The 2007 Liberty has a well-documented fuel system defect where the tank overflows during normal refueling—fuel sprays or spills after the pump shuts off or at normal fill levels, not from owner "topping off." It occurs at every gas station, every pump. Owners report fuel drenching them (2–4 cups per fill-up), damaging clothing, shoes, and the vehicle finish. Dealerships confirmed this is a known pattern across multiple Liberties and similar Chrysler products, yet no recall was issued for the Liberty (though identical symptoms triggered a recall for the Wrangler). Repair requires replacing the entire fuel tank (~$900 parts plus $200 diagnostic fee) because the defective valve inside cannot be serviced alone.
Separately, a June 2013 recall (N46/NHTSA 13V-252) addressed fuel tank rupture during rear-end collisions—a genuine fire hazard—by requiring installation of an OEM trailer hitch. However, owners waited 6–18+ months (some longer) with no parts availability. Dealers repeatedly said parts were backordered indefinitely; many owners were put on waiting lists where they stayed for over a year. Chrysler couldn't provide timelines. This left owners driving vehicles Chrysler itself labeled a safety risk while the remedy sat unobtainable.
One owner also reports engine jerking at 35–55 mph (1400–1500 rpm) causing dangerous skids on ice; seven shop visits, computer reprogramming, and fuel pump replacement did not fix it, yet Chrysler claimed normal behavior.
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel overflow at pump shutoff
Fuel spills or sprays out of the filler tube after the gas pump nozzle shuts off, or when the pump is at normal fill level (not attempting to top off). Occurs at multiple gas stations and pumps, indicating a vehicle defect rather than a pump malfunction. Volume ranges from 2-4 cups to significant drenching. Occurs consistently on refueling.
When: Starts 4-6 months of ownership; reported at 35,000+ miles. Consistent once it begins.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel spills or spays after pump automatic shutoff; Fuel spills during normal (non-topped-off) fueling; Occurs at all gas stations and pumps; Fuel drenches lower half of person refueling; Fuel runs down vehicle side, onto ground; Fuel odor; 2-4 cups spillage per incident
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: defective valve in fuel tank. Replacement requires entire fuel tank swap, approximately $900 parts cost plus $200 diagnostic labor. Valve cannot be obtained individually. Some owners report vent tube and filler tube failure requiring replacement, but vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially blamed pump stations. Dealer confirmed this is a known problem seen on multiple Jeeps. No recall issued for Liberty (though same issue covered under recall for Wrangler—recall N46/NHTSA 13V-252). Chrysler told some owners 'nothing can be done' and denied problem applies to their model year.
Fuel tank leak during rear-impact collision (Recall N46/NHTSA 13V-252)
Fuel tank ruptures or leaks during rear-end collisions, creating fire hazard. Recall issued June 2013 requiring installation of OEM trailer hitch to manage crash forces in low-speed impacts. Chronic parts shortage led to massive delays in recall fulfillment—many owners waiting 6-18+ months for parts that never arrived or became available only in 2015.
When: Recall issued June 2013. Vehicles could experience fuel leak during any rear-impact event. Fire reported at 47,000 miles in one incident.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel tank ruptures upon rear-end impact; Fuel leaks during rear-end collision; Fire risk from ruptured tank post-collision; Fuel tank support straps exposed/damaged post-impact
Codes mentioned: 13V252000, 14V400000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair: installation of OEM trailer hitch at no cost to owner. Multiple dealers reported parts backordered indefinitely; some stated parts would never arrive or availability unknown. One fire incident destroyed both vehicles involved and damaged parked vehicle nearby. No repair parts available for months or years after recall issued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N46/NHTSA 13V-252 issued June 2013 for fuel system/structure. Chrysler and dealers repeatedly told owners parts unavailable, no ETA, and to wait for follow-up notice. After 1+ years, owners received letters saying to 'call dealership,' only to be told parts still backordered. One owner reported Chrysler press release claiming 'few people coming in and part is available'—contradicting direct dealer reports. Some recalls eventually completed (2015 timeframe), but many remained pending years later.
Fuel gauge failure and fuel injector malfunction
Fuel gauge fails to display accurate fuel level after refueling. Abnormally strong fuel odor reported. Dealer diagnosed fuel injector failure in one case. Failure recurred frequently after repair, but manufacturer denied recall involvement.
When: No mileage stated in primary complaint; another owner reported at approximately 111,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge fails to operate/display correct level; Fuel gauge inaccuracy after refueling; Strong abnormal fuel odor; Failure recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: dealer diagnosed and repaired fuel injector failure; problem recurred frequently. Another owner: vent tube and filler tube diagnosed as failed and needing replacement—vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed vehicles not included in any recall despite failure patterns and owner assertion of recall involvement.
Engine jerking/hesitation between 35–55 mph at 1400–1500 rpm
Vehicle jerks or hesitates in the 35–55 mph speed range at 1400–1500 rpm. Caused dangerous skids on icy roads. Problem present from 200 miles on odometer. Seven shop visits, computer reprogramming, fuel pump replacement—issue persists. Chrysler claimed normal.
When: Detected at 200 miles; ongoing issue despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking/hesitation between 35–55 mph; Occurs at 1400–1500 rpm; Causes vehicle slip and slide on icy roads; Dangerous driving condition
Repairs/costs cited: Shop actions: computer reprogrammed, fuel pump replaced. Problem unresolved despite 7 service visits. Owner's other Jeep does not exhibit the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler told owner this is 'normal' behavior.
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.