Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2005 Jeep Wrangler

The Verdict

17 Total Klunk

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler has 649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (485 complaints) and body (97 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 17/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Wrangler, consider the 2003 model year which has 84% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2003 has 84% fewer complaints

View the 2003 Jeep Wrangler dashboard →

17

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.

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200011714383672
2001643533123
2002567201213
2003467131719
200411216162523
200597122148534
2006128202350751
20072924522841475
20082515351133291
20091271214313241
20101053320827959
2011972518514035
201211636216211248
201311352122163194
2014915910633853
2015751089813835
2016861219010153
20177062567442
2018126848204114148
201948518965369
202030771548639
20213571515325583
202211238812436
20238749111827

By Category

Engine
485
Body
97
Transmission
34
Electrical
21
Brakes
12

By Severity

1
294
2
331
3
5
4
18
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

Engine warning light has been coming on since about 70k miles(190k now). Scanner says O2 sensor is bad. After replacement of the O2 sensor, the fault continues to show up randomly. I carry a scanner to reset the engine code on the road. All wiring has been checked and is ok. When I clear the code, the error does not show up again for anywhere from 125 miles to around 300 miles. Clearing the code starts the process all over.

33mo ago
Body 2

As I was driving home from work on Feb. 14, 2023, in Rocky Hill, NJ. the vehicle developed a sudden loss of steering control. I had it towed to Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Princeton, NJ. The service manager informed me that the area of the frame to which the steering gear box is bolted had completely rotted, and the steering box had separated. The car was not driveable and could not be repaired. The vehicle will be available for inspection until April 15, 2023.

41mo ago
Transmission 1

Ecm computer , o2 heater sensor from ecm and controls transmission shift points . Replaced o2 sensors and transmission is controlled by ecm not shifting correctly will stay in first gear and hard shift to second can create loss of control in wet weather conditions.

47mo ago
Transmission 2

Keep wobble almost caused head on collision afraid to drive vehicle over 55 mph

47mo ago
Engine 1

The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.

61mo ago
Engine 2

Engine failed, speedometer, tach went to 0, all gauges went to 0, power steering failed after I declutched and then coasted to a full stop (power brakes failed but still had some brake input) safely on the shoulder of an off ramp. (This not the first time this has happened, however it was the first time pulling a full trailer, so I drive as if it could happen again) Vehicle was at Branhaven Jeep in Branford, CT last July @ 64429 miles... they were unable to duplicate. It is now at Gengras Jeep in East Hartford, CT, same story. I've asked Gengras to replace the ignition switch again. I have the ignition switch from Branhaven which I found the copper plate worn off to steel and evidence of arcing on the contacts

61mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. Several gauges became inoperable with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,666.

61mo ago
Engine 3

At every fuel fill up, gasoline splashes back out onto the vehicle, the person filling the vehicle and creates a very unsafe puddle of gasoline on the ground. There is never a time that it does not happen. I would be readily available to make my vehicle available for inspection of this concern. Chrysler has issued recalls for this exact problem on several of their vehicle models all within the same time period of manufacturing. The fuel tank inlet check valve is a widely known and dangerous issue that should be seriously considered to repair the remaining vehicles on the road with this problem. It has been documented by numerous owners of Jeep Wranglers from 2005-2006 while the same issue forced a recall of the same Jeeps in later model years, 2007-2008. The Jeep has been inspected by a certified mechanic where I was notified of much of this information. With the amount of gasoline that spills out and the motorist re-enters their vehicle, there could be a static charge that could ignite the gasoline and cause extreme personal harm and property damage. There is no indication or warning sign to alert you that it is going to splash out gasoline. I am left to rarely fill my fuel tank to the maximum level to avoid being soaked in gasoline and irritating my skin or worse. I have owned this Jeep for going on 4 years and it has been a concern since day 1. I am noting this report of having been injured but the injuries at this point are only skin irritations as a result of gasoline coming in contact with our skin. I also noted the date as the first time this happened but as mentioned before, it happens or will happen at every fill up.

