10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,671 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 7 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #42

Jul 252013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 99,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Jeep is performing N23 recall for fdcm on wks. Software fix is broken. Recall is forcing component replacements, further flashing, and locked 4WD-lo vehicles. They are denying N23 recall is problem. I do not believe this is a single occurrence. Please see: www.jeepforum.com/forum/F67/N23-recall-issue-no-4-low-1561787/ (these are only those who have mentioned it, and out of those the ones who use 4WD frequently.) want to crack down on a failed recall, this is a good one...

- Novi, MI, USA

problem #41

Aug 232013

Grand Cherokee

  • 65,402 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system, power train). Immediately after the repair was performed, the vehicle would not function in the neutral gear. The vehicle was taken to three different dealers where the actuator was replaced and reprogrammed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,402.

- Larkspur, CO, USA

problem #40

Dec 012013

Grand Cherokee

  • 65,000 miles
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly shifted itself into 3rd gear. Paddle shifting was inoperable and vehicle will up or down shift. Error codes given are P0700, and P0406. Problem seemed to resolve after restarting vehicle, but then shifts again after a couple of minutes. Now vehicle stays in 3rd gear permanently. Fluid levels ok, guessing it is electrical/computer related issue based on internet research. Taking to dealer soon to have final drive controller new software installed based on recall #N23. Hoping it is related to that issue.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #39

Dec 072013

Grand Cherokee

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After we had the following recall done. Report receipt date: May 07, 2013 NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 component(s): Electrical system, power train the vehicle has failed to be put into 4 wd neutral or visa versa, not allowed to be put into drive. We tow behind my motorhome. It happened the first time we tried to tow it, it went into neutral but would not come back out easily. After ~1/2 hr of trying I was able to get it to go back into drive. I took it back to the dealer he could not find anything wrong. About 3 weeks later after pulling it behind the rv and then trying to put it back into neutral it would not go into neutral, took it to a different dealer who reran the flash on the final drive. It worked fine for about a month. No it has happened a 3rd time while my wife was on a trip, she cannot get it back into neutral. I have read of other people having the same problem after the recall, which indicates the recall is causing the problem. I doubt that the dealer will repair for free so I think the NHTSA should require the dealers to repair the problem as part of the original recall.

- Jefferson City, TN, USA

problem #38

Oct 082013

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 56,420 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in and repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system, power train). After the recall repair, the service four wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the transfer case motor failed and needed to be replaced. The contact performed the repair however, the transfer case motor failed approximately one month later. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,420. Updated 02/27/14 the consumer stated the transfer case motor was replaced 3 times.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

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problem #37

Nov 282013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
I recently took my Jeep into the dealer service center to remedy the last recall pertaining to the software flash of the final drive control module. The day before I took my Jeep in I had used the 4 wheel drive low. My Jeep showed no symptoms of the recall and had no proper incidents yet I decided to take it in to have the task completed to avoid any future problems. Since the day I took it in (10/5/2013) I had not used my 4 wheel drive low until thanksgiving day. When I went to use it the transfer case did absolutely nothing and the message "service 4WD system" appeared on the dash. I have asked the dealership to take a look at it and have gotten nowhere expect to be treated rudely and have them extremely resistant to looking into the problem. Without even looking at my vehicle they kept telling me that the issue I am experiencing had nothing to do with the flash as they claim the flash affected the transmission park position sensor. When I read the tab "N23" it precisely names the transfer case as the affected component. Please help. Please!

- Monaca, PA, USA

problem #36

Nov 232013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 106,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am getting a check engine light about the vehicle selector module it also has on many occasions no engages into gear like it was stuck in neutral even when the shifter is moved back and forth now it seems to not engage into gear for some time and at first start of take off seems to not be fully engaged I saw a recall about the control module already but when I went to the Chrysler site and plug in my VIN it doesn't show any recalls.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #35

Aug 232013

Grand Cherokee

  • 65,402 miles
We bought a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and use this vehicle to tow behind our motor home from that time until the present. This requires that the transfer case be shifted into neutral before towing. We have had no problems with this shifting procedure for all of the years that we have owned this vehicle (mileage 67000) until we had a safety recall from Chrysler (N23/NHTSA 13V-175 reprogram final drive controller module) preformed on August 23, 2013 by our dealer, the first time we attempted to shift the vehicle into neutral after the recall repair was on September 12, 2013. The neutral shift procedure would not work since this happen right after the recall service work, the service manager decided to reset and reprogrammed the fdcm and it worked. No repair parts necessary. The shifter worked normally for three more times. On November 5, 2013 while on a trip the same shifting failure occurred. Th the dealer replaced the transfer case shift motor. I don't know if they reprogrammed or reset the fdcm. Total expense to us was $790 for the repair. It worked two more times. On November 18, 2013 the shifter once again failed. The error code once again indicated that the shift motor needed to be replaced, the same one that was replaced. Since that part had just been replaced the dealer did another computer reprogram and the problem went away. The charge for this procedure was $ $47.40. I have called the Chrysler group recall assistance center, every time the shifter failed and every time they state that it couldn't be an issue with the recall since it was only a software change to correct a neural shifting problem. How could that cause a problem shifting into neutral? I believe Chrysler owes all owners with this recall problem a real fix and reimbursement for all expenses due to this faulty recall.

