Jeep Liberty: Problems & Solutions

spyro

Considering the volume buying Jeep must do, at $475 for the Infinity speakers, I think I got the "Grab Your Ankles" package.

jayrider

My 03 LTD had package 27G which was $3195. It included:
Leather seats
Power front seats
Six infinity spkrs
Steering wheel audio controls
AM/FM Cass/CD/Equal/Chgr Ctrl
Selec Trac FT 4wd
Auto dim rear view mirror
Power heated , F/away,Drvr auto dim side mirrors
Vehicle info cntr
Traveler/ mini trip computer
Garage door opener
Deep tint glass
Security alarm
Sentry key theft deterrent system
Luxury door trim panel

The discount was $1655 which was equivalent to getting the leather,power seats, speakers,and steering wheel audio controls free. That was for an 03 built the end of October 02. I think they change things without notice during the year for different models.

jayrider

While I appreciate your attempt to tempt me into buying another car, I'm still well satisfied with my Concorde. It's as roomy, smooth, powerful and good looking enough to meet my needs for a long time. I've only seen pictures of the new Chryslers but they seem kind of chunky looking. Probably have a different impression in person. Got the RainX on the windshield and rear glass. It even rained a bit soon after allowing me to gloat in a moment of self-satisfaction.
I just got my copy of Consumer Reports and the 03 Liberty still shines with low frequency of problems in their survey.
Your resolve to never buy DC products appears to be strong but with regret.
When you slogged your way to your new house, I assume you used the part-time 4wd. Had you had the full-time option, would that have been better,worse or a toss-up for the conditions?

jayrider

someone else to jump your case on post 1229 but enough is enough!
You're always looking at issues from the negative perspective and I for one, am getting a bit tired of it.
If you have the infinity speakers, the brake moan is a non-issue. If you're too cheap to spring for them, you got what you deserve. Don't blame the manufacturer.
And as far as the rear glass popping open, that's a secret option that only nice people had installed at dealers to give owners another way to get into a Jeep with the keys locked inside. You just hook up your garden hose to the neighbors faucet [it won't work if you use your own] and let it run over the back glass until it pops open.
Get over to the sunny side of the street for a change! It's a Jeep thing!!

Sylvia

You are NOT getting the boot. We have asked you to delete the last two lines of your profile as they are a bit (ok - MORE than a bit) offensive to some of our members.

We are NOT kicking you out of the system. In fact, you requested to be removed. We (I) asked you to reconsider and stay, just clean up your profile.

Let's be very clear on this and not spread rumors that are quite untrue.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled discussion.

jayrider

Just conform and stay in the fun. They write the rules so just move on. The next few years will offer alot of interesting discussions as the Libertys pile up the miles.
Take a few weeks off and then make a decision.
You gotta do what you gotta do, so if you're signing off for good, I wish you well.

renegaded

Later

suvshopper4

I guess this means my proposal for who should be featured in the Member Spotlight will be back-burnered for a while...

tidester

There are many candidates! :-)

tidester, host

jayrider

And separating the contenders from the pretenders is your job. Is it fun?

suvshopper4

tidester: When was the Member Spotlight slot last filled?
Seems like it's been a while.
Maybe it's due to the software changeover (from our benefit-of-the-doubt department).

tidester

Yes, it's been a while and, yes, the changeover has temporarily caused some slight shifts in priorities. I'll pass the word on that the Member Spotlight is in demand!

tidester, host

ramon1

Took my Liberty in today for recall replacement of the lower ball joints. I have 44K miles on the vehicle and have not driven it hard at all. Surprise, surprise! My power steering rack & pinion is leaking fluid and needs to be replaced. Cost is $769; dealer agreed to pick up $500. Pinion oil seal is also shot. Another $147. I rear-ended other vehicles twice several months ago, with a cracked turn signal lens & almost imperceptible bumper damage, but dealer did not believe this would have caused the R&P problems.Front brake rotors and pads are shot. Another $400. Rear brakes need service. Another $87. Brake wear can be expected,but to require this amount of work on a vehicle that is less than 3 years old with fewer than 50K miles is very disappointing.

