2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems

Water from the AC evaporator condenses and enters the transmission at the fill tube grommet seal, contaminating the fluid. This causes shuddering during torque converter clutch engagement and eventual torque converter failure, sometimes leading to transmission fluid purge into the engine compartment.

When: Varies; some complaints at low mileage (3,000–35,000 miles), others later after years of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering or jerking during acceleration, deceleration, or on highways; Clunking or loud chatter from transmission; Transmission overheating and boiling; Transmission fluid leaking into engine compartment; Engine compartment fires (underhood fire)

Codes mentioned: P0700, Torque converter internal failure codes

Repairs/costs cited: Recall 05V396000: inspect transmission for leakage at fill tube grommet seal; if leak detected and shudder present, replace torque converter, install new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield. Some owners report transmission overhaul costs of $3,100–$3,500 or complete transmission replacement ($5,000). Despite recall repairs, many vehicles continue to shudder.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 05V396000 (issued Sept 14, 2005) for fill tube seal and water deflector installation. Dealers often deny coverage if shudder and water contamination persist, citing warranty expiration even shortly after recall work.

Engine unexpectedly loses power while driving, causing the vehicle to coast or stall. Occurs without warning lights or prior symptoms, often at highway speeds with passengers aboard.

When: Early in ownership; one complaint at 641 miles (new vehicle)

Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss while driving; Vehicle coasting or stalling on expressway/highway; Check Engine, Throttle Ignition, and ESP lights illuminating after incident; Hesitation to accelerate after restart; Recurring episodes

Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Throttle Ignition light, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) light

Repairs/costs cited: CPM (Computer Programming Module) replaced in at least one case; issue recurred within weeks. One owner reported replacement cost not specified; another towed vehicle 150 miles.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate issue; one blamed 'bad gas.' CPM replacement attempted but did not resolve recurring failures.

Transmission hesitates or fails to engage properly when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, or delays downshifting/upshifting. Sometimes vehicle shifts unexpectedly into Neutral or becomes stuck in a single gear (limp mode).

When: Early in ownership; recurring throughout vehicle life

Symptoms owners cite: Delayed or no engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse; Hesitation when accelerating from stop; Downshifting to first gear without driver input while driving; Vehicle stuck in second gear (limp mode); All four gear indicators (P, R, N, D) lighting simultaneously on dashboard; Inability to shift out of Neutral or into 4-Low after N23 recall

Codes mentioned: P0700, P0562, P0750, U0103 (CAN BUS communication lost with shifter), U0404

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Control Module replaced (costs cited: $750, $89 diagnostic + $3,100–$3,500 overhaul). Solenoid pack replacement mentioned. Transmission fluid and filter changes attempted. Transfer case shift motor replaced ($790 in one case). Multiple repair attempts by dealers often unsuccessful.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has issued recalls including N23/NHTSA 13V-175 (Final Drive Controller Module reprogramming, May 2013). However, many owners report the recall itself introduces new failures in 4-Low engagement and transfer case shifting.

Vehicle catches fire in the engine compartment or underhood area, often while driving. Related to transmission fluid leak and AC evaporator water contamination.

When: One complaint at 115,000 miles; another after N23 recall; one at low mileage following transmission seal recall

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood; Gray then black exhaust smoke from rear of vehicle; Flames emitting from under hood (5–6 feet high in one case); Fire in underhood region or entire undercarriage; No warning lights prior to fire

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed or severely damaged in fire. Towing required. Insurance claims filed; one insurer refused to cover as 'mechanical failure.' Owner stated manufacturer investigator took photos but provided no follow-up or resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer investigator documented fire but did not confirm VIN was part of recall 05V396000 nor provide assistance.

Intermittent electrical faults cause check engine lights, dash lights to flash on/off, gauges to drop to zero, and instrument cluster failures. Often accompanied by transmission and engine issues.

