Jeep Liberty Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 503 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Jeep Liberty across 12 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (97). The words owners use most often: “torque converter” (8% of reports).
- 503power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 38mention a crash
- 19mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $2,350typical repair cost reported by owners
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Torque converter: mentioned in 39 of 503 complaints (8%)
- Automatic transmission: mentioned in 38 of 503 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Jeep Liberty at $2,350, and half of them between $740 and $3,900.
Based on 14 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2006–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 404 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 503 complaints, 38 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 19 an injury.
Jeep Liberty power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Liberty | 34 | 9% | 56,000 |
| 2011 Liberty | 10 | 6% | 35,810 |
| 2010 Liberty | 12 | 6% | 51,760 |
| 2009 Liberty | 3 | 3% | 50,000 |
| 2008 Liberty | 30 | 6% | 80,000 |
| 2007 Liberty | 40 | 6% | 21,301 |
| 2006 Liberty | 76 | 6% | 53,000 |
| 2005 Liberty | 97 | 9% | 38,939 |
| 2004 Liberty | 52 | 5% | 45,075 |
| 2003 Liberty | 64 | 5% | 34,500 |
| 2002 Liberty | 84 | 5% | 52,500 |
| 2000 Liberty | 1 | 17% | 25,298 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Model years: 2006
Problem: 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. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Structure; air bags; power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2008
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
Risk: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2007
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Liberty VIN: [XXX] Summary: The front lower ball joint on my 2006 Jeep Liberty failed while the vehicle was in normal use. This failure matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 06V288000 (Chrysler F23), which involves corrosion and separation of the front lower ball joints…
The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was…
The vehicle gears slipped into neutral but back to drive without assistance on my part. Once at a stop sign when I resumed driving. Once turning a corner. Once getting ready to back up. / I took it to have the transmission fluid level checked and it checked out ok. There have been no transmission…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Libertys have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 503 owner complaints about power train for the Jeep Liberty. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Liberty power train?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Jeep Liberty?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,350 (half paid between $740 and $3,900), from 14 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Jeep Liberty?
The most frequent phrase is “torque converter”, in 39 of 503 complaints, followed by “automatic transmission” (38).
Other Jeep Liberty problems
- Suspension problems (1,970)
- Air Bags problems (1,352)
- Visibility problems (1,038)
- Electrical System problems (888)
- Structure problems (885)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (862)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (858)
- Steering problems (340)
See all Jeep Liberty problems.