2005 Jeep Wrangler

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 650 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

531 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,00060,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline334
012
Fuel/Propulsion System98
003
Steering42
101
Suspension19
000
Power Train19
020
Engine14
000
Electrical System13
040
Suspension › Front7
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling7
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission05V460000
Filed Oct 6, 2005256,409 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026154,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to three different independent mechanics to be diagnosed, and the third mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Chrysler Campaign Number: E05 due to the engine build date. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2023NV

Engine warning light has been coming on since about 70k miles(190k now). Scanner says O2 sensor is bad. After replacement of the O2 sensor, the fault continues to show up randomly. I carry a scanner to reset the engine code on the road. All wiring has been checked and is ok. When I clear the code, the error does not show up again for anywhere from 125 miles to around 300 miles. Clearing the code starts the process all over.

Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2023NJ

As I was driving home from work on Feb. 14, 2023, in Rocky Hill, NJ. the vehicle developed a sudden loss of steering control. I had it towed to Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Princeton, NJ. The service manager informed me that the area of the frame to which the steering gear box is bolted had completely rotted, and the steering box had separated. The car was not driveable and could not be repaired. The vehicle will be available for inspection until April 15, 2023.

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2022TX

Ecm computer , o2 heater sensor from ecm and controls transmission shift points . Replaced o2 sensors and transmission is controlled by ecm not shifting correctly will stay in first gear and hard shift to second can create loss of control in wet weather conditions.

Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 2022NY

Keep wobble almost caused head on collision afraid to drive vehicle over 55 mph

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2021MD

The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.

Engine
Filed Jun 28, 202166,666 milesCT

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. Several gauges became inoperable with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,666.

Engine
Filed Jun 28, 2021CT

Engine failed, speedometer, tach went to 0, all gauges went to 0, power steering failed after I declutched and then coasted to a full stop (power brakes failed but still had some brake input) safely on the shoulder of an off ramp. (This not the first time this has happened, however it was the first time pulling a full trailer, so I drive as if it could happen again) Vehicle was at Branhaven Jeep in Branford, CT last July @ 64429 miles... they were unable to duplicate. It is now at Gengras Jeep in East Hartford, CT, same story. I've asked Gengras to replace the ignition switch again. I have the ignition switch from Branhaven which I found the copper plate worn off to steel and evidence of arcing on the contacts

Fuel/Propulsion System2 injured
Filed Jun 15, 2021MI

At every fuel fill up, gasoline splashes back out onto the vehicle, the person filling the vehicle and creates a very unsafe puddle of gasoline on the ground. There is never a time that it does not happen. I would be readily available to make my vehicle available for inspection of this concern. Chrysler has issued recalls for this exact problem on several of their vehicle models all within the same time period of manufacturing. The fuel tank inlet check valve is a widely known and dangerous issue that should be seriously considered to repair the remaining vehicles on the road with this problem. It has been documented by numerous owners of Jeep Wranglers from 2005-2006 while the same issue forced a recall of the same Jeeps in later model years, 2007-2008. The Jeep has been inspected by a certified mechanic where I was notified of much of this information. With the amount of gasoline that spills out and the motorist re-enters their vehicle, there could be a static charge that could ignite the gasoline and cause extreme personal harm and property damage. There is no indication or warning sign to alert you that it is going to splash out gasoline. I am left to rarely fill my fuel tank to the maximum level to avoid being soaked in gasoline and irritating my skin or worse. I have owned this Jeep for going on 4 years and it has been a concern since day 1. I am noting this report of having been injured but the injuries at this point are only skin irritations as a result of gasoline co

Engine
Filed Jun 4, 2021AZ

The camshaft sensor upper bushing does not get lubricated seizes up causes camshaft to wear out. In my jeep I replaced three of them on the inline 4.0 6cyl. I only have 66,660 miles on my jeep. June 4, 2021.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2020149,000 milesCT

ECU STOPED WORKING NO REASON.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 29, 2020138,000 milesFL

THE PCM HAS A KNOWN HIGH FAILURE RATE DUE TO THE VIBRATION. THE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN A RESIN THAT YOU CAN NOT REMOVE. THE PCM IS 500-1300 TO GET A REPAIRED AND REPROGRAMED ONE. I HAVE A 2005 AND THE PCM HAS FAILED AND GIVES BAD PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT RUN ON TEH 14.7 STOKES FOR AIR/FUEL/ IT DUMPS FUELS AND I DO NOT THINK IT MEETS EMISSON LEVELS IN THIS CONDITION.