When: Early to mid-life of vehicle ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on and/or flashes; All dashboard lights flashing on and off; Gauges (fuel, speedometer, temperature) dropping to zero; Door chime continuously dinging; Headlights and tail lights flashing on/off while driving; Interior lights turning on/off randomly; Defroster stopping mid-use; Vehicle stalling when lights malfunction

Codes mentioned: P0700, U0103, U0404, Transmission control module codes, Crank sensor codes

Repairs/costs cited: Crank sensor replaced ($500.12 in one case including spark plugs and trans electrical leak repair). Junction block replacement ($318.52) and junction box installation ($249.00) performed. Remote start system disconnected ($90.40). Codes reset multiple times. Issues recurred shortly after repairs in many cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate problems in most cases; tech told owner remote start system was unsupported and disconnection was the 'fix.' Dealers claimed issues were not warranty-covered.

After the N23 recall (Final Drive Controller Module reprogramming), vehicles experience new or worsening failures in transfer case shifting, particularly inability to engage or disengage 4-Low or shift into/out of Neutral.

When: Days to weeks after N23 recall completion (May 2013 onwards)

Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into 4-Low; Unable to shift out of 4-Low; Unable to shift into or out of Neutral; 'Service 4WD System' message on dashboard; 'Service Transfer Case' message on dashboard; Transfer case making grinding or loud noise; Vehicle stuck in one drive mode

Codes mentioned: Service 4WD System error, Service Transfer Case error

Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case shift motor replaced (costs up to $800; parts on back-order for 3–4 months). Final Drive Controller Module reset and reprogrammed multiple times with temporary fixes lasting days to weeks. In several cases, internal transfer case cracks in PCB board suspected but not repaired. Owners report dealers refusing to honor the recall for repairs, charging owners out-of-warranty fees.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N23/NHTSA 13V-175 reprogrammed FDCM beginning October 2013. Chrysler has not issued a follow-up recall for related transfer case failures. Chrysler customer service unable or unwilling to provide support; one owner reported voicemail left in November 2013 never returned.

Power door locks fail to lock or unlock using either the key or remote. Issue is intermittent and becomes worse with repeated use of the lock switch.

When: Early in ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Door locks will not respond to key insertion or remote; Issue is intermittent; worsens when lock button toggled repeatedly; Safety concern in parking garages or high-traffic areas

Repairs/costs cited: Five dealer visits for this issue; dealers unable to duplicate the problem. One dealer attributed 'button overheating' as normal; no parts replaced.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed issue was 'normal' or unable to replicate; no service bulletins or recalls issued.

AC blows cold intermittently, then switches to warm or hot air for seconds to minutes. Issue is chronic and not resolved by dealer service attempts.

When: Early to mid-life ownership (one complaint starting late March 2006)

Symptoms owners cite: AC blows cold, then warm/hot, then humid air; Cycling between cold and warm air lasting 3 seconds to minutes; Issue happens everyday or frequently; Compressor growling noise; system shuts off; only runs on high

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostic fee of $74.90 charged; repair estimate $183+ (owner could not afford). AC clutch assembly adjustment attempted but did not resolve issue. No parts replaced in some cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed external temperature (114° outside) or use of outside air setting; claimed AC behavior was 'normal.' No recalls issued.

Vehicle shifts out of Park or Neutral on its own without driver input, causing it to roll. In one case, shift lever could be moved out of Park with no key in ignition.

When: Varies; one incident June 2013; shift-without-key issue reported June 2014

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward while parked with engine running; Shift lever moves without driver input or key in ignition; Transfer case shifts from Park to Neutral without warning; Child able to move shift lever without key present

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle rolled into safety pole, causing ~$6,000 damage and $500 deductible. No repair costs cited for shift-without-key issue; safety concern noted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N23/NHTSA 13V-175 (issued August 2013) addressed 'Final Drive Controller Module software may unintentionally cause transfer case to shift into Neutral position without driver input.' Owner received notice after the rolling incident had already occurred and insurance paid; insurance rates increased despite manufacturer defect.

Persistent high-frequency vibration or oscillation in the front end, present at all speeds but worse above 60 mph. Violent enough to concern owner about loss of control.

When: From initial delivery (one complaint at 29 June 2005)

Symptoms owners cite: Front-end vibration or oscillation at all speeds; Violent vibration increasing with RPM; Vibration prevents towing or long road trips

Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement attempted (no effect). Drive shaft modification with six added weights attempted (no effect). Chrysler engineering involvement requested but ultimately refused further repairs. Local automotive shop and three independent engineers all confirmed abnormality; Chrysler claimed vibration was 'in the design.'

