With its rugged proportions, high ground clearance, and available four-wheel-drive system, the Jeep Liberty remains a popular choice even as it ages. These SUVs have a trucky design and have had many recalls and driver complaints, however, over suspension troubles and potential underbody fires.
Key Points
- The 2006 Jeep Liberty was recalled 10 times, investigated five times by the NHTSA, and racked up over 1,300 owner complaints, with its top problems encompassing components that could prematurely wear out and cause a crash, and potential engine fires.
- The compact sport utility vehicle’s suspension has been addressed in two recalls, but many of those repairs were performed so long ago that these SUVs may need suspension work again.
- A major concern over leaking fuel in the event of a rear-end collision led Jeep to install trailer hitches on many versions of the 2006 Liberty.
- Drivers have reported faulty window regulators that allow the glass to slide into the door unexpectedly.
- A recall also covered replacement of the climate control fan to stem fire risks.
- Drivers note many suspension and driveline noises, though some are chalked up to normal operation.
10 Recalls for the 2006 Jeep Liberty Address Suspension Complaints, Fire Risks, and Electrical Issues
The 2006 Jeep Liberty has been recalled 10 times, and a third of the recalls address issues with the compact SUV’s suspension, including fractured control arms and worn ball joints.
Two separate recalls cover control arms and worn ball joint components that could prematurely wear out and cause a crash at speed. Affected vehicles received new lower ball joints or rear lower control arms.
The Liberty has composite fuel tank located just behind the rear bumper, which reportedly has a risk of being punctured. As part of a larger recall involving select Grand Cherokee and Liberty models, Jeep installed a trailer hitch designed to provide rear-end protection.
Two separate recalls involving electrical faults resulted in potential replacement of the left-side oxygen sensor wiring harness and the heating and cooling system blower motor.
A number of early-production 2006 Liberty models were also recalled to fix an automatic transmission lever component that may fail and thus prevent the Jeep from being put into park.
Over 1,300 User Complaints Allege Issues With Window Regulators, Suspension Clunks, and Difficulty Adding Fuel
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has over 1,300 complaints on file over the 2006 Jeep Liberty, and nearly 400 have been lodged over visibility issues. Owners mention window regulators that fail and allow the side windows to crash into the doors. The window regulators hold up the glass until the switch (with optional power windows) or the crank is activated.
Drivers have noted that all four door windows can suffer from the issue, and some have complained about having to pay $400 or more to replace a single regulator.
Additionally, even after the rear control arm replacement was conducted, some owners have noted issues with suspension clunking. So problematic are the ball joints that the Lost Jeeps message forum has created a how-to guide to checking their condition.
Another common source of complaints is the fuel system, particularly with the optional turbodiesel engine. Drivers have noted that the fuel tank can either be difficult to fill up or that the automatic shut-off that is supposed to be triggered at a gas station won’t occur.
Federal Investigators Have Looked into Fire Risks From Both the Fuel Tank and Electronics Behind the Dashboard
Perhaps the best-known of the five NHTSA investigations conducted so far on the 2006 Jeep Liberty relates to fires stemming from punctured fuel tanks. The NHTSA’s two-year investigation noted 90 fires as of 2013, and the agency directed Jeep to install a trailer hitch receiver that mounts behind the rear bumper and covers the low-hanging plastic fuel tank.
The replacement trailer hitch was to be installed on all Liberty models not fitted with one from the factory, though some owners have alleged that dealers turned them down due to rusty components where the trailer hitches would mount.
As recently as 2018, some owners complained about dealerships not having new hitches in stock for installation, though few complaints have been lodged since then.
Separately, the NHTSA also conducted a brief investigation into fuel leaks around the fuel heater fitted to Liberty models equipped with the optional turbodiesel engine, though no defect was identified.
Another investigation found defective blower motors included in the climate control system, which can overheat. In 2007, the NHTSA had Jeep replace the original blower motors with those of a new design.
Worn Driveshaft Joints and Driveline Whines are the Norm With the 2006 Jeep Liberty
The Liberty may have soft styling, but its simple transfer case and suspension were designed for off-road use. Some owners, however, have noted driveline noises, including gear whines and clunking.
The gear whine generally stems from the vehicle’s rear differentials, which are of a relatively simple type. Some owners note that their Liberty SUVs have made noise since day one, however.
Worn front driveshaft joints can make a clinking noise at low speeds that turns into a hum as velocity increases. Drivers on Jeep Forum noted that this can be solved with new joints.
The 2006 Jeep Liberty Has a Mixed Reliability Record With Lots of Recalls and Some Notable Problem Areas
Shoppers in the market for an inexpensive SUV should know that the 2006 Jeep Liberty will likely come with its share of issues. Check the VIN to ensure that all recalls – particularly those pertaining to the fuel-tank puncture risk – have been performed.
That said, drivers can expect to hear more noises from underneath the Liberty than many rivals, and they should be prepared for some electrical and window regulator issues.
Photos: Stellantis
