2008 Jeep Liberty Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a complaint index of 43, ranking 5th out of 8 model years, and carries a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 541 complaints and 4 recalls, with Fuel System issues (29% of complaints) the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 43/100
- #5 of 8 Liberty years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 541
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 19
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
Top 2008 Jeep Liberty problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System156 (29%)
- Electrical System130 (24%)
- Structure & Body92 (17%)
- Visibility & Wipers84 (16%)
- Other57 (11%)
- Engine55 (10%)
- Airbags43 (8%)
- Brakes36 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain30 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration or surging while maneuvering at low speed.
- Electronic stability control has been described as preventing braking during an emergency maneuver, leading to a rollover.
- Steering has reportedly become unresponsive at highway speed, resulting in loss of control and crashes.
- Rear window glass has shattered while the rear defroster was in use, accompanied by a burning odor.
- Water intrusion through the sky slider roof has been linked to electrical shorts and window failures.
- Owners describe dashboard warning lights flashing and instrument needles jumping before the vehicle suddenly loses power.
2008 Jeep Liberty recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V121000Apr 3, 2013Structure & Body62,578 vehicles
Structure
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
Risk: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.
- NHTSA 10V550000Nov 3, 2010Visibility & Wipers12,027 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008 jeep liberty vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with windshield wiper motors that contain excess adhesive that may allow for water intrusion, which could result in intermittent and eventually inoperative windshield wiper operation.
Risk: A failing or inoperative windshield wiper system will reduce a driver's visibility which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall began on december 1, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 08V525000Oct 8, 2008Brakes3,663 vehicles
Parking brake
Chrysler is recalling 3,663 my 2007-2008 dodge nitro and my 2008 jeep liberty vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The park brake lever clutch drum may distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system.
Risk: This could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the park brake lever assembly free of charge. The recall began on october 27, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2008 Jeep Liberty fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Jeep Liberty reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Liberty has a complaint index of 43 and ranks 5th out of 8 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Liberty years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2008 Jeep Liberty?
- NHTSA data shows Fuel System complaints lead at 29% of all reports, followed by Electrical System at 24% and Structure & Body at 17%.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Liberty, covering the heat shield bracket, windshield wiper motor water intrusion, park brake lever assembly, and windshield/rear quarter glass adhesive.
- What year Jeep Liberty should I avoid?
- According to NHTSA complaint data, 2005 and 2006 are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, the worst among Liberty model years.
- How does the 2008 Liberty compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 43, the 2008 model sits in the middle of the range, better than 2005-2007 but worse than 2009 through 2011, which include the 2010 Best-rated year.