61mo ago
Engine 1

The camshaft sensor upper bushing does not get lubricated seizes up causes camshaft to wear out. In my jeep I replaced three of them on the inline 4.0 6cyl. I only have 66,660 miles on my jeep. June 4, 2021.

62mo ago
Electrical 1

ECU STOPED WORKING NO REASON.

69mo ago
Electrical 2

THE PCM HAS A KNOWN HIGH FAILURE RATE DUE TO THE VIBRATION. THE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN A RESIN THAT YOU CAN NOT REMOVE. THE PCM IS 500-1300 TO GET A REPAIRED AND REPROGRAMED ONE. I HAVE A 2005 AND THE PCM HAS FAILED AND GIVES BAD PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT RUN ON TEH 14.7 STOKES FOR AIR/FUEL/ IT DUMPS FUELS AND I DO NOT THINK IT MEETS EMISSON LEVELS IN THIS CONDITION.

70mo ago
Body 2

STEERING STABILIZER GOES OUT ON AVERAGE ABOUT 20,000 TO 30,000 MILES WITH NORMAL STREET OR HIGHWAY DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING BACK AND FORTH AND WHEELS SHAKE VIOLENTLY . I SEE JEEP IS NOW RECALLING SOME 2018-2019 JEEPS AND WOULD LIKE MINE FIXED TOO .

84mo ago
Body 2

HOOD FLUTTER WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT OR ABOVE 50MPH. HAD TO REPLACE LATCHES WITH A NEW SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE THE FLUTTER AND POSSIBILITY OF IMPENDING FAILURE.

85mo ago
Body 4

: I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. FOR THE LAST 10+ YEARS MY ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE 5-7 TIMES. EVERY TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SHOP - THEY HAVE TEST DRIVEN IT BUT NO STICKING. LAST WEDNESDAY (5/22) AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN MY ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN AT FULL THROTTLE & I HIT A CAR. NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT I WAS GIVEN A CITATION WITH WITNESSES TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING STUCK. THE MAN AT THE SHOP TOLD ME HIS JEEP WRANGLER HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED JEEP CORPORATION & FILED A REPORT (CASE [XXX]) WITH A WORKER "ALY". SHE TOLD ME TO PARK MY JEEP AND AN INSPECTOR WOULD BE THERE TO INVESTIGATE. THAT WAS MORE THAN A WEEK AGO & 5 CALLS TO 1-877-426-5337. CAN YOU HELP ME? MY INSURANCE CO. WANTS ME TO GET ESTIMATES FOR MY DAMAGE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DRIVE ON THE ROAD DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR STICKING & NOT BEING INSPECTED BY JEEP RECALL INSPECTORS. PLEASE HELP ME...'. (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

86mo ago
Transmission 2

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND PULLING FROM MY DRIVEWAY ONTO A CITY STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED. BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER CENTER SECTIONS OF THE FRAME RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH NO VISIBLE INDICATION ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME RAILS. WATER AND DEBRIS ENTER THROUGH HOLES USED IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND DUE TO NO DRAIN HOLES IN ANY OF THE LOWER POINTS THE WATER AND DEBRIS ROT THE FRAME AWAY. IN MY CASE THE TRANSMISSION PAN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FELL FREE WHEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME RAIL ON THAT SIDE CRUMBLED WHILE ENTERING A CITY ROAD FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ONE AXLE, AND THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE GARAGE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PLACE IT ON A LIFT TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE AS THE FRAME WOULD HAVE CRUMBLED AND SNAPPED IN ADDITIONAL PLACES THUS CREATING A HAZARD AND POSSIBLY DEADLY SITUATION THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTING THE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PLACED ON A FLATBED AND BROUGHT BACK TO MY HOME.

