Steering Column Problems of Jeep Liberty - part 1

Low speed head on collision with Jeep Liberty 2011 no airbag deployment, all forces came thru steering column resulting in partial internal amputation of right hand, breking of left hand. . . No recall repairs ever done, am 3rd owner of vehicle,,,recalls specified in 2011,2013,and after crash in 2016.

See all problems of the 2011 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Vehicle was parked in parking lot and would not start when turning key. No sound or movement. Mechanic noted broken rod in steering column. Jeep would not replace inexpensive rod and only sold entire $700 steering column.

See all problems of the 2007 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Jeep would not start -had lights, radio, horn etc. But it would not turn over at all. Towed to dealer. Tech performed diagnosis and found the problem - steering column had to be replaced. Total cost $798. 00. I was told that the steering column and ignition switch were problem issues in this make and model but no recall was in place to repair. Ignition switch recall replace in 2006 Jeep Liberty manual transmission but not in automatic transmission.

See all problems of the 2006 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

I keep having a problem with the steering column. I have fixed this same problem 3 different times. The last time I fixed the part seems to have changed and the part was higher the last time. The part changed supposedly to be better than the previous part but it seems to go out every year.

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Liberty sport. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, when she veered to the left or right there was a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic the diagnosed failure of the steering column of the lower arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000. Lb.

Bad clock spring located in steering column, effects many things including airbag. Extremely expensive to replace and have found it is a very common issue.

See all problems of the 2008 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that when making turns an abnormal grinding sound comes from the steering column. Following the sound a unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where technician diagnosed the steering column clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. No repairs were made. The manufacturer was mad aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000. The manufacturer deemed the vehicle a vor and stated the parts were on back order. Sr.

Auto would not start. Steering column assembly had to be replaced. There is a kit made to fix but was unreliable. Other years official recall was 2011. People with 2002, 2005, 2007 had same problem. Crysler assumed no responsibly, would not re imburse me for the fix. Need help in having crysler assume responsibility.

Key will not release from ignition on steering column due to restricted (degraded range of motion from a subassembly with weakened spring) movement of automatic transmission shifter interlock cable. Vehicle can not be put in park (shifter freely moves through p r n d 3 2) and key will not make the last little turn before release. Seems to be an extremely common occurrence among owners, based on cursory online research. Requires replacement of entire center console shifter assembly with an "upgraded/improved" mopar part to fix the known high failure subassembly (but not available for purchase separately). Inability to place vehicle securely in park would seem to be biggest safety issue, not to mention vehicle security compromised with key perpetually in ignition.

Car was disabled due to defective tab inside steering column. Vehicle would not start. Battery fine. Starter fine. Mechanic found it to be an non-serviceable part within the steering column. Entire column has to be replaced. I have to either wait for a new column to ship and pay a total of $920 parts and labor and tax. Or buy a used one and total cost is $475. This is a defective part that should be recalled. This part cannot be maintained and is not subject to normal wear and tear. This is a safety issue. This is a common problem for this model and can leave drivers and passengers stranded in an unsafe situation.

Car was disabled due to defective tab inside steering column. Part was replaced in 2010, costing $600 to repair. Happened again 10/25/13 costing over $1,000 to repair. This is a defective part that should be recalled. This part cannot be maintained and is not subject to normal wear and tear. This is a safety issue because this part breaks often and will disable a vehicle, leaving a family stranded.

Vehicle was involved in a crash with a light pole and small tree. Driver was forced to the right side of the road to avoid a head on crash with another vehicle. Two of the front bumper sensors were hit, but the air bags failed to deploy. The drive hit the steering column that had broken off with her sternum,, and the passenger hit the windshield. There was a question involving the seat belts not holding either of the individuals in place. The 2005 Jeep had several recalls, and many shop bulletins of part failures on file though this one was checked by the dealer and certified as ok. . . Updated 09-18-13.

See all problems of the 2005 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Ignition switch failed without warning while transporting disabled person. Again!!!!! this is the 2nd time this same part has failed on this vehicle - it is a tiny, small "pot metal"/nylon part that is a weak link in this supposedly otherwise sturdy rig, and the only fix after all this time of repeated failures is to replace the entire steering column, rather than only the offending part, again. This year, the part lasted for far less time than the original part - for only 4 years and 48,000 mi. It is a dangerous situation when a careful and conscientious driver is unable to rely on a vehicle used to transport a wheelchair-bound person. This Jeep is a one-owner vehicle and is regularly maintained and cared for by the dealership and other authorized service centers. (in 2009, it took months to get the part) this issue should be considered for recall. The thing is not going to explode and kill someone, but leaving occupants vulnerable (with no warning) is still a serious security issue.

