2005 Jeep Liberty Suspension Problems

The ball joint broke while I was driving I lost all control of vehicle

NHTSA ID

11694634

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transfer case and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact researched NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V278000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to submit the repair documents regarding the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the replacement of the transfer case and the transmission replacement were not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11690719

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

I was driving on a bridge and my ball joint broke. Blew a hole through my tire and my rim and the fender flare blew off. I had had that same ball joint replaced approximately two years prior maybe sooner. I got this Jeep in 2017 and I have replaced the driver side ball joint twice the passenger side ball joint once and the ball joints look bad again.

NHTSA ID

11667307

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

About 6 months ago the passenger side front end to hit the ground, just after going 60 miles an hour thankfully turning in daughter's driveway. Lower ball joint passenger side came apart. On Monday doing 35 mph the driver side hits the pavement hard! Luckily I ditched in a driveway on the left! The tire slammed into the fender well breaking the plastic there and the piece that goes back under the doors? Ball joint broke completely into? I'm on my third day of working in the rain alongside a road repairing this?

NHTSA ID

11566413

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle swerved to the left across three lanes of traffic and the contact turned the steering wheel to the right to prevent the vehicle from veering to the left. The contact then stopped on the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the Police were on scene and determined that the vehicle could not be driven. The contact stated the Police Officer picked up the ball joint that had detached from the driver’s side front suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V288000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

NHTSA ID

11561064

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

Mileage

225,000 mi

Lower ball joints gave out on driver’s side while turning, snapping the wheel/tire from the car and dropping vehicle down abruptly. Dealership who fixed the lower control arm and hitch recalls, did not fix and said there was no Lower Ball Joint recall- which was a confirmed recall and lead to vehicle damage and safety hazard

NHTSA ID

11490828

Incident

Oct 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the suspension suddenly failed, causing the front end of the vehicle to drop down and the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side lower ball joint had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11454785

Incident

Feb 28, 2022

Mileage

157,000 mi

I was traveling on the highway at about 60 mph, hit a small bump in the highway and nearly lost total control. Pulled over and came to a complete stop. Re-entered the highway and nearly lost control even at a slower speed, 55mph.

NHTSA ID

11447418

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

Slowly crossed railroad tracks ball joint came disconnected forcing disconnection of the front drive shaft

NHTSA ID

11443559

Incident

Dec 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V288000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the same symptoms. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11442020

Incident

Nov 8, 2021

Mileage

75,000 mi

I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport. I was backing out of my driveway when I heard a crunching sound. I got out of the car and saw that the passenger side of my car was much lower than the driver's side. I noticed that their was windshield wiper fluid pouring out of the front end. Upon inspection, I noticed that the ball joint had snapped and the control arm was almost on the ground. Had I been able to get to the freeway as planned, I could have been seriously injured. I called to verify recall information and was informed that the ball joint recall issue had been resolved. However, with further investigation, it seems that this issue is happening after the repairs as well. I have attached pictures. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11440190

Incident

Nov 11, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V278000 (Suspension) was completed. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal sounds coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.

NHTSA ID

11438285

Incident

Jan 5, 2018

Mileage

9,000 mi

In the past 15 months (recently as last week) I've had to replace the ball joints in the front end. We are the original owner and have the same address when purchased. I see there was a recall notice but i was never informed. NHTSA Recall #06V288000. The repair on 9/210/21 repair was a total of $516.00. The repair in 6/2020 was $516.00 as well. Lower ball joint - $136 Upper control arm - $130 Labor - $250

NHTSA ID

11434548

Incident

Sep 19, 2021

Reversing out of a driveway went to turn wheel heard loud pop snap front passenger side went to ground fender popped lose discovered by tow that the lower ball joint had snapped and possible lower control arm

NHTSA ID

11433211

Incident

Sep 14, 2021

Right upper ball joint control arm collapsed while in the drive-through at McDonald's could not move the car turn it or do anything it completely collapsed on the front right side due to corrosion of the lower ball joint and then I know this has been recalled however my car is not under the recall and I don't understand why because it was the same exact issue it's a Jeep Liberty

NHTSA ID

11431081

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

Drivers side lower ball joint catastrophic failure with no warning signs evident except split boot(s). Separation/break from upper control arm, tie rod and steering assembly at low speed reverse. NHTSA Recall ID: 06V288000 (Daimler-Chrysler Notification Code: F23) of lower ball joints performed by Chrysler authorized dealer/repair station 2007. Dealer contacted two (2) weeks prior to incident to coordinate possible re-repair and/or consideration of faulty OEM parts used in original recall. Consumer stated gas smell around his car and inside. *JB

NHTSA ID

11429217

Incident

Aug 14, 2021

Mileage

193,000 mi

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the steering wheel would shake with the vehicle wobbling. The contact stated that the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact informed the original owner of the failure, who then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ball joint was faulty, but only performed an alignment. The failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but did not diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 98,500.

