Ignition Switch problems of the 2002 Jeep Liberty

The vehicle has been exhibiting issues with the igition switch similar to others such as the gm Chevrolet cobalt and Saturn ion. When the ingition switch is rotated to the start/crank position and the vehicle starts and the key is released it sometimes does not fully return to the on/run position from the start crank position. Although the engine is running and the vehicle can be driven some electrical function are offline due to the ignition switches failure to rully return to the on/run position. The situation is not usually noticed until the vehicle is in motion and one the the effected systems is used (turn signal, hvac, radio) systems that are effected and not receiving power are turn signals, radio, airbag, hvac. The switch can be moved into the on/run position and these systems then come on-line. This is a dangerous situation and may result in an accident (signal lamps not working, hvac defogger not working) or possible airbag non-deployment in a crash (possible injury or fatality). This issue has occured at least 3 times in the last two weeks. The vehicle in question is in immaculate condition and well maintained by an ase certified master auto technician> the vehicle has no significant accident or damage history.

When I went to turn my car on yesterday it would turn but would not turn the car on. The battery was replaced and still it would not turn on. An investigation into the ignition switch discovered a sing broke part before the tumbler. In order to repair this, the entire steering collumn needs to be replaced. Two Jeep shops told me this is a common problem, but I haven't seen a recall. A google search brings up hundreds of unsatisfied owners. It could be in the thousands.

While towing our 2002 Jeep Liberty le behind an RV, with key in the first click position, the keys have twice fallen out of the ignition switch and caused the front wheels to lock in an other than straight-ahead position. This means the switch has rotated, on its own, to the off position. In the first instance, in 2004, there was no damage other than some scuffing on the edges of the tires - due to the wheels becoming locked in an angled state. In the second instance, in 2008, there was approximately $2,300. 00 damage to the right front of the Jeep. Chrysler has been contacted, twice in 2008, but stated that the problem was caused by the tire manufacturer, rather than by the wheels locking. I will be sending the two letters which I sent to Chrysler, along with a cover letter to your office, with photos showing the damage to the Jeep Liberty. You may decide whether the wheels locked or the 3 tires just destroyed themselves. Naturally, Chrysler corporation has only contacted me by phone, so there is no paper trail, save my few notes when speaking with some person I can barely understand. Thank you for your time! updated 02/19/10 updated 10/04/10.

The ignition switch failed (broke). Took to authorized dealer. They replaced switch,which broke again,during their testing process. I am now advised that there is something with the steering column that is breaking the switch, dealer says complete steering column has been replaced. They can not or will not explain what in the column is breaking the ignition switch. There is no way of knowing if this will even fix the problem. Where this is something internal, there is now way for the owner/operator to know there is a problem. If the switch were to break during vehicle operation, who knows what the outcome would be.

The key became stuck in the ignition. The key sometimes has to be left in the vehicle.