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2005 Jeep Grand cherokee

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2005 Jeep Grand cherokee has 1,986 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (782 complaints) and body (670 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Grand cherokee, consider the 2025 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 96% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Jeep Grand cherokee dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 3

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

05V396000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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 SE...

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 ...

Remedy

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 ALIGN...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

14V438000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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, ...

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...

Remedy

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. O...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

13V175000 POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

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 man...

Risk

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

Remedy

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 ma...

Reported Jul 5, 2013

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000594487241351167
2001509241103153110
200250416252222449
2003292642917430
200452015543112847
200567074782235225
200625451596190154
200710326502269159
2008851438116063
2009392453319
20103310332516
201117427356056955
201219225561748268
201311813430519043
2014758227459545375
201552929181286312
201668145011262
201790215712964
20182535131117147
20199095637035
20206612556823
2021138241068442
20221041810310424
2023122209810621
20244413461209
202517313216

By Category

Electrical
782
Body
670
Engine
235
Transmission
225
Brakes
74

By Severity

1
907
2
960
3
15
4
104

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2005 Jeep Grand cherokee stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Electrical 2

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 needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After taking possession of the vehicle, there was an abnormal sizzling sound coming from the dashboard, and the radio was inoperable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,677.

6mo ago
Engine 2

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, the contact was informed that if the repair was approved by the manufacturer, the labor fee might be at the owner's expense. The contact was informed that the manufacturer needed to approve the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer made the manufacturer aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,111.

7mo ago
Engine 2

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.

9mo ago
Engine 2

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.

17mo ago
Brakes 1

Dash will read "ESP System Disabled" during this the engine light and red lightning in brackets ( ) turns on, on the dash. This affects the acceleration there is none and brakes work but is slow to come to a full stop. An inspection can be scheduled. This happens anytime and randomly, getting safely off the road is hard. First happened April 1, 2024 then April 3, 2024. Had a family mechanic work on it got it back and less than a day having it back and it happened 5 more times just driving to work on August 28, 2024.

22mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

24mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes and the power steering were inoperable. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that after enabling the parking brake, the vehicle independently shut off. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,191.

30mo ago
Body 2

P41 Ignition switch recall was completed on my vehicle 11/2015. Prior to receiving recall notification I experienced no problems with accidently hitting the key while driving. Now I am experiencing great difficulty turning the ignition switch. One of my vehicle keys broke off while trying to turn the car on to drive. Most times I get in the car to go somewhere there is always an issue getting the key to turn allowing the car to turn on. The warranty for the recall has expired and I am very upset that there is nothing that can be done to rectify this problem without having out of pocket expenses. This is very frustrating and I am afraid my last key is going to break off while trying to start vehicle.

34mo ago
Engine 4

I was at the light a and the truck caught on fired

35mo ago
Electrical 2

The Jeep would not start. When the key was inserted into the ignition switch and turned to the start position, all that would happen is a single click. The starter would not engage. The key had to me jiggled in order to start the Jeep. The ignition switch has very high sensitivity.

35mo ago
Body 2

While driving the transmission will go into neutral without warning. I have to coast to a spot I can pull over then put into park then back into drive again and vehicle will go . It has done this three times.

38mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.

41mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine turned over but then failed to restart. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was possibly the wiring ignition module switch. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

42mo ago
Electrical 2

Ignition system was repaired under recall in 2016. The cars ignition system continues to have issues and will shut off and cause the car not to restart. Very dangerous to be driving and have the engine fail. This happened on the highway recently. Chrysler says there is nothing they can do. Car has been looked at by independent mechanics and I have notified the dealership. They say it is my responsibility now.

42mo ago
Body 1

The fuel tank skid plate has completely rusted and has broken off. My tank (that has a date of 2004 stamped on it) is completely exposed. I am afraid that my tank is going to fall off and cause harm to myself or the driver/vehicle behind me. The vehicle is mostly city street / highway driving… no off road driving. I am concerned of the considerable amount of pot holes ️ in my area that damage can be done based on the area I live in. Southwestern Pennsylvania has a lot of pot holes.

42mo ago
Electrical 2

1. Airbag light was on when I purchased the vehicle from SRQ in Bradenton Florida February 2020. 2. The hood handle inside the vehicle was broke replaced it, it broke again. 3. The hood will not shut properly due to the latch inside the vehicle broke. Now the Hood will not stay up by itself property, began in August 2022. 4. Both door handles inside vehicle in the back were broken now the passenger side is broken no way to open vehicle door from inside. 5. December 2022 battery light is coming on, battery is no more than 2 years old check engine light keeps coming on. 6. Sunroof is leaking inside the vehicle when it rains. Hardly ever use/open sunroof. 7. Traction control light comes on blinking quite often since I purchased a vehicle in February 2020. 8. Sometimes vehicle will go into third gear from drive and will not switch down to any other gear or back into drive. It stays in 3rd. I have to turn vehicle off then back on for it to be back into drive. Bought vehicle in February 2020 and spent well over $6,000 in repairs. I have all receipts. Have many more problems that I will send next. It only let me select 3 at a time.

43mo ago
Engine 2

1. Engine over heating problems numerous times and coolant leak. Even after replacement of radiator and hoses. 2. Went to pick up jeep from mechanic due to oil leak, when they brought it around, I noticed pink fluid dripping. Had Transmission serviced in March/April 2020 due to a leak., Flushed system, new filters and fluid. Last few months vehicle says "Transmission over Temp" a few times. Replaced transmission pan, due to a leak, new fluid added, in September 2022. Vehicle indicated "Transmission over Temp" a few weeks later. Didn't drive it a few days, haven't seen the warning sign yet. 3. Numerous oil leaks. Serpitean belt replaced along with other repairs. 4. When I bought vehicle, it had no heat and coolant was leaking in on passenger side floor. 5. Jeep shifts to 3rd gear and won't shift down or back into drive until I turn off vehicle and back on. Very dangerous I was a busy road, US 41 heading north, and had to pull over.

43mo ago
Engine 1

1. Fuel tank started leaking on the top. 2. Middle backseat belt was stuck. It would not pull out. No matter what we tried it just got tighter and tighter, had to cut it. 3. Can't use seat warmer on passenger side because it will burn the person sitting there because the seat tore.

43mo ago
Engine 1

The ECM in trans has defect which can throw jeep into another gear. Electrical issues confuses trans module check engine light us on.. differential is loose now. Unsafe to drive gears could shift causing a crash . Vehicle has been diagnosed at Mr Transmission. 773-768 7676. For full REPORT!+=

46mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while idle, the vehicle would overheat with the transmission temperature sensor warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shudder and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the vehicle had to be serviced by an authorized dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V396000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

46mo ago

1986 total

1/ 100
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