2003 Jeep Liberty: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Jeep Liberty: 7 recalls, 1351 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #03V460000 · 2003 · 336,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the lower control arm ball joints can experience a loss of lubrication that can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation from the steering knuckle.
Why it matters: A ball joint thathas separated from the knuckle could result in loss of vehicle directional control and could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front lower control arm ball joints with modified assemblies and heat shields on vehicles built between January 2, 2001 and October 4, 2002. On vehicles built between October 5, 2002 and March 26, 2003, dealers will inspect the ball joint assemblies (and replace them as…
Suspension Vehicle recall #06V288000 · 2006 · 826,687 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain trucks, the constant tension front lower ball joints May experience contamination. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period with this condition, the ball joint May eventually experience wear and looseness.
Why it matters: When the driver continues to operate the vehicle with this condition, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possibly separation from the steering knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2006. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension Vehicle recall #09V119000 · 2009 · 43,489 vehicles
What's wrong: The front suspension upper control arm ball joint May experience a loss of lubrication which could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving.
Why it matters: Failure of the ball joint could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front upper control arm assemblies free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about April 24, 2010.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #12V527000 · 2012 · 744,822 vehicles
What's wrong: A component in the air bag control module May fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for…
Body & structure, Fuel system Vehicle recall #13V252000 · 2013 · 1,560,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: Owners May take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V046000 · 2015 · 752,644 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12v527 and 13v040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V673000 · 2015 · 284,611 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2016.
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
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.
Suspension Equipment recall #12E047000 · 2012 · 892 vehicles
What's wrong: These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4x2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.
Why it matters: If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation May occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has notified retail stores that have received the subject parts. The front wheel hubs will be replaced free of charge. Owners who May have purchased the affected units should contact timken at 1-330-471-3693 for more information. This recall is being conducted by timken, not Chrysler/Jeep.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 170 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (437): the most common themes are noise or vibration (74), steering problems (57).
- Airbags (391): the most common themes are warning light on (73), fails to deploy (54).
- Body & structure (111): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (15), door / lock issues (6), leaks (6).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (92): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6).
The 2003 Jeep Liberty has 1351 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 13 Liberty model years for complaints (2.0× the average Liberty year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (175 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (1808 complaints, 8 recalls), 2004 (1101 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 17 | 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 2003 Jeep Liberty.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Jeep Liberty, plus 6 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 2003 Jeep Liberty problems?
Owners have filed 1351 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (437), airbags (391), body & structure (111).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Jeep Liberty get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Jeep Liberty 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.