10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,394 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.

2004 Jeep Liberty steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Jeep Liberty Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Nov 192014

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles

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

Vehicle vibrates at any speed and worsens upon braking. Have had alignment done 3 times and alignment keeps failing. Tires are all new. Have had the camber and casters replaced in front, did not help vibration. Brakes have been replaced, vibration persists. Vibration is so powerful upon braking that sterring wheel bounces out of my hands. The vibration when driving sounds like I have a flat tire.

- Byron, NY, USA

problem #27

Jan 032015

Liberty

  • 164,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while having maintenance performed by the dealer, the technician notified the contact that the front and rear control arms and ball joints were corroded. In addition, the contact mentioned that the power steering and gasket valve covers had to be replaced multiple times for a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #26

Mar 032008

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the front of vehicle started to shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then stated that the front control arm would need replacing. The vehicle was not further repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number 13V252000 (structure).the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

- Jamaica , NY, USA

problem #25

Feb 202014

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 147,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel began to move up and down independently. The contact stopped the vehicle and discovered that the steering wheel position locking mechanism had failed and caused the steering wheel to move out of position. The contact indicated that the defect had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 147,000.

- Evensville, IN, USA

problem #24

Jan 282014

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Jeep Liberty. Consumer writes in regards to gas tank could explode if hit from rear and trailer hitch needs to be installed to protect gas tank. The consumer had the hitch installed, by a company that was recommended by Chrysler. However, several days later, the consumer received a call from Chrysler saying the hitch that was installed was the wrong one, and he would not be getting reimbursed. Also, the power steering pump failed.

- New London, CT, USA

problem #23

Feb 112014

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while reversing from a driveway, the power steering became inoperable and made it difficult for the contact to turn the steering wheel. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle and the failure ceased. Two days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000. Updated 3/31/14

- St Marys, PA, USA

problem #22

Jan 272014

Liberty

  • miles

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

There was a loud pop and the front wheel started wobbling and I could not move the car, and according to opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep, my lower ball joint broke. My complaint: My vehicle has been at the dealership in opelika, al for a month with promises of the parts coming in, but as of today, 2/25/2014, are still not there. Although, the dealership is covering the charge, had I known it was going to take this long, I'm sure I could have had it repaired with all of the rental car expenses I have incurred. This is harsh lesson about dealing with a dealership. Thank you.

- Opelika, AL, USA

problem #21

Jan 262014

Liberty

  • 92,000 miles
Suddenly had a hard time turning car. Checked power steering and it was empty. I put some in and noticed there was a leak. Nothing leading up to this point indicated a leak.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #20

Oct 062013

Liberty

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph up a curvy road, the contact depressed the brakes gently to make a turn and lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle swerved off the roadway and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was not injured. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 190,000.

- Mongaup Valley, NY, USA

problem #19

Aug 042013

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 134,000 miles
Ignition switch failed without warning while transporting disabled person. Again!!!!! this is the 2nd time this same part has failed on this vehicle - it is a tiny, small "pot metal"/nylon part that is a weak link in this supposedly otherwise sturdy rig, and the only fix after all this time of repeated failures is to replace the entire steering column, rather than only the offending part, again. This year, the part lasted for far less time than the original part - for only 4 years and 48,000 mi. It is a dangerous situation when a careful and conscientious driver is unable to rely on a vehicle used to Transport a wheelchair-bound person. This Jeep is a one-owner vehicle and is regularly maintained and cared for by the dealership and other authorized service centers. (in 2009, it took months to get the part) this issue should be considered for recall. The thing is not going to explode and kill someone, but leaving occupants vulnerable (with no warning) is still a serious security issue.

- Langley, WA, USA

problem #18

Jun 302013

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 141,116 miles

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

On Sunday 6/30 I was at the pharmacy around my residense in phila, pa. When I pull out of the parking lot to go into the street with the traffic to go back home. The car started making this screening noise and it felt like when I would give it gas it would not respond. I tried a little bit of gas and then it made a big soun D like an explosion and it lock in the middle of the street. It would not go forward or backwards. It felt like it just drop to the floor and it felt as thou the tires fell off the car.... I had to get a tow truck to tow it away, no matter how much we would work on it. It wouldnt respond. I had just gotten the recall notice and had taken this car to a Chrysler dealer to get the replacement part they had sent notice recalling 2002-2007 Jeep. Three weeks before. I need help. I dont want to get back behind this car. It was scary and once before it had locked up on my in the middle of the highway. I thought I was going to be in a crash.

- Phila, PA, USA

problem #17

Apr 012013

Liberty

  • 110,000 miles
Same as some of the other complaints; vehicle refused to start. Random at first, the wouldn't start at all. Towed to dealer and entire steering column has to be replaced to fix one small part, which is on backorder. Will contact the manufacturer tomorrow to complain, doubt it will help. I have seen multiple complaints with this issue, Jeep should do something about it! $800 in repairs. Last Jeep/Chrysler I will ever own. I don't have the VIN right now, as the vehicle and registration are at the shop.