renegader

Look my message N. 1176.
I think your power steering problem eventually will meet most of Liberties because of steering system geometry.

caribou1

My Liberty has the new recirculating ball screw steering. It's very accurate and smooth. Perhaps it could be interresting for you to upgrade your rack + pinion to this newer steering system. Concerning the brakes, from one person's driving habits to another there can be a factor 3 in the wear.

spyro

I own a Y2004 with 1,500 miles on it. The owners manual says gas tank is 19.5 gallons. When my needle indicator is flatlined on the red line I can only pump 16.5 gallons back in the tank. It seems odd that I still have 3 gallons left yet the needle can't really go any lower. Even with the vehicle off, the needle doesn't ever register BELOW the red line like most other vehicles I've owned so it makes me nervous to keep driving.

Also, I'm surprised to only be getting 16 mpg of "suburb" driving conditions considering I have been really babying the engine in this early break-in period. Took a highway trip this past weekend and still only got about 19mpg. Other than that, this vehicle ROCKS!!

jayrider

Get used to the mpg. You have a 4000 lb. truck and all the babying in the world won't make it much better. You can of course, make much worse. I have just over 5500 miles on my 03 and your figures are pretty close. Strict highway at 60 mph will yield low twenties. Around town 16-17 mpg. I too, love my Liberty. Sometimes love has a price.

renegader

I´m surprised again about a lot of informations you have. Even when I asked 2 DC dealers about the diesel software patch (weeks ago), they didn´t know about it. The only reason I have the patch now is your information and my obstinacy to DC.

From where do you have so detailed info? Do you have any factory book? I must get one!

Since when have Liberties ball screw steering? Is it 2,8 CRD only?

caribou1

Technical specifications vary when translated (transported) from one place to another... I've found both types of steering systems advertised.
This is confusing.
Finally, I checked under my hood, and it looks like a rack+pinion steering because of the shape of it's construction.
Referring to ramon1's post #1243, I've read in several places that there was a new steering assembly mounted on the 2.8 CRD. Who to believe?

caribou1

This url shows a picture of the KJ's steering:
http://www.meridianautoparts.com/rack-and-pinion.htm
It's quite easy to identify.
I have one comment to make about the material used for the bellows that are fitted at both ends of the steering assembly: In the past, Neoprene like material was used and proved to be adequate. What I found on my truck is a stiffer plastic material that I wasn't able to compress in my hand. Being much stiffer, I would expect that a piece of tiny gravel could perforate the bellows if it got caught within the corregated profile. This could be a clue to ramon1's premature wear.

wgorilla

I've wondered about the fuel capacity, too, since it seems like I can never get more than 16.5 or so gallons in the tank, myself. Many times, that is after driving 20 - 30 miles after the "low fuel" indicator has first come on. I guess we could find out how much of a reserve there is in the tank if we drove it until it stopped! heh heh

Without fail, I get atleast 18 to 19 mpg. The last fill-up, I got 19.5 somehow. I'm in the suburbs, but my house and job are both not too far off the highway, so my driving habits are probably a little more "country-like" than your average city dweller.

jayrider

I never had a car or truck that took all the gallons listed in the owners manual---even on fumes. The gauge is always less accurate the closer it gets to empty. I would like to think that it's by design so that when the warning light goes on you have a couple of gallons left. The margin for error is probably related to two factors. One--technology costs dictate less precision in the sending units and instruments. These aren't space shuttles. Two--Humidity,temperature [ambient and gas], barometric pressure, gas pump variables and how level the vehicle is when filling up. Probably other stuff too. It all adds up.
wgorilla--your mpg is a bit better than mine but I do more urban short trips most of the time. The weather is warming up and that also helps.

renegader

DC invited me today for recall replacement of the lower ball joints. I´m hardly moved.

renegader

By comparison of displayed vs. calculated fuel consumption there was difference 10 vs. 11 liter/100km. That means approximately 10% difference. All geese of my Liberty are swans.

beebop

Hi - I bought my 2004 Liberty Limited about a month ago!! I love the car but have noticed a couple gliches. The first week after purchase I took it back to the dealer for alignment, it was pulling to the right, now it only ever so slightly pulls to the left, i did get a computer print-out from the dealer and the numbers are not identical (left/right) but closer together than they were. I asked the mechanic if this was ok and he said it was in the normal range, I'd love to see an objective source explaining the numbers as i haven't a clue as to what they mean... other thing is sometimes upon acceleration the engine don't immediately engage like the tranny is slipping or something. I haven't gone to the dealer for this (yet) as it's intermittent and I'm not exactly sure what's going on.