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: After eight days of dealer attempts and external evaluation, Chrysler took the position that vibration is 'in the design' and represents a 'chassis alignment flaw' that cannot be repaired. Maintenance supervisor stated 'thousands of vehicles made it out of the factory with this problem.'

Transmission control module fails repeatedly, even after replacement. Solenoid pack malfunction causes transmission not to shift properly.

When: At 35,000 miles (first replacement under warranty); recurrence at 89,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: All gears illuminated on dashboard PRNDL lights; Transmission will not shift properly; Engine does not understand which gear vehicle is in; Hesitation and delayed engagement

Codes mentioned: P0700, P0562, P0750

Repairs/costs cited: TCM replaced at 35,000 miles under warranty; same part failed again at 89,000 miles requiring $750 out-of-pocket. Another complaint cited solenoid pack replacement as needed; transmission shop identified solenoid pack failure when dealer could not.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler coverage for second TCM failure disputed; owner charged $89 diagnostic fee and advised Chrysler would only discuss coverage after diagnosis. Dealer acknowledged having this part in stock for a two-year-old vehicle, raising questions about inherent design flaw.

Engine revs unexpectedly while stopped or at low speed, sometimes lurching vehicle forward without driver pressing accelerator. Vehicle can reach high RPM before driver is aware.

When: Early in ownership; one incident at low speed in construction zone, another at highway speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 5,000–6,000 RPM without driver input; Vehicle lurches forward; Occurs when stopped or at low speeds; RPM will not come back down quickly

Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Throttle Ignition light, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) light

Repairs/costs cited: CPM (Computer Programming Module) replacement attempted; issue recurred. One incident nearly caused railroad arm to strike vehicle. Another incident caused multi-vehicle collision.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate issue or blamed 'bad gas.' CPM was replaced but problem persisted.

Transmission makes loud clunking or clanking noises during shifts (especially Park to Reverse or Drive), shifts roughly, and vehicle feels unstable during gear transitions.

When: Early in ownership; one at 10,500 miles on leased vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or clanking when shifting; Rough shifts with jerking; Vehicle nose-diving when letting off gas; Excessively rough transmission operation; Vehicle shuddering or missing during cruise

Codes mentioned: P0700

Repairs/costs cited: One leased vehicle at 10,500 miles underwent extensive work: rear drive shaft replacement, entire transmission replacement, module replacements, firmware updates, sensor replacements, power flush, and tire balancing. Transmission remained rough after all repairs. Another owner reported replacing transmission seals without fixing problem; noise only worsened.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service center informed owner that AC leak into transmission is 'a very common problem with Jeeps, 300s, and Dodges' and Chrysler may be considering a mass recall. However, no formal recall was issued for V8 models (only for 3.7L engines per recall 05V396000).

AC evaporator condenses water that enters transmission fill tube due to faulty grommet seal, causing water contamination. In one case, a 'pebble' struck transmission coolant line, spraying fluid.

When: Varies; one complaint at end of 2006

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking into engine compartment; Water in transmission fluid; AC cooling inadequate; Engine compartment fire risk

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission flushed and refilled. Grommet seal and water deflector installed per recall 05V396000. One case involved pebble impact requiring full transmission replacement ($4,000). Another case had water-contaminated transmission without water exposure (leak from fill tube seal, blew torque converter; $5,000 transmission replacement).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 05V396000 issued for grommet seal and deflector. Chrysler initially denied coverage for V8 models (recall stated 3.7L only), leaving owner stranded. One owner with 05V396000 complaint found exact same issue in V8 model not covered by recall.

Shifter console PCB (printed circuit board) allows material bridging between drive selection points, causing false signals to control modules. Shift lever fails to engage proper gear.

When: 2018–2020 (complaint filed Feb 2020)

Symptoms owners cite: Engine Service Soon light; Inability to select proper gear; Shift lever not responding or moving between gears

Codes mentioned: U0404, P0700

Repairs/costs cited: YouTube video identified root cause: PCB material bridging between drive selection points. Not listed as a serviceable item by Jeep; requires shifter console replacement (cost not cited).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep does not identify this as a service-preventable failure, placing responsibility on manufacturer for design defect.