See all problems of the 2004 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Key would not release from ignition after parking. Took to dealership. I advised dealership, possible shifter assembly and shift interlock cable problem, per other comments? I just received a call from them and they advised there was a piece broken in steering column and they needed to replace whole steering column. Problem 1 is there is a supposed national back order with an undetermined date of when they will get it in. 2nd issue, is they had no solution on how to get key out of ignition so I could properly secure my Jeep from theft or help with any solution to this other than. . . . Lock and unlock with spare key, since it is key fob that is in the ignition. 3rd issue. . . . . . . . . . . . The cost $1240. 65 with parts and labor. . . . . . . . . . I will be checking this out with other service centers and repair shops to make sure before I consent to any repairs with anyone.

Failure of steering column rod to actuate ignition sense switch caused vehicle no start and driver stranded. Rod goes between key cylinder and ignition switch. Key can still be turned, but if ignition switch does not actuate engine does not start. There are no dealer serviceable components in steering column. This leads to the entire steering column needing replacement for the failure of a 3mm aluminum cast rod. Dealer estimate of $1200 for repair. Pictures are available.

Same as some of the other complaints; vehicle refused to start. Random at first, the wouldn't start at all. Towed to dealer and entire steering column has to be replaced to fix one small part, which is on backorder. Will contact the manufacturer tomorrow to complain, doubt it will help. I have seen multiple complaints with this issue, Jeep should do something about it! $800 in repairs. Last Jeep/Chrysler I will ever own. I don't have the VIN right now, as the vehicle and registration are at the shop.

I was leaving my bank and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start it with my key. My key turned and would not start my vehicle. My battery is about a 1 month old and I checked to see if there was a loose connection or corrosion (connection tight and no corrosion). I checked all fluids (fine), I just had oil, oil filter and breather filter changed a few weeks ago and they check all fluids. I turned lites, wipers, turn signals and radio on (worked fine), horn worked. With my key in the ignition, I had no problem turning the steering wheel. I opened my driver's door and saw it show up as "door" on the dash panel and noticed engine lite on. I depressed and held brake pedal down and was able to shift to neutral and back to park with no problem. I had a friend come and look at my Liberty, and he checked and did everything I did. We both thought it was the ignition switch. I informed the bank that I was having car problems and have to leave it in their parking lot over nite. I had the Jeep Liberty towed to a Jeep dealership in stuart florida the next day (12/12/2012). They informed me that the pin in the ignition switch broke off and fell inside and that they would need to replace the whole steering column. And it would cost over $1000. 00. I was informed the next day (12/13/2012) that they could not locate a new steering column and that they would need to replace the steering column with a used one. Now it will cost $800. 00. I researched and noticed that other Jeep Liberty owners have had problems with the ignition switch. I hope I am not being scammed. My Jeep Liberty has about 50000 miles on it. As I think about it, wouldn't the ignition switch need to be replaced and not the whole steering column? my Jeep is still at the dealership and I hope to get it back on 12/17/2012.

On a rainy morning on 11/13/2012 while merging onto the interstate my Jeep Liberty went into a skid and I lost control of the vehicle and hit the roadside barrier. The front and back bumpers were damaged. The problem was not the skid but that the steering wheel locked in place and could not be steered to help control the truck. This had happened at least twice before when the truck went into a skid. My husband had asked our local service dealer about it and he said that this was part of the Jeep suspension and was not a defect in the vehicle operation. Based on that inquiry, I thought the first time this happened, that maybe it was just a fluke. However, now I am not so sure. I do not believe that the steering column on a vehicle should locked in place and not allow the vehicle to be controlled. Additionally, I have been waiting eight months for my local Jeep dealer to get the part for the latest safety recall, l27/NHTSA 12v-085 rear suspension lower control arms. We checked last month and the service department stated that we were still number two on the list and when they got the repair part we would get the repair part. We have been told since may 2012 that we were number two on the repair list. I need answers on why my steering wheel does this or I need to get rid of this vehicle because if this happens again I might have very different results than the past two times.

2005 Jeep Liberty. Consumer states vehicle stopped while driving and caught fire. The consumer stated the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. According to the fire department, the fire may have started in the steering column. The consumer stated a recall was issued for the previous model and she believed that same issue may have applied to her vehicle as well.

I attempted to start the car but the starter wouldn't turn over. I checked the fuses and relays for the ignition system, and everything was ok. I had to have the car towed to the dealer. The dealer told me that the entire steering column had to be replaced, because 2 tabs which held the ignition switch were broken. I've searched online sites and find that there seems to be all kinds of problems with the steering column and ignitions switches on the Jeep Liberty. Cost of this "minor" repair $600 plus towing. Mileage 82k.

