2005 Jeep Wrangler Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Jeep Wrangler carries a complaint index of 5, the second-lowest of 21 model years, and ranks 20th worst (meaning near the best). Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because NHTSA records for 2005-2009 are less complete. Fuel System issues dominate, making up 69% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 5/100
- #20 of 21 Wrangler years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 650
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 15
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2005 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System448 (69%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires59 (9%)
- Steering58 (9%)
- Engine50 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain41 (6%)
- Electrical System22 (3%)
- Other16 (2%)
- Brakes15 (2%)
- Structure & Body9 (1%)
- Airbags4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe fuel pumps that continue running during refueling, causing gasoline to overflow onto the ground.
- Some report the gas and brake pedals sitting too close together, leading to unintended acceleration when the driver's foot caught both pedals at once.
- Suspension complaints include a rear tire blowing out at highway speed, causing a rollover with injuries.
- Electrical system reports describe a burning smell and smoke from the dash traced to a failing blower motor.
- One owner reported the vehicle catching fire and burning to the frame after prior heater/fan switch replacements.
- A transfer case reportedly engaged on its own while the Wrangler was being towed, locking the wheels and causing a rollover.
2005 Jeep Wrangler recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V460000Oct 6, 2005Transmission & Powertrain256,409 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2005 compared with other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the Wrangler, 2005 has a complaint index of 5, one of the lowest, and ranks 20th worst overall. Its verdict is Good, though capped from a higher tier because older-year complaint records are less complete.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
- Fuel System complaints account for 69% of all complaints for this year, more than any other category, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2005 Wrangler, covering 42RLE automatic transmissions where an improperly installed cup plug could let the park pawl anchor shaft move out of position.
- How does the 2005 Wrangler compare to other Wrangler years?
- With a complaint index of 5, the 2005 model is far below years like 2018 (95) or 2024 (100), which are rated Avoid. Only the 2025 model year has a lower index (0).