Problems · by component

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee power train problems

253 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite power train, 12% of all 2,052 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
253
12% of all complaints
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

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
“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 contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while idle, the vehicle would overheat with the transmission temperature sensor warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shudder and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the vehicle had to be serviced by an authorized dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V396000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2022Power trainODI 11485313
“Automatic Transmission contamination caused from rain water or AC condensation dripping directly on to transmission dipstick tube . During times of heavy rainfall, contaminated transmission fluid will overflow and puddle underneath the vehicle. Transmission fluid has been analyzed at Blackstone Laboratories and provided results showing h2o being present in the fluid, with no traces of engine coolant. Transmission shutters and shifts hard, reaches excessive temperatures under moderate loads. Dealership and independent transmission shop both have acknowledged an issue with the transmission and a water contamination.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2021Power trainODI 11442499
“PCM HAS BEEN REPLACEMENT MULTIPLE TIMES BY DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP. When computer fails it has failed a circuit with 02 sensors which kills engine power randomly while driving on highways. It has turned ABS light on and Service 4x4 randomly and won’t let the vehicle travel over 10mph. Very dangerous on roads. I’ve had three computers installed in the last Year and a half and have given me 3 close calls almost causing accident. That’s 3 too many. I’m not the only one with the computer issues ask around to owners with these jeeps. How many close called does someone need for Chrysler to not even repair but Just to look into. Do people need to die in an accident for people to take this seriously. The issue is NOT from lack of maintenance either. If my ABS module was failed I would no. My vehicle has a 115,000miles on it and when this dangerous intermittent issues occur there are no DTC codes stored. This is a total epic failure done by Chrysler. If they don’t find something soon about theses vehicles. I will be sure never to by another Jeep product. I don’t drive this vehicle unless I’m alone never-mind one of my niece or nephews With me in this death trap I’ve…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2021Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11432072
“ITS ALL ON CITY STREETS WHEN I'M DRIVING THE ABS LIGHTS COME ON AND MY ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT THEN IT SAYS EVERYTHING IS OK. WHEN I COME TO A STOP LIGHT AND STOP IT DIES BUT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2020Power train, Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakesODI 11372559

Showing 6 of 253 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

2 recalls on this component

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Power trainReported May 7, 2013NHTSA 13V175000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES AND NAG1 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR CONDENSATE WATER MAY ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT.

Power trainReported Sep 14, 2005NHTSA 05V396000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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