2008 Jeep Liberty Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
43/100
#5 most-complained of 8 Liberty years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has 541 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 43 out of 100 — #5 highest of 8 Liberty model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is fuel system (156 complaints, 29% of the total). Complaints report 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 19 injuries.
- Complaints
- 541
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 19 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
Top 2008 Jeep Liberty problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Jeep Liberty ranks #5 of 8 among Liberty model years (Complaint Index 43/100, verdict: Good). It has 541 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Liberty?
- The most reported problem areas are fuel system (156 complaints), electrical system (130 complaints), and structure & body (92 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Jeep Liberty, most recently reported 2013, covering structure & body, visibility & wipers, and brakes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Jeep Liberty?
- EPA rates the 2008 Jeep Liberty at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.