3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,937 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #16

Jan 312023

Grand Cherokee

  • 196,000 miles

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

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.

- Arkansas City, KS, USA

problem #15

Oct 202015

Grand Cherokee

  • 16,787 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was to have the ignition replaced, but rendered the ignition key useless. The contact stated that the ignition key was difficult to turn to the off accessory. The dealer was contacted and a technician was dispatched to pick up the vehicle. The dealer replaced the new ignition with a used, non-compliant ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the dealer failed to follow proper procedures. The vehicle was not repaired and was awaiting a new ignition. The failure mileage was 16,787.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #14

Oct 092014

Grand Cherokee

  • 50,000 miles
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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the ignition key was faulty and easily released from the ignition switch. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle completely shut off without warning. The vehicle was not was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Rockville Centre, NY, USA

problem #13

Aug 022014

Grand Cherokee

  • 250,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact indicated that while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact indicated that the passenger was able to turn the ignition on by hand without having the key in the ignition. The authorized dealer was notified of the failure and was not able to neither replicate nor diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the safety concern. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

problem #12

Oct 062014

Grand Cherokee

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to turn on the vehicle, the key failed to move forward to the on position in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

- Long Island City, NY, USA

problem #11

Sep 162014

Grand Cherokee

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle stalled while idling. The dealer stated that the ignition sensor and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

- Nolwalk, CT, USA

problem #10

Aug 172011

Grand Cherokee

  • 53,000 miles

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

Failed to start on 2 occasions 8/10/11 & 8/17/11. All electrical components working; battery recently replaced.

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

problem #9

Apr 092006

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,100 miles
Was driving on interstate 70 mph, light lit up, I couldn't accelerate, my car immediately slowed down, I barely managed to coast over to the side of road while dodging traffic. Immediately put the car in park, shut the car off, turned car back on, put into drive, wouldn't budge. Made the noise as if I was in neutral while pressing on accelerator. I shut the car off, pulled out the manual, read I could experience loss of power, not to drive the car, report immediately to be repaired. I called the 24 towing number, had the Jeep towed to the dealership. When I received call from the dealership on April 10, I was told this issue was related to the recall problem that I had repaired in February. After further conversation on Tuesday with the service department at the dealership I was given explanation that when I brought the vehicle in for the recall in February 2006, there was already damage done to the vehicle, they had to flush the engine. The power outage I experienced on the interstate was related to the recall, and in addition, they had to flush my engine again and replace a valve in the transmission. When I expressed that I wasn't comfortable driving the vehicle which such safety issues, the service man also agreed it was a safety factor. I was on the phone with Chrysler yesterday, and was told that once this problem occurs a 3rd time, I can then go to arbitration, and take the next step, but that step wasn't clear. After expressing my desire to get out of my lease because of the safety concerns, I was told they couldn't do that. The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is my 3rd Jeep I have driven, no prior vehicle has had problems. At this point, I am supposed to go and pick up my vehicle even though I am not comfortable driving it, in the hopes the next time my power shuts down, I am alive to tell about it. And when that day comes, Chrysler can then take the next step in pursuing further action.

- East Greenwich, RI, USA

problem #8

Dec 182005

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,600 miles
Grand Cherokee shut off by itself (lost power steering and brakes). Car started right back up. This happened on a major highway around a sharp curve and could have resulted in a car accident with injuries or even death. Brought the car to a dealer and they said they could not replicate the problem and sometimes the internal computer needs to be rebooted. I bought the car because of all the safety features. I will probably trade this car in. It's not worth my well-being.

- Port Reading, NJ, USA

problem #7

Jul 152005

(reported on)

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Consumer's knee hits the ignition resulting in the engine turning off in the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The consumer believes the ignition was design to low which makes it prone to being hit.

- Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #6

Jan 212005

(reported on)

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee design flaw in the ignition system. ** answer required***. with a brush of the knee of a 6 foot tall male, the ignition can be turned off while in gear and moving forward on a highway. The car can't be re-started unless stopped and when shifted in the park position. There should be a locking device on the ignition that prevents shut-down while moving in gear.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #5

Jan 212005

(reported on)

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Consumer feels that the ignition function of the 2005 Grand Cherokee can be dangerous.** answer required***. the placement of the ignition on the 2005 model puts it directly in the path of the knee of a 6 foot tall male. With a brush of the knee, the ignition can be turned off while in gear and moving forward on a highway. The car can't be re-started unless stopped and shifted in the park position. There should be a locking device on the ignition that prevents shut-downs while moving in gear.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #4

May 312005

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,500 miles
I have a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Several times since I bought it in March the engine has suddenly stopped while I was driving. When I stop the car and put it in neutral, the engine will immediately restart. The dealer has not been able to find why this is happening. This is far more than a nuisance. Should it happen, for example, while I'm passing another car, it could result in a crash. I have talked to Jeep about this and they claim this condition is impossible. However, the dealer told me that his regional manager has experience the same problem with his 2005 Jeep. However I have discovered the source of the problem. The key and ignition switch have been mounted on the steering column. Should the driver inadvertently bump the key with his/her leg, you can stop the car. I have confirmed this condition and reported it to the dealer. He mentioned that the regional manager also suspected this was the case. I am a normal sized male, 165 pounds, 5' 11". it should not be possible to stop the car in the manner I am describing. It has happened to me several times since I took delivery of the vehicle. I believe this is a condition that is dangerous and needs to be pursued by daimler Chrysler asap. Registered professional engineer,

- Brutus, MI, USA

problem #3

Apr 012005

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Complaint regarding the position of the ignition system on the 2005 Jeep Laredo. The consumer stated he inadvertently turned the ignition off with his knee.

- New City, NY, USA

problem #2

Feb 172005

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Same as 101001116 and 10106060. My husband was driving on rte. 75 at aproximately 75 mph when his knee bumped the key in the ignition switch and car turned off. Very scary, fortunately around 8pm and not as much traffic as usual. Could have been very bad if traffic had been a bit different.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #1

Dec 072004

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer contacted the dealer about an ignition problem. Mechanic stated that a cause could not be determined. Consumer informed the mechanic. When driver entered into the vehicle and started it up, and while driving driver's knees hit against the ignition. This caused the vehicle to shut down intermittently, but driver was able to restart it.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

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