WE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2005. THEY REFLASHED THE ECU THAT CONTROLS THE ABILITY TO SHIFT THE JEEP INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO TOW BEHIND MOTOR HOME. AFTER THE RECALL WE HAD TROUBLE 3 TIMES WITH THE JEEP EITHER NOT SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPEN THE JEEP WAS STRANDED AS MY WIFE COULD NOT PULL IT BEHIND THE MOTORHOME. ULTI…
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
severe 239 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
239
Recalls
0
Crashes
15
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL SINCE I RECEIVED SEVERAL NOTICES, IT WAS RECALL N23. THIS CAUSED A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN I COULD NOT SHIFT INTO 4LO ON A STEEP SLIPPERY MUDDY HILL. PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE VEHICLES TRANSFER CASE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY HOWEVER NOW IT IS NOT AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS CLAIMED THAT IT IS A SEPARATE PART THAT BROKE. HOWEVER ONE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO …
PURCHASED VEHICLE 8/9/08. AT THIS TIME ONLY PROBLEM WE WAS YOU HAD TO PRESS CLOCK BUTTON FOR RADIO TO WORK. DURING 2008 WE NOTICED A LOT OF ODD BEHAVIOR IN ELECTRICAL AREAS. OCTOBER 29, 2009 BROUGHT JEEP TO USED CAR DEALERSHIP WITH THESE COMPLAINTS: FIRST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON, THEN IT BEGAN FLASHING, DOOR CHIME STARTS DINGING, ILLUMINATED AREAS DIM & BRIGHTEN-FLASHING, DASHBOAR…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 239 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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