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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE
2005 · Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

1 safety recall. 2,051 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
820 reports · avg $850
moderate
body
384 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
powertrain
239 reports · avg $2,500
severe
engine
126 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
64 reports · avg $700
severe
airbags
55 reports · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
46 reports · avg $600
severe
brakes
39 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Grand Cherokee · other
ALL 4 INTERIOR DOOR OPENING HANDLES BREAKING/FAILING: 1 REAR DOOR TOTALLY INOPERABLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE ' IF HANDLES BREAK OR ARE INOPERABLE IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, PASSENGERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!…
12/31/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938920.0
2005 Grand Cherokee · body
JEEP DOOR HANDLES ARE FAULTY. THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE DOOR HANDLE IS A FAULTY PRODUCT. THE PLASTIC STARTS CRACKING AND FALLING APART. THEN THE ACTUAL HANDLE HAS NO SUPPORT AND BEGINS TO HAVE PROBLEMS. I CAN NO LONGER LOCK THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THREE DOORS ARE AFFECTED…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557958.0
2005 Grand Cherokee · body
NOTICED IN 2010 THAT SMALL PIECE OF PLASTIC WAS MISSING BEHIND ONE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A LIGHTLY USED ONE PERSON COMMUTER VEHICLE. THEN IN DECEMBER 2011 ALL FOUR DOOR HANDLES BEGAN TO FAIL. EACH HAS MISSING PIECES OF PLASTIC BEHIND EACH HANDLE THAT COMPROMISE THEIR USE. TOOK…
12/31/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441943.0
2005 Grand Cherokee · steering
AS I WAS LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ABOUT 40 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE MY JEEP AND AS I ENTERED ONTO THE INTERSTATE THE JEEP ACTED LIKE I WAS HAVING A FLAT TIRE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND GIVING ME A LOT OF VIBRATION AND THE FLOP FLOP SOUND YOU GET FROM A FLAT TIRE. I…
12/30/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164060.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 05V396000 14/09/2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3

IT CAN LEAD TO INCREASED TRANSMISSION OPERATING TEMPERATURES, BOILING OF THE WATER, AND A SUBSEQUENT PURGING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FOR LEAKAGE AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. IF NO LEAK IS DETECTED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE EVALUATED FOR SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER ENGAGEMENT. IF NO SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE TRIPLE FLUSHED, AND NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 2,051 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 820 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Jeep Grand Cherokee has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,051 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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