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #16

Nov 092011

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 62,334 miles
Car suddenly turned left on 6-lane busy street, accelerated, crossed 2 lanes on left, immediately accelerated & hit 6-lane highway divider at 45 degree angle.. bounced up. Perched there for a awful second then tipped down on opposite road. Engine still maxed & uncontrollable.. car turned gently over on roof because engine still at max. Turned it off fearing fire. Wife and I sat there upside down in our belts till the emts came. Researched on internet & found articles by at least 3 Jeep dealers sternly telling drivers to get their rear differential pinion gears adjusted if they mounted oversize tires. Our car had oversized tires when we bought it used. No Jeep company warnings. Were issued Jeep or by dealer. Found 1 terrifying article of a driver who slid to the left without steering control and was struck by an oncoming truck. I've driven about 2 million miles without ever being chg'd w/contributing to an accident..

- Charleston , SC, USA

problem #15

May 292012

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
I attempted to start the car but the starter wouldn't turn over. I checked the fuses and relays for the ignition system, and everything was ok. I had to have the car towed to the dealer. The dealer told me that the entire steering column had to be replaced, because 2 tabs which held the ignition switch were broken. I've searched online sites and find that there seems to be all kinds of problems with the steering column and ignitions switches on the Jeep Liberty. Cost of this "minor" repair $600 plus towing. Mileage 82K.

- Budd Lake, NJ, USA

problem #14

Aug 242011

Liberty

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty limited. The contact was driving 45 mph when she lost control of the vehicle while making a turn. The steering wheel was turned in one direction, but the vehicle proceeded in the opposite direction; however, the contact was able maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the rear control track or control arm broke in half. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 68,000.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #13

Aug 102011

Liberty

  • 108,000 miles
While driving down the main road in our town at 30mph driver heard a loud noise and then lost control of the steering in 2004 Jeep Liberty. The car was swerving and the driver had no control of the vehicle. The car went off the right shoulder of the road, scraped a metal mile marker and finally came to a stop. It has been determined that the left rear lower control arm had corroded and broken. This could have resulted in a very serious accident.

- Delmar, NY, USA

problem #12

Dec 222010

Liberty

  • 110,000 miles
Vehicle started making crunching noises when going over bumps (dips, speed bumps/humps, railroad tracks) issue wasn't constant, tended to happen in the early mornings or late nights when the weather was colder. Took the vehicle to a couple of mechanics with no findings. Over time (02/01/2011) the vehicle started making a 'whining' noise when I make sharp right hand turns, again not every sharp right hand turn recreates the noise. I suspected power steering and or bushings could be an issue. Today, 04/19/2011, vehicle is in shop for new tires and an oil change and an investigation into my complaints/suspicions. It's been discovered that there is a leak in my power steering pressure line and issues with my rack and pinion. On a side note, it's also time to replace my struts and shocks, however this is not part of the issue I've been experiencing, according to the mechanic. It was also brought to my attention that rack and pinion issues as well as power steering pressure line leakage issues are very common with this year/make/model. Funnily enough, after lots of research and many phone calls to several other mechanics, the ps pressure line issue can be fixed but will most likely reoccur due to the hose not being able to handle the constant working pressure of 3000 psi. It seems I will now be looking for another part for my Jeep that is being fabricated by an innovative individual that can do the job that Jeep can't seem to figure out. (your window regulators need to be re-engineered as well)

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #11

Jan 082011

Liberty 4WD 6-cyl

  • 102,000 miles
While driving my 2004 Jeep Liberty I lost power steering. I was able to pull over and stop without incident. My steering rack and a power steering pressure line started leaking a lot of fluid resulting in loss of steering. I have since learned that this is a familiar problem to Chrysler/Jeep but there is no recall. Sudden loss of steering is a serious problem and a recall should be considered.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

problem #10

Dec 232010

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
I have had repeated problems with my 2004 Liberty power steering. It appears that in very cold conditions the fluid leaks, maybe a shrinking gasket or seal" a seeping power steering line" the leak is at the fitting where it goes into the pump. It appears that the pressure from the pump is overpowering the O-ring in this fitting. Unfortunately the leak went unnoticed until the system went dry.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #9

Aug 032009

Liberty 6-cyl

  • 58,739 miles
2004 Jeep Liberty parked in parking garage. Put key in ignition and had foot on brake. Turned key on, put it in reverse and car accelerated out of control. Put second foot on brake and tried to stop car. Continued to accelerate. Front drivers side tire caught a pillar and between that and practically standing on brake finally stopped car. Took car to dealer in West valley ut. They could not repeat a diagnostic problem but did state the throttle body was dirty and cleaned it, along with $1575.95 worth of parts and labor. They replaced a bent steering gear. I had the car for 5 years and it never happened before. I wrote to Chrysler and they sent me a check for half of the $1575.95 damage. They did not include any other paperwork. I called them and they again would not put anything in writing as to why they did not pay the entire amount. I strongly feel that it was a problem with the acceleration system and I should be reimbursed for the rest of the money.

- Meadowlakes, TX, USA

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