2005 Jeep Wrangler: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 649 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (54% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“As I was driving home from work on Feb. 14, 2023, in Rocky Hill, NJ. the vehicle developed a sudden loss of steering control. I had it towed to Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Princeton, NJ. The service manager informed me that the area of the frame to which the steering gear box is bolted had completely rotted, and the steering box had separated. The car was not driveable and could not be repaired. The vehicle will be available for inspection until April 15, 2023.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2023
“Ecm computer , o2 heater sensor from ecm and controls transmission shift points . Replaced o2 sensors and transmission is controlled by ecm not shifting correctly will stay in first gear and hard shift to second can create loss of control in wet weather conditions.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2022
“The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. Several gauges became inoperable with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,666.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2021
“The pcm has a known high failure rate due to the vibration. The components are covered in a resin that you can not remove. The pcm is 500-1300 to get a repaired and reprogramed one. I have a 2005 and the pcm has failed and gives bad performance and does not run on teh 14.7 stokes for air/fuel/ it dumps fuels and I do not think it meets emisson levels in this condition.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2020
“My wrangler has sever rust damage on the frame, windshield frame, passenger rocker, and firewall. The frame has rotted from the inside out and caused the transfer case mounting bolts to pull through. The vehicle was in motion when this happened but luckily I was pulling out of my driveway and not on the highway headed to work. The windshield frame rust caused holes that allowed water to leak inside the vehicle causing the floor to rust from the inside out as well. These issues continue to happen again and again with each new revision to this model. When and what will it take for the company to be held accountable to their negligence?”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2019
“Jeep started stalling either when parked or in traffic. Dealership says its the powertrain control unit (pcm or computer). Twice engine stalled as I was driving. Once as I was making a turn luckily had enough momentum to pull over and another time getting ready to proceed after a red light it stalled all of a sudden and again able to pull over. I have found many jeep owners with this same problem and I am aware jeep is aware but nothing has ever been done. Started mothers day 2018 and a few times up till july when I just parked it and had it towed to 3 shops including dealership.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2018
“The poor design of the gas tank rollover safety float ball in this vehicle continues to allow gasoline to splash back out of the gas filler neck of the vehicle every single time at an auto shut off fueling nozzle is used. This is a known defect but which they offered a remedy that had an age or mileage limit. This is a gross safety hazard and should warranty t a recall before some one blows up.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2018
“Hood flutter when driving at highway speeds at or above 50mph. Had to replace latches with a new system to eliminate the flutter and possibility of impending failure.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2018
“Every time I fill the vehicle with gasoline, when the pump shuts off a large amount of gasoline 'burps' out and onto the ground. This is due to a faulty check valve installed from the factory that stops working because of the ethanol in the fuel. Jeep has recalled later wranglers for this same issue but left us 2005-2006 owners stuck with the issue. This is a safety, health, and environmental hazard. I will be glad to send you a video of this happening.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Wrangler by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
NHTSA has 649 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (54% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Jeep Wrangler problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.