Steering
Filed Aug 12, 201955,000 milesAZ

STEERING STABILIZER GOES OUT ON AVERAGE ABOUT 20,000 TO 30,000 MILES WITH NORMAL STREET OR HIGHWAY DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING BACK AND FORTH AND WHEELS SHAKE VIOLENTLY . I SEE JEEP IS NOW RECALLING SOME 2018-2019 JEEPS AND WOULD LIKE MINE FIXED TOO .

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 16, 201968,000 milesMN

HOOD FLUTTER WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT OR ABOVE 50MPH. HAD TO REPLACE LATCHES WITH A NEW SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE THE FLUTTER AND POSSIBILITY OF IMPENDING FAILURE.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 9, 201975,000 milesFL

: I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. FOR THE LAST 10+ YEARS MY ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE 5-7 TIMES. EVERY TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SHOP - THEY HAVE TEST DRIVEN IT BUT NO STICKING. LAST WEDNESDAY (5/22) AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN MY ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN AT FULL THROTTLE & I HIT A CAR. NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT I WAS GIVEN A CITATION WITH WITNESSES TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING STUCK. THE MAN AT THE SHOP TOLD ME HIS JEEP WRANGLER HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED JEEP CORPORATION & FILED A REPORT (CASE [XXX]) WITH A WORKER "ALY". SHE TOLD ME TO PARK MY JEEP AND AN INSPECTOR WOULD BE THERE TO INVESTIGATE. THAT WAS MORE THAN A WEEK AGO & 5 CALLS TO 1-877-426-5337. CAN YOU HELP ME? MY INSURANCE CO. WANTS ME TO GET ESTIMATES FOR MY DAMAGE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DRIVE ON THE ROAD DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR STICKING & NOT BEING INSPECTED BY JEEP RECALL INSPECTORS. PLEASE HELP ME...'. (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

Structure › Body
Filed May 10, 201970,000 milesOH

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND PULLING FROM MY DRIVEWAY ONTO A CITY STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED. BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER CENTER SECTIONS OF THE FRAME RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH NO VISIBLE INDICATION ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME RAILS. WATER AND DEBRIS ENTER THROUGH HOLES USED IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND DUE TO NO DRAIN HOLES IN ANY OF THE LOWER POINTS THE WATER AND DEBRIS ROT THE FRAME AWAY. IN MY CASE THE TRANSMISSION PAN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FELL FREE WHEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME RAIL ON THAT SIDE CRUMBLED WHILE ENTERING A CITY ROAD FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ONE AXLE, AND THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE GARAGE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PLACE IT ON A LIFT TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE AS THE FRAME WOULD HAVE CRUMBLED AND SNAPPED IN ADDITIONAL PLACES THUS CREATING A HAZARD AND POSSIBLY DEADLY SITUATION THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTING THE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PLACED ON A FLATBED AND BROUGHT BACK TO MY HOME.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2019140,000 milesTN

