This specific part was recalled eleven or so years ago. Since that time, the same part has been replaced 6 times. One time requiring a total engine overhaul. Upon researching this part, I have found that there are many complaints with the failure of this same model year of Jeep wranglers and this part (oil pump drive). We have poured over $5000 into this vehicle due to this part and we still…
2005 Jeep Wrangler engine problems
moderate 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 32 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Wrangler has serious engine defects centered on the oil pump drive assembly (OPDA) failing between 38,000 and 88,000 miles, causing loss of oil pressure and potential engine seizure without warning. Exhaust odor issues from the fuel system and repeated check-engine lights for O2 sensors and evaporative leaks are also persistent problems that dealers struggle to fix permanently.
The 2005 Wrangler's 4.0L engine is dogged by a manufacturing flaw in the oil pump drive assembly (OPDA). The upper bushing receives insufficient lubrication due to a seal design problem, causing the OPDA gear to wear rapidly against the camshaft. This wear triggers check-engine codes P0340 and P0344, forces the engine into limp mode (capped at 2,500 RPM), and can lead to complete engine seizure, usually between 38,000 and 88,000 miles. Chrysler issued a recall (Campaign E05) for certain VINs manufactured by February 2005, but many owners fall outside the cutoff dates and are denied coverage despite identical failures.
Separate from the OPDA issue, owners report an overwhelming butane or unburned-fuel smell entering the cabin through vents and windows starting within weeks of purchase. Dealerships have found excessive fuel in the system and fuel coating inside the catalytic converter; one dealer's software update and suggestion to "burn it off" over 500 miles did not resolve it.
Check-engine lights for evaporative leaks and O2 sensor faults recur repeatedly on numerous vehicles, even after sensor replacement and battery disconnects. Owners also report throttle cable fraying at the firewall, ignition switch failure causing sudden loss of power at highway speeds, and fuel tank shutoff valves that fail to stop overflow during refueling. A fuel system issue was also reported involving rapid catalytic converter clogging that left one owner unable to obtain replacement parts due to extended backorder.
Same Jeep Wrangler engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Oil Pump Drive Assembly (OPDA) and Camshaft Wear/Failure
The OPDA upper bushing lacks adequate lubrication due to a sealing design flaw, causing metal-to-metal wear between the OPDA and camshaft. This leads to premature wear, noise, loss of engine synchronization, and ultimately camshaft failure or engine seizure. The 4.0L flat-tappet camshaft is prone to rapid wear once the OPDA bushing deteriorates.
When: Reported between 38,000 and 138,000 miles; most failures occur in the 38,000–88,000 mile range. Cold-start issues (below 40°F) are common precursors.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with codes P0340 or P0344 (camshaft position sensor codes); Engine enters limp mode, RPM limiter drops to 2,500 RPM; Loud knocking or high metal-to-metal scraping from the engine bay; Loss of oil pressure (gauge reads zero or low); Hard starting, especially in cold weather; Engine stalls without warning at various speeds; Play or excessive wear detected in OPDA gear
Codes mentioned: P0340, P0344
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of the OPDA alone is a temporary fix (approximately $80 for the part). Permanent repair requires replacement of both the OPDA and camshaft. Full engine overhaul or engine replacement required in cases of severe wear or camshaft damage. One owner reported $5,000+ spent on this issue over multiple repairs, including a complete engine overhaul.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued TSB/Campaign E05 for certain 2005–2006 VINs (8th character = 'S'), but the recall only covers vehicles manufactured up to February 2005. Many owners fall outside the recall range by manufacturing date, even though they exhibit identical symptoms. Chrysler denied warranty coverage in several cases, citing VIN range exclusions or inability to prove which component failed first. One owner cited NHTSA Item #10013784 regarding this issue.
Butane/Exhaust Odor Entering Cabin
A strong butane or gasoline smell enters the passenger compartment through windows, vents, and air conditioning system shortly after purchase. Owners report nausea, burning eyes, and numbness of lips and nose. The dealership found excessive fuel flowing through the fuel system and fuel coating inside the catalytic converter. A software change was made, and the dealership suggested the coating would burn off over 500 miles of driving, but the issue persisted through multiple service visits. One owner suspected possible carbon monoxide involvement.
