING AND THERE WAS A NOTICEABLY DIFFERENT ODOR THAT MY 3 YR OLD AND I SMELLED, FROM THERE I GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK TO SEE IF THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE RADIATOR, SINCE THE TEMP GAUGE WAS JUST ON HOT, I NOTICE THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING IN THE LOWER BACK OF THE ENGINE REGION, I IMMEDIATELY LOWERED THE HOOD DUE TO NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO PROP IT OPEN WITH, I IMMEDIATELY GOT MY 3 YR OLD SON OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, I RETURN TO GET HIS CAR SEAT AND ANYTHING TO HOPEFULLY SALVAGE, I THEN RETURN TO THE SUV TO PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT AS BEST I COULD, I APPEARED TO OUT ON BOTH SIDES AND JUST SMOKING BADLY. CALLED A RIDE TO TAKE ME AND MY 3YR OLD HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY I CHECKED THE SUV, THE ENGINE AREA, HOOD, FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD COMPLETELY BURNED, THERE IS NO HOOD AREA, THE HOOD IS IN THE WINDSHIELD, AND EVERYTHING ELSE FORWARD CHARD AND MELTED, TO THE YELLOW PIECES, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE PHOTOS, AND A VIDEO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10606256

52,000 miles · May 8, 2014
Engine

AS I WAS TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND PRESSING THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND I KEPT PRESSING HARDER, BUT DID NOT EVER COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587250

120,000 miles · Apr 21, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

AFTER 13V175000 RECALL - 2005 JEEP GC STILL SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE RUNNING. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN MOVING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, IT "STALLS" IN NEUTRAL AND WON'T MOVE INTO REVERSE. SO FAR, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IDLING AT STOP LIGHTS AND IN PARKING GARAGES. PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, SHUTTING IT OFF, AND TURNING IT BACK ON RE…

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AFTER 13V175000 RECALL - 2005 JEEP GC STILL SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE RUNNING. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN MOVING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, IT "STALLS" IN NEUTRAL AND WON'T MOVE INTO REVERSE. SO FAR, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IDLING AT STOP LIGHTS AND IN PARKING GARAGES. PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, SHUTTING IT OFF, AND TURNING IT BACK ON RESET THINGS - BUT I'M WORRIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP - THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10584065

139,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF COMPLETELY FOR NO REASON THEN RESTARTED ITSELF THIS HAPPEN 3 TIMES THAT DAY AND HAS HAPPEN 2 MORE TIMES AFTER THAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576092

67,558 miles · Mar 18, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DUE TO A FAILED ENGINE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,558.

NHTSA ODI #10573215

89,000 miles · Feb 9, 2014
Engine

I WENT TO CHANGE THE OIL AND NOTICED ONLY 2 QUARTS WERE DRAINED FROM THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF 5. I USE MOBILE1 FULLY SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL AND SINCE THEN IM AVERAGING LOSING A QUART OF OIL A MONTH. THE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, WHEN IT GETS LOW, I JUST NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. I SEARCHED FOR ANSWERS ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THA…

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I WENT TO CHANGE THE OIL AND NOTICED ONLY 2 QUARTS WERE DRAINED FROM THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF 5. I USE MOBILE1 FULLY SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL AND SINCE THEN IM AVERAGING LOSING A QUART OF OIL A MONTH. THE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, WHEN IT GETS LOW, I JUST NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. I SEARCHED FOR ANSWERS ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAPPENS ON ALL 3.7 LT ENGINES AROUND 75,000 MILES CHRYSLER MAKES. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563577

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561072

65,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED ITSELF INTO 3RD GEAR. PADDLE SHIFTING WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WILL UP OR DOWN SHIFT. ERROR CODES GIVEN ARE P0700, AND P0406. PROBLEM SEEMED TO RESOLVE AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE, BUT THEN SHIFTS AGAIN AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. NOW VEHICLE STAYS IN 3RD GEAR PERMANEN…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED ITSELF INTO 3RD GEAR. PADDLE SHIFTING WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WILL UP OR DOWN SHIFT. ERROR CODES GIVEN ARE P0700, AND P0406. PROBLEM SEEMED TO RESOLVE AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE, BUT THEN SHIFTS AGAIN AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. NOW VEHICLE STAYS IN 3RD GEAR PERMANENTLY. FLUID LEVELS OK, GUESSING IT IS ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER RELATED ISSUE BASED ON INTERNET RESEARCH. TAKING TO DEALER SOON TO HAVE FINAL DRIVE CONTROLLER NEW SOFTWARE INSTALLED BASED ON RECALL #N23. HOPING IT IS RELATED TO THAT ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556174

104,000 miles · Sep 30, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #10546312

128,000 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 11-12-13 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10538455

Official recalls

3

14V438000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Jul 21, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

13V175000 · Electrical System; Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

May 7, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

05V396000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Sep 14, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE14017 · Air Bag Non-deployment

Opened Jun 16, 2014 · Closed Dec 23, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:ignition

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Electrical System:ignition:module

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Chrysler is conducting a safety recall of approximately 643,618 model year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to address the problem of ignition turning off while driving (see NHTSA recall 14V-438 for more information).According to Chrysler, these vehicles may experience an unintended change in ignition switch position while driving, which may result in loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash and disabling one or more of the vehicle's safety features including the frontal air bags.Most of the reported incidents occurred as a result of driver interaction with the ignition key.Based on the recall action taken by Chrysler, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed.Additionalinformation on this closing resume, and the investigation are in the PE14-017 public file available online at SaferCar.gov.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10101116 10103300 10106060 10112589 10116788 10126986 10128093 10130780 10145501 10146213 10153018 10155291 10156396 10158165 10162933 10166746 10178559 10183305 10186545 10189530 10192237 10193106 10194092 10199552 10199986 10221500 10222283 10227253 10231011 10328609 10358324 10392364 10577532 10585326 10585976 10599142 10604990 10605091 10605209 10606494 10606610 10607043 10607614 10607785 10608196 10615565 10615671 10615761 10616124 10633266 10633313 10633724 10639371 10640010 10644827 10652526 10653000 10653382 10654009 10654139 10654809 10655095 10659448 10662220 10662703

Go deeper into Jeep Grand Cherokee problems