My Jeep recently was unable to start the engine. It was fine just the night before with no indication of a problem, but in the morning I turned the key and all I got was a click at the relay; the starter never engaged and the engine would not turn over. After much diagnosis it was discovered the problem was due to the end breaking off of a small metal cylinder which rotates to engage the starter; the cylinder is located on the left underside of the steering column. I was informed by the mechanic that the cylinder, nor the housing containing the cylinder, is sold as a separate part. . . I was forced to replace the entire steering column assembly to the tune of $300 (the labor was another $200, and a new ignition cylinder an additional $30), to fix this one small part that probably cost about $5 to make. In my research online, I found that this is a common, well-known problem with Jeeps, with many people complaining on forums about the same issue. The only action I knew to take was to file a complaint here to hopefully initiate a recall of this part so that it either a) is replaced with a part made of better material so as to stop so many from breaking, and b) stops leaving people stranded with a non-working vehicle with no warning whatsoever.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and no warning lamps were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the steering column was fractured and causing the ignition switch to malfunction. As a result, the steering needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 92,000.

See all problems of the 2003 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

Key would not turn on car. Opened up steering column to find small rod that pushes button on ignition was broken. Jeep dealership says cannot replace rod has to replace entire steering column.

See all problems of the 2002 Jeep Liberty 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the steering column, ignition switch and lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic where he was advised that the ignition switch and steering column would need to be replaced. There was no electrical current passing through the starter and the mechanic advised that there were aluminum pieces that fractured in the steering column and caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts needed were on backorder. The contact believed that the manufacturer was ignoring the issue which he stated was a severe safety issue. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced twice since owning the vehicle. The failure mileage was 85,100. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that when she inserted the key into the ignition, it would not turn. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that a piece of the steering column broke and was preventing the key from turning. The mechanic stated that the unless something long was stuck into the ignition like a screwdriver, the ignition could not be turned over. The mechanic called the manufacturer who stated that they were no longer making the part needed for repair and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 80,400. Updated 03/22/lj updated 05/05/11.

For the past month or so, my steering wheel ignition locking mechanism has been nerve racking. I put the key in, but it doesn't even turn. . . Almost like I am using the wrong key. If I jiggle a bit it will work. . . But last night nothing was working. Now - my steering column is locked, so I can't even attempt to spin the steering wheel while I try the key. It has been towed, which now will cost me an arm and a leg I am sure to fix. I have researched online and was surprised to see how many people are complaining about the same thing. We are all having the exact same problems. I have read things like broken shift interlock cable, broken ignition rod, etc. . . I am puzzled why this hasn't been brought to the surface and there is no recall. This is dangerous especially for those that have young children, like myself, incase I am stranded in the middle of nowhere. Who knows what lowlife would cross my path all because Jeep was aware of this problem and hasn't so much as even recognized the issue. I will never buy a Jeep again.

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local repair shop for inspection. The mechanic diagnosed that the steering column was defective and made repairs. The failure recurred within one year and the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the contact was advised to have the steering column replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 78,000.

The height adjustment on the steering column unlocks and releases often with no warning. I find the lock bar dropped down and fully released. When resetting it is not firmly held in place. It is a real challenge to control a steering wheel that moves up and down.

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Liberty. The adjustable latch for the steering column causes the steering wheel to move or drop while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. The technician stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 59000.

This is a problem with my 2003 Jeep Liberty. Difficulty turning key in ignition. Steering wheel must be forced to turn to the right. Dealer says that the steering column must be replaced due to bearing seizure. Cost = $630. This is a dangerous situation and should cause a recall. Checking various forums, numerous people have had difficulty with ignition and steering column problems.

I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty whose ignition switch just failed. Had it towed and the ignition switch must be replaced (which is under warranty), but it entails also exchanging the steering column (which, is not under warranty). They are telling me that I have to pay $800. 00 to fix this my warranty which is still under effect that components not listed are not covered unless required as a direct result of the failure of a covered component. Having read complaint after complaint with Jeep liberties starting with year 2002 to present, it becomes obvious that this is a serious defect and it appears Jeep has done nothing to rectify this problem and is coercing people (even under warranty) to pay for this. The parts are not even immediately available. This has not been resolved yet, but I think it is serious to note the incident. Thank you.

My 2003 Jeep Liberty will not start. I replaced the key lock component 4 months ago. Now, my dealer is telling me that I need an entire steering column at the cost of $1000. . Read more...

The steering column inside where ignition switch is cracked,that what I was told the vehicle has 90000 miles on it but it was in a crash and now the insurance adjuster says it is normal wear. It will not start, and it shorted out the battery.

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started and the steering wheel was locked in place. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where they advised her that the steering column needed to be replaced due to the ignition rod being fractured. The vehicle was repaired for the steering column. The failure recurred six months later. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was unknown.