The 8 Most Common Failures Of The Jeep Liberty: Reliability And Solutions!

The Jeep Liberty is one of the top options that comes to mind when it comes to budget midsize cars. But despite being a very capable SUV, the different model years of this vehicle have had their share of problems. Let’s take a look at common Jeep Liberty failures.

Over the years this model has had many problems and breakdowns, many users have reported the failures that this design has presented, keep reading and find out.

How good is the Jeep Liberty?

The Jeep Liberty has received average scores in all major reliability ratings. RepairPal rates it 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 14th out of 26 midsize SUVs.

It received higher ratings on Cars.com , earning a score of 4.2 out of 5 based on consumer reviews. The average annual cost to repair a Liberty is $674, which is about $100 more than you would spend to maintain other similar cars.

Common Jeep Liberty Failures

Although this vehicle has been manufactured by one of the world’s best-known automobile manufacturers, driving it will not be without problems of various kinds. Here are some of the common Jeep Liberty failures.

1- Electrical problems

Late model Chrysler vehicles are equipped with a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is a distribution box for the vehicle’s entire electrical system. Although it has its advantages, it is also one of the leading causes of drivability problems for Liberty owners.

Problems due to a faulty TIPM were common between the 2011 and 2012 models of this Jeep. Drivers have reported incidents of their gauges dropping to zero as all the warning lights came on, while some were unable to start their vehicles at all.

These problems can also be caused by other faulty electrical components such as the Wireless Control Module (WCM) and Body Control Module (BCM).

2- Engine failures

Engine problems are a common Jeep Liberty failure for both generations. Drivers have reported instances of engine knocking, rough idling, and excessive vibration when changing gears . The most common culprit is a faulty intake valve. Replacing an intake valve can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 plus labor costs.

Things were bad for the 2002 Jeep Liberty, which had problems that caused a complete engine failure. Vehicles with over 100,000 miles on the odometer had blown motors that needed to be replaced.

This has been a major cause of frustration for Liberty drivers, especially since engine replacement can cost more than their vehicles are worth.

3- Defective Sky Slider sunroof

One of the features that sets the Liberty apart from other midsize cars is its Sky Slider sunroof. Unfortunately, the cloth sunroof installed on 2008-2010 models has been prone to failure. In addition to getting clogged and making noise, its drain pipes were also prone to clogging, causing water to leak inside the vehicle.

A class action lawsuit was filed in 2014 naming several Jeep and Chrysler models affected by the same problem. The plaintiffs accused Chrysler of negligence in disclosing maintenance information to owners, which resulted in damage to the interior of their vehicle.

The automaker agreed to pay plaintiffs $350,000 in legal fees and approximately $129,000 for repair costs in 2019.

4- Transmission problems

Owners of some manual transmission Libertys from 2002 to 2010 (excluding the 2013 redesign) have reported that their vehicles dropped out of first gear under acceleration, which was caused by a bad synchronizer assembly.

There have also been reports of some automatic 2003, 2006, and 2010 Jeep Libertys staying in default mode, causing the vehicle to get stuck in gear . Some were able to resolve the issue by reprogramming the powertrain control module (PCM).

5- Liquid leaks and defective electric door locks

Owners of some 2002-2012 Jeep Libertys have reported fluid leaks from their vehicles caused by a worn transfer case or differential pinion seal. These leaks can cause bearing failure, which can lead to excessive vehicle vibration and grinding or grinding noises.

There have also been reports of faulty power door locks on both generations of the Liberty. Resolving this issue may require replacement of the door lock actuator, which can cost $100-$200 plus labor costs.

6- Unusual noises from the exhaust manifold

Unusual noises from the exhaust manifold have been a common complaint from 2002-2010 Liberty owners. Drivers report hearing ticking noises from the exhaust manifold, as well as knocking noises around the muffler or gas tank. These are probably caused by loose or broken gaskets and bolts.

7- Problems with the fuel tank and the blocking of the brakes

The 2005 Jeep Liberty has had problems due to a bad fuel filler neck causing the gas tank to overflow . Drivers have had to fill up the tanks before the pump went off, causing gas to splash outside the vehicle.

The 2004 Jeep Liberty, on the other hand, suffers from serious brake problems. There have been complaints about the front brakes locking up while the vehicle is in motion. During these incidents, some drivers were only able to drive their vehicle in reverse.

Despite replacing parts like the brake pads, brake calipers, and master cylinder, many people who own this model have been unable to fix the problem. So far, no recall has been issued to fix the issue.

8- Failures in the power windows of the Jeep Liberty

A bad window regulator is the most common 2006 and 2007 Jeep Liberty failure reported by drivers. The faulty part makes noises when the windows are rolled down and gets caught in the door latch, preventing the Jeep door from opening.

The most common solution for this problem is to replace the part. A new Jeep Liberty window regulator can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 plus labor costs, depending on its type and configuration. However, some owners report that they still have difficulty operating their windows despite replacing the regulator several times.

Due to the large volume of vehicles affected, a federal class action lawsuit was filed against Chrysler in 2010 . The lawsuit alleged that the automaker sold Jeeps equipped with window regulators that were impossible to repair. The lawsuit was withdrawn in 2013, although there was another similar one filed that same year, which was also unsuccessful.

To end

Regardless of how well you take care of your car, it’s inevitable that you’ll spend on repairs as you rack up the miles. But by knowing what problems to expect and by performing regular maintenance, you can keep your Liberty in tip-top shape and maximize its life.