Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Jeep Liberty, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Suspension437
- Air bags392
- Structure111
- Visibility92
- Fuel system, gasoline89
- Fuel/propulsion system83
- Electrical system72
- Power train64
- Steering52
- Engine and engine cooling42
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 171 injuries and 3 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 61 2003 Liberty vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 37 people died inside them, and 18 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 Jeep Liberty failed the safety check 2.76% of the time — 31% more often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 145,943 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 12.2–14.0 L/100 km (about 17–19 mpg US), CO₂ 281–322 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 10.6 | 12.2 |
| Liberty 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 15.0 | 12.0 | 13.7 |
| Liberty 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 16.1 | 11.5 | 14.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
7 Transport Canada recalls for the 2003 Jeep Liberty.
| 2015479 16 Oct 2015 | Airbag On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/… |
| 2015040 28 Jan 2015 | Airbag On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/… |
| 2013220 26 Jun 2013 | Structure Chrysler Canada has determined that an opportunity to incrementally improve performance in certain types of low-speed impacts may exist in certain vehicles. The… |
| 2012378 9 Nov 2012 | Airbag On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or sea… |
| 2009110 14 Apr 2009 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the front upper ball joints may experience a loss of lubrication which can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possible separation. Ba… |
| 2006190 2 Aug 2006 | Steering On certain vehicles, the front lower ball joints may become contaminated. With continued operation, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, … |
| 2003270 7 Nov 2003 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the front lower control arm ball joints may be susceptible to a loss of lubrication which can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possi… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Jeep told its dealers about the 2003 Jeep Liberty: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 635701 | OVERHEAD CONSOLE ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) MAY HAVE THE SERVICE INTERVAL FEATURE SET HIGHER THAN 6,000 MILES, ON CERTAIN EARLY 2003 MODELS. *TT |
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 634082 | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC |
| 10229910 | Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a trailer-hitch assembly as a result of the N45 or N46 Campaign. |
| 10229877 | Part Description: wheel hub cap Issue Description: This hubcap is installed directly to the wheel using screws; PN 00154236. This part is not currently listed in the catalog |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10221079 | Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a trailer-hitch assembly as a result of the N45 or N46 Campaign. |
| 10221045 | Part Description: wheel hub cap Issue Description: This hubcap is installed directly to the wheel using screws; PN 00154236. This part is not currently listed in the catalog |
| 10220995 | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10220471 | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 10220409 | Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10216350 | Advanced Field Action Communication ? M3511082012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2002 and 2003 model year (KJ) Jeep Liberty vehicles built through March 28, 2003 and 2002 through 2004 model year (WJ) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles built through May 23, 2003. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag, side curtain airbag, and/or seatbelt pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to install an in-line diode filter jumper harness. The jumper harness incorporates diodes to perform the intended f |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10191442 | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 10189392 | MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position |
| 10189177 | Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts. |
| 10176210 | This SKU is a Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the cup material. Plastic cup material has the potential to have a shorter service life than the metal. Shorter service life will require the part be replaced sooner than its metal counterpart. |
| 10176209 | This SKU is a Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the cup material. Plastic cup material has the potential to have a shorter service life than the metal. Shorter service life will require the part be replaced sooner than its metal counterpart. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT SEPARATION
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation