Problems · by component

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

134 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite engine, 7% of all 2,052 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
134
7% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11701189
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11690782
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 12, 2024EngineODI 11601586
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2022Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11497962
“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!+=”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2022Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11487577
“Entering my exit I noticed my 1month old was no longer sound asleep but screaming I turned around noticing she was being approached by smoke arising from the back of the vehicle.As panic set in I immediately tried to come to stop moving off the exit. At the same time clear fluid gushed out of the hood and smoke immediately entered the front of the vehicle making it difficult to come to a stop see or breath. I went blank out of fear or pure confusion as I reached for my infant in the back as quickly as I could at that point she was. No longer crying. I shot out of the vehicle as fast as possible and stayed in a safety spot attempting to shield her from the sun as I watched the jeep ignite and continue to smoke itself out witnesses gathered around one allowing me to sit in her vehicle with my baby until help arrived. NO warning signs once so ever no indication of an over heating vehicle drove perfectly and not frequently it may be inspected at the towing it was taken to as for the safety of my newborn and myself we both could’ve tragically ended up gone because I was not and would not have thought twice about leaving my daughter in that vehicle. she just got into…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11471460

Showing 6 of 134 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.