The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate issues where the transfer case can slip into neutral unexpectedly, allowing the vehicle to roll away even when the transmission is in park.
The transfer case rollaway risk appears in two forms. An electrical failure in the transfer case can cause it to shift into neutral on its own, and on vehicles with a full-time four-wheel drive system, the transfer case controller can fail and allow the same unintended neutral shift, bypassing the park position entirely. Both situations leave the vehicle free to roll without warning. There is also a concern with the ignition switch: a heavy key ring or an accidental bump from the driver's knee can knock the ignition out of the run position, which cuts power to the engine and can disable power steering and braking assist while the vehicle is moving. On 3.7-liter models with an automatic transmission, water draining from the air conditioning evaporator can find its way into the transmission through a poorly sealed fill tube grommet, where it can degrade transmission fluid and cause internal damage over time.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch can unintentionally slip out of the run position if your key ring is heavy or you accidentally bump the key with your knee, causing loss of engine power, power steering, and braking assist.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the ignition switch and lock cylinder.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The transfer case controller may fail on certain four-wheel drive vehicles, causing the transfer case to shift into neutral. This can allow the vehicle to roll away even when the transmission is in PARK, risking collisions with other vehicles, objects, or people.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the final drive controller with updated software to correct the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical failure in the transfer case may cause it to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the final drive controller software at no charge to fix the electrical issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water from the air conditioner drain tube may leak into the transmission through the fill tube grommet seal. This can cause shuddering when the torque converter engages, leading to overheating, fluid boiling, and fluid spilling into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks at the fill tube grommet seal. A new grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed. If a leak is found, the transmission will be flushed or the torque converter replaced as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