87mo ago
Transmission 1

TAKATA RECALL, OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR, PCM POWERTERRAIN CONTROL MODULE I BELIEVE NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED I HAVE A FAILURE OF POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE ITS GETTING TO MUCH OR TO LITTLE FUEL AND LAST WEEK MY OIL PRESSURE WILL NOT BUDGE MY GAUGES ARE SLOWLY GOING OUT ON MY DASH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH BLINKS RAPIDLY WITH THE CHECK GAUGES BECAUSE OF MY OLD PRESSURE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MULTIPLE PLACES TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THEY SAY IT IS THE OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR AND THE PCM NEEDING TO BE REPROGRAMMED ALONG WITH THAT BEING OUT OF LINE MY GROUND CONNECTIONS SEEM TO BE BAD BUT I REPLACE ALL OF THEM FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ENGINE BLOCK THE DASH AND A COUPLE MORE IT HAS PRESSURE BUT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT. ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT ABOUT 143,000 MILES I HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE PARTS INCLUDING THE OIL PUMP OIL SENSOR ALL OF THE GROUND WIRES AND TERMINALS AND CHECKED AS MANY RELAYS AS I CAN. ALONG WITH MY DASH WHEN I HAD GOT IT IT HAD 130,000 MILES ON AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS ALWAYS BLINKED AND NOTICED A LOSS IN POWER WHEN I DRIVE SINCE I'VE HAD IT, IT RUNS THROUGH SPARK PLUGS AND COILS PACKS MONTHLY AND HAS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN IT I DROVE IT TO GEORGIA AND BACK AND IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GETTING WORSE AND JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL LAST WEEK MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SAYS I HAVE NO PRESSURE AND THE ENGINE HAS OIL PRESSURE BUT YOU CAN TELL IT'S GOING MORE AND MORE OUT OF LINE. I KNOW WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN NUMBER IT SAYS IT'S BEEN UPDATED SINCE MARCH 14, 2019 BUT WHEN I LOG INTO ANOTHER APP IT SAYS I HAVE RECALLS I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO FIX IT BUT IT DEFINITELY IS THE THREE RECALLS THAT WAS PUT ON THE 2005 JEEP WRANGLER TJ.

89mo ago
Transmission 2

I GET A CODE THAT POPS UP AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A TIME THAT SAYS SOMETHING REGARDING TRANSMISSION. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION IS SLOW TO SHIFT BETWEEN DRIVE AND REVERSE SOMETIMES AND GRINDS (AUTO TRANS). THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF PCM ISSUES THAT REQUIRE REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT BUT AVAILABILITY IS SCARCE. COULD BE POOR DESIGN.

90mo ago
Transmission 2

MY WRANGLER HAS SEVER RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRAME, WINDSHIELD FRAME, PASSENGER ROCKER, AND FIREWALL. THE FRAME HAS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND CAUSED THE TRANSFER CASE MOUNTING BOLTS TO PULL THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT LUCKILY I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY HEADED TO WORK. THE WINDSHIELD FRAME RUST CAUSED HOLES THAT ALLOWED WATER TO LEAK INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE FLOOR TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT AS WELL. THESE ISSUES CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH EACH NEW REVISION TO THIS MODEL. WHEN AND WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE COMPANY TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE?

90mo ago
Body 2

THE SEAT BELT IS SITUATED IN A POSITION TO WHERE IT IS REGULARLY SMASHED AGAINST THE STRIKER PLATE ON THE DOOR WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THIS BREAKS THE FIBERS IN THE BELT THEREBY WEAKENING THE BELT AND MAKING IT VERY PRONE TO BREAKING IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT WHERE THE BELT WOULD BE MOST NEEDED.

92mo ago
Engine 2

WHEN REFUELING MY JEEP HAS ALWAYS BELCHED GASOLINE BACK OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK WHEN THE GAS PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF WHEN THE TANK GETS FULL. THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE A DISASTER & MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO PUT FUEL IN IT. I THOUGHT THAT MINE WAS THE ONLY ONE TO DO THIS, BUT TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT ALL SIMILAR JEEPS HAVE THE SAME DANGEROUS DEFECT.

92mo ago

649 total

1/ 33
Report a Klunk