I've read thru some posts here and see that others have had the same alignment problem - interesting, and i think i read one instance that sounded like a similar transmission problem. Has anyone had the transmission problem and had it fixed?
merci ~

beebop

excuse me - that should have been "the engine doesn't..."

jayrider

As you've read, a number of posts on the "pull to the right problem." Some seem to never get it fixed. I can tell you this, my 03
Liberty was built on the same line as all the others and it has never pulled to the right , even a little. And you can tell your dealer that's the bottom line cause Jayrider said so! Transmission is a little hinky once in a while just like my Concorde. Don't think it's anything to worry about. It's their problem for 7/70 so pay attention if it gets worse or more frequent. Have fun.

stever

While you cannot rewrite history, you have 30 minutes to make any changes or fixes after you post a message. Just click on the Edit button that follows your message after you post it.

Steve, Host

renegader

"The first week after purchase I took it back to the dealer for alignment, it was pulling to the right, now it only ever so slightly pulls to the left, i did get a computer print-out from the dealer and the numbers are not identical (left/right) but closer together than they were. I asked the mechanic if this was ok and he said it was in the normal range"

I had the same problem by alignment after lifting. The explanation for me is that the steering box is mounted on two rubber-bonded metal bolts. Rubber gives you riding comfort, but complicates alignment. My shop solved it with temporary fitted pads. After alignment were pads removed and now it is OK.

beebop

Thanks for that Renegader, always nice to know the why behind the what! My car drives very well since the alignment, it's a cool car and I'm proud to be driving it instead of a monstrous house on wheels. It's still a little iffy on the acceleration - mostly at 50mph+ speeds. I have driven the sport model and that particular car seemed more spry than mine if my memory serves me right, I'll have to check it out again and compare.

8700

My wife recently agreed to get rid of "her" '02 Z71 Suburban (2nd house pymt!) and we are seriously looking at the '04 Liberty Sport 4x4 Auto. Advertised mpg is fine if we can really get close to the 17-25 as window sticker states. Also, need Liberty to tow comfortably a 2000+ RV trailer or like weight boat. Now that I've read other messages I will check the steering & alignment problems before buying. Being quoted <$20K drive out price --??? How's the 4x4 system and does the a/c refridge the whole compartment?

oldntired1950

I don't know about anyone else, but my 02 Liberty Sport 4x4 with P/T 4WD does about 12 mpg local and 18 highway. The best I've ever done is about 21 mpg on a strictly highway trip. The Liberty (in my experience) sucks down the petro like it thinks my last name is Getty! That said, it's a great driving truck - incredible pickup and handling for its size and weight. I've got about 28K on it so far and have not had any problems or complaints (other than the mileage). The AC pumps plenty of cold air for both front and back seat passengers, even in the heat of summer.

caribou1

If you can wait for the diesel automatic, it's really worth the extra money. The permanent 4WD works fine, and the AC as well. I don't have the steering problem or any noticeable tire wear. A recent 4X4 long-period road test in France rates the Liberty Sport diesel as one of the best in it's class. The transmission shifts smoothly, and there is plenty of power. The overdrive is 'hesitant' between 45 an 55 MPH. I usually turn the OD 'ON' only when I get to 50 MPH, and then the clutch closes until you get to 45 again...

caribou1

Are there many Jeep Liberty CRDs where you live or do you have to be a "Zlata Husa" to buy one?
I stayed in that hotel, that's why I know about the story of the golden goose.

nubster

Last night the rear window in my one week old J-L shattered. A million little pieces of glass all over the rear compartment and my drive way.

Took it back to the dealer and he had never heard of it.