When: Reported on new or near-new vehicles within weeks of purchase (1,344–2,480 miles); occurred on 2005 models in early 2005.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong butane or unburned gasoline smell entering through windows, vents, and AC vents; Nausea and headaches during or after driving; Burning eyes and numb lips/nose lasting up to 2 hours after driving; Slight residue odor that does not fully resolve; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: No fault codes in some cases, Fuel system monitor reading out of specification
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed fuel system monitor test and detected excessive fuel flow. Software reprogramming was applied. Catalytic converter interior fuel coating was noted and dealer suggested 500 miles of driving to burn it off (owner was told 50 miles). Despite multiple service attempts, odor persisted. One dealership replaced the entire exhaust system as a remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer service refused to discuss systemic problems and referred the owner to dealers. One owner reported the manufacturer replaced the entire exhaust system in response to the complaint. Recall notice for paint defect (separate issue) was issued, but the exhaust odor issue was not formally addressed as a recall.
Check Engine Light – Evaporative System / Fuel Cap
Check engine light illuminates with a 'small evaporative leak' diagnostic code. The issue persists across multiple service attempts and is not permanently resolved by tightening or replacing the fuel cap or inspecting the evaporative system. Owners must repeatedly reset the light by clearing the code or disconnecting the battery.
When: Reported on vehicles with 2,480–approximately 70,000 miles; can recur intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates repeatedly; Code indicates small evaporative leak; Light reappears after being cleared or after battery reset
Codes mentioned: Small evaporative leak code (likely P0455 or similar EVAP codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have tightened gas caps, replaced gas caps, and inspected exhaust and air intake systems—all testing has been normal but the light recurs. One owner noted this is more of a nuisance than a serious defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned. Owners report dealers suggest it is a known issue but no permanent solution has been issued.
O2 Sensor Repeated Failure
Check engine light comes on with O2 sensor fault codes. The O2 sensor is replaced, but the fault code returns randomly. All wiring checks out. The fault may not reappear for 125–300 miles after clearing, then the cycle repeats.
When: Reported starting around 70,000 miles; one owner had the issue recur multiple times up to 190,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; O2 sensor fault code detected on scanner; Fault code returns randomly, even after O2 sensor replacement
Codes mentioned: O2 sensor fault code (likely P0130–P0135 range)
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensor has been replaced multiple times on the same vehicle. One owner carries a scanner to clear the code on the road. Wiring has been confirmed as good.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. No recalls or service bulletins mentioned.
Throttle Cable Fraying / Loss of Throttle
The throttle cable frayed and separated inside the firewall at the passenger compartment, causing immediate loss of engine propulsion while the vehicle was crossing a busy four-lane street. The vehicle had no prior accident history or repairs to this assembly and no warning signs.
When: At 85,000 miles; no prior warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of throttle response and engine propulsion; Vehicle came to a stop in the middle of traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle cable was frayed just inside the firewall in the passenger compartment. The cable was replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Ignition Switch Failure – Loss of Motive Power
While driving at highway speed (65 mph), the vehicle lost all motive power, multiple gauges became inoperable, and unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle could be restarted after a 15-minute wait.
When: At 66,666 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power at 65 mph; Multiple gauges became inoperable; Multiple warning lights illuminated; Engine would restart after approximately 15 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification documented.
Fuel Tank Fill-Up Shutoff Malfunction
The fuel tank shutoff valve does not stop fuel flow when the tank is full, causing gasoline to overflow at the pump every time the owner refuels.
When: Reported by owner but timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Gas overflows from fuel tank during every refueling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Catalytic Converter Clogging / Rapid Failure
The catalytic converter clogs and fails rapidly, causing a sudden and significant loss of engine power.
When: Reported in 2021.
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid and significant loss of engine power; Catalytic converter clogged
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler was unable to supply replacement catalytic converters due to a 5-month backorder on the replacement part at the time of the complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep was unable to replace catalytic converter due to parts unavailability.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 66,666. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Jeep/Wrangler.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.