The 2007 Jeep Liberty is an affordable, capable compact SUV. However, being 15 years old, the vehicle has run into several problems, and some are pretty serious. The most concerning issue is a poorly located gas tank that could lead to a fire after a rear collision. Also, a corroded rear suspension may lead to loss of control.
Key Points
- Jeeps 2007 Liberty has had nearly 700 complaints registered against it, leading to three investigations being opened and seven recalls issued.
- The most concerning problems with the 2007 Liberty include its potential for catching fire, as well as unintended braking and loss of control.
- Two recalls stem from the vehicle catching fire. One from a poorly situated gas tank that can ignite in a collision, and the other from an overheating AC blower motor.
- The 2007 Liberty’s rear brakes have also been reported to spontaneously lock up. Two recalls seem to resolve the matter by updating the ABS software.
- Corroded, fracturing suspension components have also been reported in the 2007 Jeep Liberty, leading to loss of control.
2007 Jeep Liberty’s Biggest Problems Concern Fire Hazards, Unintended Braking, and Fractured Suspension Causing Loss of Control
The 2007 Jeep Liberty is the last year of the SUV’s first generation. Just one engine option was offered, a 3.7L V6. The motor is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. In general, the model’s powertrain is reliable.
Looking at reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the SUV has nearly 700 complaints registered against it. These have led to three investigations (all closed), and ultimately, seven recalls.
While most complaints stem from faulty regulators that see the windows not rolling up, this isn’t the 2007 Liberty’s biggest issue. Most concerning is the SUV’s potential for catching fire, followed by braking at random and loss of control.
Thankfully, the majority of the 2007 Liberty’s real problems have been addressed by recalls.
Poor Fuel Tank Location and Faulty AC Blower Motor Resulted in Two Recalls Over Fire Risks
Two problems have been reported that can lead to the 2007 Liberty catching fire. Both resulted in recalls being issued.
The first pertains to the location of the gas tank, which can combust in a rear collision. Specifically, the factory tow hitch may puncture the tank, causing it to leak and potentially ignite. Several deaths have been reported regarding this flaw.
Jeep denies the defect but did reluctantly issue a recall on the matter. The automaker will inspect affected units for sharp edges that may damage the tank. If found, the tow hitch will be replaced with a new one with a protective crossbar.
Ultimately, the fix was deemed inadequate by most, leading to several lawsuits being filed. Jeep has paid out in a few instances.
The second fire-related issue with the 2007 Liberty stems from an overheating AC blower motor that can ignite. Dealers will replace the faulty motor with a new one to resolve the matter.
Glitchy ABS Software May Cause 2007 Liberty’s Rear Brakes to Lock Unexpectedly, and Corrosion May Lead to the Suspension Fracturing
Two more recalls were issued over glitchy ABS and powertrain control module software. Affected units may experience rear-brake lockup under certain conditions.
The issue includes several Jeep/Dodge models from the mid-2000s and is more likely to occur in units with the four-speed automatic transmission and when driving 40 mph or above. A simple software update sees the problem resolved.
Also yielding a couple of recalls, the 2007 Liberty’s rear suspension lower control arms may corrode over time and eventually fracture. Should this occur, the driver will have difficulties controlling the vehicle, increasing the odds of an accident.
“Leaving a traffic light and turning left… I tried to straighten the vehicle out, [but] it kept going left,” begins one Liberty owner on Car Complaints. “I slowly drove it two blocks home. While turning into the driveway, the passenger wheel folded inward… I removed the wheel and found the control arm completely snapped in half.”
Jeep will inspect the suspension and replace the control arms as needed.
Jeep’s 2007 Liberty isn’t Perfect, but Most Real Problems Have Been Addressed by Recalls
Earlier models struggled with engine and transmission issues, but by 2007, the majority had been resolved. While a few of the SUV’s remaining problems are worrisome, Jeep has issued recalls for most of them.
Now 15 years old, problems are to be expected. Before buying, be sure to run the vehicle’s VIN to ensure all recall repairs have been completed.
During the pre-inspection, take a good look at the suspension for signs of corrosion, and check that the brakes feel normal while out on the test drive.
Photos: Jeep