TAKATA RECALL, OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR, PCM POWERTERRAIN CONTROL MODULE I BELIEVE NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED I HAVE A FAILURE OF POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE ITS GETTING TO MUCH OR TO LITTLE FUEL AND LAST WEEK MY OIL PRESSURE WILL NOT BUDGE MY GAUGES ARE SLOWLY GOING OUT ON MY DASH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH BLINKS RAPIDLY WITH THE CHECK GAUGES BECAUSE OF MY OLD PRESSURE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MULTIPLE PLACES TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THEY SAY IT IS THE OIL PUMP DRIVE GEAR AND THE PCM NEEDING TO BE REPROGRAMMED ALONG WITH THAT BEING OUT OF LINE MY GROUND CONNECTIONS SEEM TO BE BAD BUT I REPLACE ALL OF THEM FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ENGINE BLOCK THE DASH AND A COUPLE MORE IT HAS PRESSURE BUT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT. ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT ABOUT 143,000 MILES I HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE PARTS INCLUDING THE OIL PUMP OIL SENSOR ALL OF THE GROUND WIRES AND TERMINALS AND CHECKED AS MANY RELAYS AS I CAN. ALONG WITH MY DASH WHEN I HAD GOT IT IT HAD 130,000 MILES ON AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS ALWAYS BLINKED AND NOTICED A LOSS IN POWER WHEN I DRIVE SINCE I'VE HAD IT, IT RUNS THROUGH SPARK PLUGS AND COILS PACKS MONTHLY AND HAS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN IT I DROVE IT TO GEORGIA AND BACK AND IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GETTING WORSE AND JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL LAST WEEK MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SAYS I HAVE NO PRESSURE AND THE ENGINE HAS OIL PRESSURE BUT YOU CAN TELL IT'S GOING MORE AND MORE OUT OF LINE. I KNOW WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN NUMBER IT SAYS IT'S BEEN UPDATED SINCE MARCH 14, 2019 BU

Power Train
Filed Feb 22, 201965,000 milesCA

I GET A CODE THAT POPS UP AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A TIME THAT SAYS SOMETHING REGARDING TRANSMISSION. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION IS SLOW TO SHIFT BETWEEN DRIVE AND REVERSE SOMETIMES AND GRINDS (AUTO TRANS). THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF PCM ISSUES THAT REQUIRE REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT BUT AVAILABILITY IS SCARCE. COULD BE POOR DESIGN.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 5, 201975,000 milesOH

MY WRANGLER HAS SEVER RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRAME, WINDSHIELD FRAME, PASSENGER ROCKER, AND FIREWALL. THE FRAME HAS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND CAUSED THE TRANSFER CASE MOUNTING BOLTS TO PULL THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT LUCKILY I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY HEADED TO WORK. THE WINDSHIELD FRAME RUST CAUSED HOLES THAT ALLOWED WATER TO LEAK INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE FLOOR TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT AS WELL. THESE ISSUES CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH EACH NEW REVISION TO THIS MODEL. WHEN AND WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE COMPANY TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE?

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 28, 20183,300 milesIL

THE SEAT BELT IS SITUATED IN A POSITION TO WHERE IT IS REGULARLY SMASHED AGAINST THE STRIKER PLATE ON THE DOOR WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THIS BREAKS THE FIBERS IN THE BELT THEREBY WEAKENING THE BELT AND MAKING IT VERY PRONE TO BREAKING IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT WHERE THE BELT WOULD BE MOST NEEDED.

20 of 650 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202610300Routine
202563420Routine
20246931170Above average
20233481460Above average
202238915110Above average
202191715270High concern
202060912120Above average
20197389100Above average
20181,81614250High concern
20173095210High concern
20164605150Do not drive
20154713270Do not drive
20146544240Do not drive
20136507161Do not drive
201283410192Do not drive
201148511200Do not drive
201068611350Do not drive
20093727140Do not drive
20088739250Do not drive
200755710250Do not drive
2006730370Above average
2005 — this page650292Fatalities reported
2004192371Fatalities reported
200398431Fatalities reported
2002108651Fatalities reported
20011707160Routine
20002515200High concern
1999213560Above average
1998265691Fatalities reported
1997401756Fatalities reported
19962100Routine
1995202361Fatalities reported
1994151461Fatalities reported
1993108541Fatalities reported
199277621Fatalities reported
199176830Routine
199079751Fatalities reported

Compare every Wrangler year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 13, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.