2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 3 recalls, 2051 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #05V396000 · 2005 · 101,925 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V175000 · 2013 · 295,345 vehicles
What's wrong: A transfer case electrical failure May result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
Why it matters: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it May roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V438000 · 2014 · 649,353 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Suspension Equipment recall #09E039000 · 2009 · 44 vehicles
What's wrong: These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on October 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 24 mention a fire, 74 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (927): the most common themes are electrical failure (649), stalls / loses power (241), warning light on (114).
- Body & structure (405): the most common themes are door / lock issues (377).
- Transmission & drivetrain (253): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (108), stalls / loses power (50).
- Latches & locks (163): the most common themes are door / lock issues (161).
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 2051 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 37 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints (2.6× the average Grand Cherokee year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (675 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (1295 complaints, 8 recalls), 2006 (1280 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 2051 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (927), body & structure (405), transmission & drivetrain (253).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.