2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and problems

The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 safety recalls and 2,052 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
2,052
Crashes / fires
82 / 24
Injuries / deaths
74 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls

Recall 14V-438: Electrical System

Reported Jul 21, 2014 · 649,353 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

Recall 13V-175: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported May 7, 2013 · 295,345 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

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

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

Recall 05V-396: Power Train

Reported Sep 14, 2005 · 101,925 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

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 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.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System939
Structure413
Power Train256
Latches/Locks/Linkages163
Unknown or Other134
Engine134
Air Bags95
Vehicle Speed Control88
Engine and Engine Cooling78
Steering64
Service Brakes62
Exterior Lighting60

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body › Door — 221
  • Structure › Body — 136
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 71
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 28
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 20
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 17
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 17
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 10

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 27, 2026
Driving down the road all my dash lights cut off, the windows, turn signals wont work and the headlights (Auto) turn off.
Electrical System · at 145,677 miles · reported Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System). While placing the key in the ignition, it was extremely tight. The driver thought the key could possibly break. The Uconnect and power train warning lights were illuminated. The contact was alerted that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was serviced with no brake lights and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was…
Electrical System · at 184,111 miles · reported Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times, including three times while driving to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair might not be able to be performed because of the age of the vehicle. In addition…
Electrical System · reported Oct 1, 2025
Every single code is displayed when using a ODB2 scan tool. I have many electrical issues that go away and come back. Sluggish performance. Random components inside the jeep will fail at random. I’m thinking the ECU is faulty. Somedays it will run fine with all the codes still present.
Electrical System · reported Feb 20, 2025
Lights on the dashboard were blinking, there were no turning signals, the gas gauge was not working, and the check engine light was flashing. My safety was put at risk because I could not let people know when I was turning. I took it to the dealer, and they said there were too many codes, but none were active for them to fix the problem. So, I have to drive the jeep, but this is dangerous. The warning keeps showing me that there is a problem with the ignition switch that was previously recalled. I want this taken care of, please.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

Compare all Jeep Grand Cherokee years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 14V-438 (electrical system), 13V-175 (electrical system, power train), 05V-396 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (939 reports), followed by structure (413). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.