2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

Engine shuts off without warning during braking, acceleration, or at stops (traffic lights, parking lots) with no fault codes stored. Owners report loss of power steering and brakes simultaneously. Vehicle restarts immediately after stall in most cases.

When: 9,000–76,000 miles; occurs intermittently, sometimes multiple times per day, sometimes once every six weeks

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power with no warning; No stored diagnostic codes; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; Vehicle restarts immediately or after a few minutes; Occurs during low-speed driving, braking, acceleration from stop; Sometimes occurs after cold start

Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve replacement, purge solenoid replacement, throttle body cleaning, spark plug replacement, solenoid in throttle assembly replacement, crank shaft sensor replacement, transmission temperature sensor replacement, transmission fluid flush, driveline replacement, transmission reprogramming, front control module replacement—none definitively resolved the issue in multiple owner accounts

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler recommended EGR valve and purge solenoid replacement in one case; engineers stated it is a 'characteristic of the vehicle' and no fix is planned in another; dealers told owners to bring vehicle back only if stall can be demonstrated; some owners cited recalls E13 and 14V438000 (electrical system)

Transmission exhibits rough shifting, jerking, sluggish feel, and hesitation—especially at 40 mph/1500 rpm. Vehicle may stay stuck in one gear, fail to shift properly, or make loud thudding sounds when shifting into drive.

When: Early in ownership; complaints at 21,000–50,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and jerking sensation while driving; Excessive shuddering at 40 mph and 1500 rpm range; Vehicle stuck in first or third gear; Loud thud sound when shifting into drive; All gear indicators illuminated on dashboard (unclear which gear); Stalling during traffic stops after transmission failure to shift properly

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush, driveline replacement, transmission reprogramming, torque converter replacement attempted or recommended

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler engineers recommended torque converter replacement but refused to open warranty claim, stating recall remedy was still being engineered and may not apply to this vehicle; dealer told owner no service would be performed until recall was issued

Vehicle fails to crank or turn over intermittently, sometimes after sitting overnight or after driving all day. Owner may hear only a single click. Vehicle eventually starts after key is held in 'on' position for 1–2 minutes or after battery jump.

When: Intermittent; occurs every few months or weeks; 9,000–140,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Single clicking sound when turning key to start; Engine will not crank; Requires holding key in 'on' position for 1–2 minutes before engine starts; Jump-starting works temporarily; Problem returns despite battery replacement

Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (multiple accounts), key recoding, starter replacement (twice in one account—once with aftermarket part, once with Chrysler part), ignition testing and replacement, transmission temperature sensor replacement—issue persisted after all repairs

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler could not be consulted per one owner until problem could be replicated; no definitive recall or TSB cited

Oil sludging occurs at low mileage despite regular oil changes (every 3,000 miles). Sludge clogs PCV valve and traps moisture that freezes in cold weather, causing pressure buildup. Valve cover gasket fails catastrophically, spraying oil onto exhaust manifold. One failure involved flames erupting from the manifold.

When: 35,000 miles in first complaint; cold morning (–3°F to 3°F) in second account

Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of smoke from hood; Flames on exhaust manifold (oil spraying and igniting); Strong smell of hot oil; Oil sludge found throughout engine components

Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replacement, valve cover gasket replacement, PCV valve replacement; dealer suggested teardown every 35,000 miles to remove sludge; sludge recurred within 1,000 miles of oil change

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged Chrysler is aware of sludging problem; Chrysler will not cover sludge cleanup after 36,000-mile warranty expires

Two bolts on the passenger side of the 4.7L V8 exhaust manifold sheared, causing exhaust leak. Repair quoted at $1,300 for eight bolts. Risk of engine compartment fire and toxic fume inhalation through cabin air intake.

When: Not specified in narrative

Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust manifold leak; Risk of engine compartment fire; Potential for toxic fume inhalation

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,300 to replace eight bolts

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated 'cars are just not made like they used to be' and showed no interest in safety; no recall issued

Valve seat popped out of place, bending the valve, breaking valve guide and lifter, and loosening rocker arm. Plastic head cover cracked, spraying oil throughout engine and driveway.