Anyone out there have any history?

Love the J-L though.

renegader

 About 60 Liberties sold in 2002 in Czech. 2003 that could be about 70.
Most of them are 2,5 CRD diesels. In my city (second greatest in CZ) I see about 5 others. As I know, they are driven practically only on roads. Very often I see selections of Libs after the first guarantee inspection (20.000 km), because of frequent technical problems.
I like its design very much, I like that concept, its off- and onroad capability are good: In our country is legal to go up to 90 mph on highways and Lib can hold 80 mph even in hills.
But I´m tired with the frequent problems: Oil leaks, Yesterday I had to change the rear cardan spider by 57.000 km (33.000 miles?). The worst: DC do not have spares in store, every time I have to wait some days for them and so I must go twice there. Now I have found (again) almost black oil in transfer case after 20.000 km. It looks like some graphite dispersion. I let it to analyze - it is from the beginning every time the same.
I´m not the golden goose, but I´m Lucky Luke, because the Lib I drive is owned not by me, but by the company I am working for.

renegader

I didn´t heard about it by Liberties, but two of our company cars had the same problem. The best solution: insurance of all glasses of the car.

stc

I have had problems with my 2002 Liberty since I purchased it.

I have had the vehicle aligned at least 8 times because of the "pulling to the right". Now, my tires are shot and they are being blamed. I was notified of the recall on the ball joints only after I contacted Chrysler directly. My dealership had no record of the recall.

The vehicle slides when roads are the least bit wet. I have only driven 40k miles and the tires and brakes both need replacement.

I have also been experiencing a jerk/hesitation around 60-70 mph. I have taken it to the dealership at least 6 times and the dealership is still unable to duplicate the problem. They were able to find a "flash" for it one time, but the problem repeated itself on the way home.

I have contacted a lawyer about the lemon law, but he has not received a response from Chrysler or the dealership. I love the Liberty, but am at my wits end with the constant problems. I purchased a new vehicle to avoid the problems and expense that I am experiencing. Chrysler's dealerships promote their "five star customer experience". I have yet to experience it.

Any suggestions?

div2

Your problems seem to be a function of the incompetent service your dealer has provided. As for tires and brakes, 40000 simply isn't that unusual. My TJ required new brakes and tires about that same time. OTOH, my wife's 5er sedan eats a set of front pads every 20K.

eddybauer1

My Trip computer in my 2004 Renegade, on its own will change from US to Metric. This seems to happen after a hour or so of being in trip mode.

tucker

I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Jeep liberty. My warranty will run out in less than 200 miles and I just got it out of the garage again!

They have had to replace my battery 3 times (every 10K miles or so) They claim it is not an electrical problem "Just bad batteries" but we are sure it is.

We're not sure where to go from here, has anyone had any problems like these?

In the first 6 months I owned the car, it was in the garage on an average of every month. Front end problems, pulling, power(electrical) issues, whenever I use the cigarette lighter, it blows the fuses and my tail lights dont work!!!

After I get gas, about 10 minutes later my car feels as if it is going to stall, not when I take off but as I'm driving down the road.

Any suggestions?

goingcrazy

Good luck with the lawyer. I have a brand new 04 Liberty with 4252 miles on it. My wife and son complained of a hesitation. I have driven the vehicle and I can confirm that there is a hesitation. This all started prior to the first oil change at 3000 miles. The dealership had the vehicle for 4 days and claimed they could not duplicate the problem. After picking up the vehicle the hesitation occurred within 10 miles of the dealership. We brought it back in and they had it 7 days this time. They claim they could not duplicate the problem, but came up with some fuzzy readings on the cam and crank sensors. These have both been replaced and my wife picked the car up a few hours ago. The service manager told her that just about every technician has sriven the vehicle and could not duplicate the problem,(by the way they drove it for a total of 59 miles). Well as you can guess less than 10 miles from the dealership the problem still exists. So tomorrow morning you can imagine the animated conversation that will be taking place.
By the way if your service tech told you that this is not a rreported problem to Chrysler it is because they do not know waht the problem is to begin with. These people have even stated that my wife does not know how to properly drive the car and would be more than willing to give her a lesson on how to properly shift the vehicle. Sorry not much help just sympathetic. Is there any one elese with this problem?????????????