- Larkspur, CO, USA

problem #34

Oct 212013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
I wanted to let you know about a possible safety issue. I own a 2005 Jeep Cherokee limited and the 4 wheel drive transfer case went out while we were camping in myrtle beach. It could be driven so I drove to the Jeep dealership there and they said it the transfer case and it was on major back order and they couldn't give me an idea of when it would be done. When we arrived home in manning, SC, I brought the Jeep to stokes-craven Jeep in manning. They told me there are more than 550 transfer cases on back order and they were not sure when they would arrive. After they looked at the part, it was making a lot of noise so it couldn't be driven. I asked the service manager if this was a recall item since there were so many on back order and he said there wasn't at that time. I called Chrysler and asked the question about recall and only got an answer about the part, which they didn't know when it would be available. Could you check to see if this should be an item that should be subject to recall? perhaps you can get some straight answers. I know there was a recall regarding the transfer case in may that required a software update and that update was done. Thanks

- Manning, SC, USA

problem #33

Aug 202013

Grand Cherokee

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system, power train).the contact noticed that after the recall service, the gear failed to shift properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where repairs were made, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Ukiah, CA, USA

problem #32

Feb 012011

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure and seeks reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated in February 2011, she parked her vehicle overnight in her garage, after having driven it throughout the day without problems. When she started it the next day, the gears would not engage. She spoke with a mechanic, who suggested the transfer case was in neutral. Subsequently, the vehicle was towed to a nearby transmission shop. They ran a diagnostics and the codes indicated the transmission was faulty. Based upon their recommendation, she had the transmission replaced.

- East Tawas, MI, USA

problem #31

Mar 032013

Grand Cherokee

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it rolled away in reverse and crashed into the contact. The contact suffered a knee injury. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 88,000.

- Junction City, KS, USA

problem #30

Aug 032013

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
The vehicle was parked and I attempted to start the vehicle. The car was operating properly 3 minutes prior to attempted starts. The first attempt, the engine fired up and revved up but immediately died. Subsequent attempts were similar. After about 4 or 5 attempts, there was a large rattling noise and the engine became impossible to start. After towing the vehicle to a mechanic and having them open up the engine, we found that the valve seat had dropped out from the cylinder heads and must have caused the engine to operate incorrectly. The valve seat had shattered into many tiny pieces, which most likely caused the rattling noise. Upon investigation I have found that the valve seat dropping out is a common issue on the 5.7L hemi engine in my Jeep as well as other vehicles manufactured by Dodge and Chrysler. This is unsafe and should require the immediate action of Chrysler to recall these vehicles and permanently fix the problem with their valve seats.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

problem #29

Jun 112013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
On June 11, 2013, I pulled into a convenience store parking lot. I put my (2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee) in park & got out (the engine was still running). After a moment or so, my Jeep started rolling forward. It rolled between the fueling islands & it was headed towards the street. My Jeep hit a yellow pole & that stopped it from rolling into the street. (the yellow pole is a safety pole that protects the fire hydrant). I am 100% confident that I put my Jeep in park before I got out of it. I was shocked & scared when I saw it rolling down the lot. I filed an accident claim with my insurance company. The damage was around $6,000. My deductible was $500. Today, (August 13, 2013), I received a safety recall notice from Chrysler. The reason for the recall is the "final drive controller module software may unintentionally cause the transfer case to shift into the neutral position without input from the driver. This condition could allow the vehicle to roll away inadvertently while the vehicle is parked and cause a crash without warning." I was (and I still am) 100% confident that I put my vehicle in park before I got out of it. What are my options at this point" my insurance company paid the claim & I paid my deductible. Now, my insurance rates will go up. Who should be responsible for this? how do I proceed"

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #28

Jun 302013

Grand Cherokee

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled and down shifted independently. The check engine light was also illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic, who stated that the transmission was defective. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign I.D. 13V175000 (electrical system, power train) but did not call the manufacturer or take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 74,000.

- Brooklyn , NY, USA

problem #27

Oct 132012

Grand Cherokee

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 35 mph, the vehicle shuddered upon acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the transmission fluid and then informed the contact that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V396000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 67,000.

- South Charleston, WV, USA

problem #26

Nov 292012

Grand Cherokee

  • 80,000 miles
This has happened a lot. While driving all the intrument lights will flash, causing the ac/heater to turn off and on, headlights to go off, and traction control to turn off. Twice recently the vehicle has shifted itself into reverse with the gear selector still in drive. I have taken it to a shop and they went through the entire electrical system and could not find a source for this problem. All Jeep owners I have talked with (over 30) have this exact same issue. This is extremely unsafe and Jeep needs to be held responsible.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #25

Aug 212012

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Car made a whining noise at 35-45 M.P.H. bought new tires and alignment. It turned out to be the rear differential. It was rebuilt for $1200. One week later it made a higher pitched whine. A Chrysler employee told me that beginning in 2005, Chrysler outsourced for cheaper bearings, and they were defective. He said they are no longer made. A whole new diff and axles had to be installed for another $2800. It still whines at all speeds now. Chrysler said "live with it!', and expect it to fail repeatedly. The case had been set wrong at the factory as well. There are hundreds of these cases on-line, but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge them.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

problem #24

Jul 092012

Grand Cherokee

  • 101,000 miles
While driving for about 30 minutes, the gears changed from drive to the 3rd gear. Transmission reves up and the check engine light comes on. After coming to a stop, and restarting it, it sometimes goes back to drive mode, but reverts back to the third gear, displays "3" and stays there. Took it to a mechanic, could not fix. Dealer claims no recalls for this problem, but online blogs show plenty of people with the same problem. Help.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #23

May 012012

Grand Cherokee

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that there was a manufacturer's recall for the transmission tube oil seal but the recall could not be performed due to an extensive back log. The contact stated that the repair had exceeded a reasonable time frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 94,000.

- Mission , TX, USA

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