Model year record

2003 Jeep Liberty

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,738 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V673000

Air bags: side/window

Component: Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected: 284,611
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-10-19
Owners notified: 2016-05-05

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured March 29, 2003, to July 3, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 27, 2003, to May 20, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

Safety risk

Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R60.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V046000

Air bags: frontal

Component: Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected: 752,644
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-01-28
Owners notified: 2015-12-29

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

Safety risk

Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V252000

Structure

Component: Structure
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
Vehicles affected: 1,560,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2013-06-19
Owners notified: 2014-08-01

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.

Safety risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V527000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component: Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Vehicles affected: 744,822
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-11-08
Owners notified: 2013-09-13

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

Safety risk

Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected Liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for affected Grand Cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V119000

Suspension: front: control arm

Component: Suspension: front: control arm
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
Vehicles affected: 43,489
Reported to NHTSA: 2009-04-09
Owners notified: 2010-04-12

Defect description

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 42,469 MY 2002-2003 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR, AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING.

Safety risk

FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V288000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 826,687
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-08-03
Owners notified: 2006-09-11

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE CONSTANT TENSION FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE CONTAMINATION. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE WEAR AND LOOSENESS.

Safety risk

WHEN THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITH THIS CONDITION, THE CONTAMINATION CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLY SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V460000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 336,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-11-10
Owners notified: 2003-12-15

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS CAN EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION THAT CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR, AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.

Safety risk

A BALL JOINT THATHAS SEPARATED FROM THE KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS WITH MODIFIED ASSEMBLIES AND HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 2, 2001 AND OCTOBER 4, 2002. ON VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN OCTOBER 5, 2002 AND MARCH 26, 2003, DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES (AND REPLACE THEM AS NECESSARY) AND INSTALL HEAT SHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Air bags	366	123,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	271	44,047 mi
Suspension	109	125,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	85	98,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	83	131,366 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	65	70,000 mi
Electrical system	63	70,000 mi
Structure	62	58,000 mi
Structure: body	43	123,949 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	42	59,600 mi
Steering	41	93,000 mi
Exterior lighting	31	102,000 mi
Suspension: front	30	62,000 mi
Unknown or other	28	103,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	27	14,500 mi
Seat belts	27	123,931 mi
Engine	25	150,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	24	40,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	21	59,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	21	60,000 mi
Visibility	21	70,000 mi
Wheels	15	108,984 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	12	14,000 mi
Power train	12	91,000 mi
Service brakes	12	140,000 mi
Tires	12	44,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	11	7,654 mi
Seats	9	84,300 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	9	17,984 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	7	70,529 mi
Seat belts: rear/other	6	20,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	6	91,000 mi
Parking brake	5	28,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	5	42,050 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	5	75,000 mi
Visibility/wiper	5	52,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	4	26,400 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	4	1,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	3,000 mi
Power train: driveline	4	64 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	4	21,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	3	78,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	3	160,000 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	3	43,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly	3	37,570 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	3	150,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	3	26,751 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	3	74,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	3	70,000 mi
Suspension: rear	3	51,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	38,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	2	99,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	2	41,106 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	2	34,450 mi
Equipment	2	35,800 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	2	47,200 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	2	—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	2	22,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	2	8,100 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	2	28,000 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint	2	28,346 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	2	22,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	2	32,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	2	25,000 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	2	28,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	2	51,351 mi
Trailer hitches	2	90,548 mi
Visibility: windshield	2	10,000 mi
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module	1	160,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	1	—
Air bags: side/window	1	—
Electrical system: horn	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	1	26,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	47,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	1	74,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility	1	190,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	1,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	97,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail	1	25,470 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting	1	127,700 mi
Interior lighting	1	117,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	60,000 mi
Parking brake: driveline: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	112,000 mi
Seat belts: front	1	—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	1	34,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	12,500 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: pads	1	1,500 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	1	1,500 mi
Service brakes, air: drum: shoes/linings	1	1,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	1	4,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings	1	—
Steering: column	1	2,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	1	26,400 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	23,100 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	39,634 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	43,000 mi
Suspension: front: hub	1	77,000 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle	1	37,570 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	19,970 mi
Tires: tread/belt	1	—
Vehicle speed control: cables	1	403 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	1	—
Visibility: glass, side/rear	1	—
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: switch/wiring	1	—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 2002 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2004 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.