tucker

yes, I have the same problem, it almost feels as if its going to stall. I originally ent message #1274, I have many problems with my 2002 liberty....it is very frustrating, and my warranty will be up by the end of the week! It just came back from the shop yesterday....I have had 3 batteries in 3 years....about every 10K miles, they claim they are bad batteries....hum....

goingcrazy

Well after talking to Chrysler today i now feel that I am in for quite a run. Because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem (a hesitation) Chrysler will not do any thing. To make life even more interesting because they could not find a problem and have expended a considerable amount of time and money on my vehicle, which Chrysler will not pay for my dealership basically told me not to bring the car back to them. When I explained this to the Chrysler rep she told me to seek another authorized service center. HEY folks this is not my problem and i want the car fixed.

I have come to the conclusion that the phrase "We were unable to duplicate the problem" is Chrysler's way of saying "we know we have a problem here, we have no idea what is causing it,we don't know how to fix it, and put the customer off until we can figure a way to fix this or their warranty runs out." Any one else feel this way I am looking for similar stories so I can put something together to possible start legal action.

oldntired1950

I've had my '02 Liberty Sport for just over 2 years now and have clocked around 28K miles. Other than a problem in the first couple of months with a bad coil pack on one plug that caused a severe loss of power and a flashing check engine light, the Libby has been letter perfect. Knowing that the Liberty was a brand new model in March of '02 when I purchased it, I included a 7 year 100K extended warranty on the entire truck. This in addition to the powertrain warranty which was also 7 years gives me real peace of mind. I service the Jeep at the dealership every 3K miles and perform all dealer suggested service even though it can get somewhat expensive. Perhaps because of this I have a very good relationship with the service department. They are very responsive to all requests, and performed a replacement of the ball joints a month ago at my request. I just received the recall notice yesterday and mailed it back noting that the repair has already been done. To me, purchasing a vehicle is only the start of a very long relationship. The dealer is more important than the deal. I've been buying Chryslers and Jeeps from this dealer for the last 15 years and feel at home there. I've got both a solid truck and a great dealer (Bridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Hempstead, NY) and am very happy with both!

beebop

Hi - i've posted re the pulling issue, i had it realigned and it has been driving like a charm ever since, perhaps it is the 02 model that has the most quirks? i'm very happy with my (un)limited liberty

jeepspaz

Anyone experience a problem where the air coming out of the vents is chilled like when the A/C is in use, but you have the flow set to one of the settings other than one of the actual A/C settings? Its more noticeable when using one of the last two settings that point to the windshield.

Evidence that may point to the fact the A/C is running when its not suppose to be are:
1. Air that is suppose to be coming in from outside is way to cold for a day of 32 degrees C.
2. I noticed condensation dripping from the bottom of the jeep.
3. Unusually bad gas mileage.
4. Today when I drove around with the fan set to off, there was no condensation dripping from the bottom of the jeep.

Another question/concern. After driving around with the A/C on, when you stop and shut the jeep off, can you hear a hissing like steam being released, more noticeable on the front passenger side where the A/C's compressor is mounted? Is this hissing a normal thing?

jeepspaz

I took the jeep to my dealer this morning. The service guy told me. When the flow is set to use either of the defrost (last two when the knob is turned clockwise), the condenser/compressor will automatically kick in as it tries to remove humidity from the inside of the jeep as it tries to clear the windshield. This sounds possible. But I still question it because when I first got there and was explaining the situation he said and I quote "hmmmm... the air flow to the windshield only takes in air from the outside, interesting".

Anyone with any thoughts on this.

sandhog2

I would say you should do like we did unload it quick. Would never own another [JEEP] and would never buy from chrysler dealer here again. GOOD LUCK.

caribou1

The owner's manual says that a/c is enabled when defrosting. I also have the hissing sound which I think is normal. The a/c circuit balances the pressure when it's pump stops. With the diesel engine there is no noticeable effect on mileage when the a/c is working.