When: Within miles of purchase (after 7 miles of that drive home)

Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound on startup attempt; Oil splattered over engine and driveway; Engine internally damaged

Repairs/costs cited: Engine teardown revealed valve seat failure; significant internal damage requiring major repair

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response cited; owner expressed loss of faith in brand quality

All dashboard lights, air conditioner, and radio cut off simultaneously for 5–10 seconds, then return. Check engine light illuminates intermittently without stored codes. Warning lights flash on and off while driving; clock resets to 12:00. Power loss occurs without engine stall in some cases.

When: Low mileage to 190,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: All dash lights, AC, and radio cut off at once; Check engine light comes on and off without codes; All dashboard lights illuminated (confused shift indicator); Power loss without stall; Clock resetting to 12:00; Traction control and brake lights flashing; Steering and brakes becoming extremely stiff during power loss

Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness wore into electrical wires and was replaced; crank sensor replaced; front control module replaced; cleanings of throttle body and fuel injectors attempted

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V438000 (electrical system) issued for some models; however, required parts were unavailable for affected owners, and manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair timelines

Vehicle caught fire while being driven at 70 mph. Check engine light illuminated, abnormal odor detected, and smoke appeared from hood. Engine was fully engulfed and vehicle deemed total loss.

When: 142,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal odor; Check engine light illuminated; Smoke from hood; Engine fire

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; deemed total loss

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated an investigator would come to investigate; outcome not reported

Vehicle hesitates, stutters, or bucks during acceleration, particularly after cold start or at low RPM under light load (1200–1500 rpm up a grade). Check engine light may illuminate.

When: Low mileage onwards; 57,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation and stuttering on acceleration; Engine skipping and thrashing at 1200–1500 rpm under light load; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle lacks smooth power delivery

Codes mentioned: O2 sensor heater code (reported in one case)

Repairs/costs cited: Tune-up performed; throttle body and fuel injector cleaning recommended; starter replacement and spark plug work done without resolving underlying issue

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer both state this is an 'operating characteristic' or 'performance characteristic' of the vehicle and nothing can be done; one service manager claimed 'every one of them do this, new or with a few miles'

Engine surges from idle (1000 rpm) to 1500–2000 rpm unprompted while vehicle is in gear and stopped. Vehicle lurches forward, requiring significant brake pressure to prevent collision. Occurs multiple times per month.

When: Recurring throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled rpm rise from idle while in gear; Vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly; Occurs at traffic lights, driveway entries, pedestrian crosswalks

Repairs/costs cited: Local dealer placed monitoring device and recorded four instances in one month; no resolution documented

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Daimler-Chrysler engineering claims no problem exists and blames driver for stepping on both accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously

Check engine light comes on for days at a time without storing fault codes that dealers can retrieve. Light may turn off before dealer appointment, leaving technicians unable to diagnose. Light reappears after a few days.

When: Throughout ownership; under 3,000 miles to later in vehicle life

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates for days; No codes stored in computer or codes are transient/erased; Light turns off before dealer can diagnose; Light returns after a few days

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose without light being on; owner requested warranty extension but was denied; emissions inspection failed while light was on

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated they cannot help unless light is on at time of service; owner within emission warranty window but told warranty will expire before root cause is found

AC works only on driver's side; passenger side and rear vents blow warm air. Or AC cycles on and off erratically with burning smell. In one case, all dash lights shut off with AC, then AC would only work on maximum setting.

When: Early in ownership (under 9,000 miles to 3+ years)

Symptoms owners cite: AC only works on driver's side; Passenger and rear vents blow warm air; AC cycles on and off uncontrollably; Burning plastic smell from dash area; AC only works at maximum setting; All dash lights and AC shut off simultaneously

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated parts unavailable with no timeline; repair quoted at $1,200 for vent door replacement; no replacement completed in reported cases

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer had no parts available; no timeline provided; no recall or TSB cited