NHTSA ID

11422769

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

98,500 mi

The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while reversing and making a left turn, the front driver’s side ball joint fractured and the lower control arm detached. The steering wheel also shook and jerked while driving approximately 50 mph. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall repaired in 2006, for the ball joints. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11421252

Incident

Jun 16, 2021

Mileage

102,000 mi

FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ON RIGHT SIDE HAS FELL OUT TWICE, 8 MONTHS APART. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING LESS THE 20 MPH. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, AND ON ON REGULAR PAVED ROAD. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD BOTH TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE, IT CAUSE MY WHEEL TO BREAK AND FLATTER MY TIRE, SECOND TIME IT DAMAGED MY WHEEL BUT DIDN'T NOT BUST THROUGH IT. MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE BROKE 2 TIMES AS WEEK 1 WEEK AFTER REPAIRED IT BROKE THE 2ND TIME. TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAS ALSO BROKE.

NHTSA ID

11406562

Incident

Mar 9, 2021

Mileage

129,000 mi

THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL/ TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING. I WAS ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILING. THIS WAS ON A 2005 JEEP LIBERTY RENEGADE. RECALL REPAIRS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS ON 04/09/2007. I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11399689

Incident

Jan 27, 2021

Mileage

110,814 mi

LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IS REPORTING ALL OF MY UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD ON MY 2005 LIBERTY. WITH JUST OVER 125K MILES I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE OVER $3,000 IN REPAIRS NEEDED, FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT, REAR BALL JOINTS, FRONT HUB BEARINGS AND BOTH FRONT CV AXLES. THIS IS THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION (REAR LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COVERED IN A RECALL AND WERE REPLACED AFTER WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN FOR BREAKAGE) . THIS IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM AND JEEP NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND REIMBURSE PEOPLE FOR THEIR EXPENSES.

NHTSA ID

11397989

Incident

Jan 14, 2021

Mileage

130,000 mi

MY FRONT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BROKE WHY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD

NHTSA ID

11397044

Incident

Feb 17, 2021

Mileage

240,000 mi

AFTER INSPECTION FROM MECHANICS I WAS TOLD MY 2005 JEEP LIBERTY WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE OTHER 05 LIBERTYS IM REFERENCE TO THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WHERE THE DEFECT IS ALLOWING MOISTURE TO GET IN DAMAGING THE BALL JOINT AND IT'S CRACKING AND RUSTED AND BAD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VIN WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO GEAR AND START DRIVING FORWARD OR REVERSE I GET LOUD POPS AND. CRACKING NOISE ALSO ANYTIME I HIT A BUMP AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I WAS TOLD THE RATE AT WHICH IT'S DETERIORATING AND HOW BAD IT IS IS EXCESSIVE AND NEEDS FOR A SAFETY CONCERN

NHTSA ID

11389870

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Mileage

139,000 mi

MY HEATED SEAT WAS ON LOW AND IT HAS BEEN GETTING EXTREMELY HOT LATELY, WELL TODAY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY BALL JOINTS ALL WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11376336

Incident

Nov 25, 2020

Mileage

170,000 mi

BUSHING AND BODY BUSHING ON FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, SQUEAK VERY LOUDLY ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, OR WHEN SOMEONE ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE, THE ADDED WEIGHT TO THE VEHICLE, CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SQUEAK FROM THE FRONT UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, EVERY BUMP OR RUFF SPOT IN THE ROAD, TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION, EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CAUSES VERY LOUD SQUEAKING, THE SQUEAKING IS PRESENT WITH SIMPLE ROCKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING FEELS TIGHTER AND SIMPLE TURNS REQUIRE MORE BODY MUSCLE USE, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. THE SQUEAKING/RUBBING IS PRESENT, AT ALL TIMES, WHEN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF MOVEMENT OR POSITION CHANGES FROM DRIVER/PASSENGERS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FEELS LIKE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT, OR THAT THE FRICTION FROM THE RUBBING OR PIECES IN THE FRONT/ FRONT SUSPENSION, IS GOING TO CAUSE SOMETHING TO WEAR DOWN AND BREAK, WHICH COULD CAUSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TO BE LOST, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE FATAL. WHEN I DO A GENERAL SEARCH FOR RECALLS ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL, IT SHOWS 2 REGARDING THE FRONT SUSPENSION, AND BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER WHEN I SEARCH RECALLS USING MY VEHICLES VIN NUMBER, IT SHOWS '0 UNREPAIRED RECALLS' BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY RECALLS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE, AND THE RECALLS THAT SHOW ACTIVE, FIT THE ISSUES GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE, AND I'M NOT SURE WHY MY 2005 JEEP LIBERTY RENEGADE, FITS INTO THE VEHICLES WITH THE RECALL CONCERNS PRESENT AND ACTIVE, BUT MY VEHICLE DOESN'T SHOW AND ONE THAT NEED TO BE REPAIRED BASED ON THE ACTIVE RECALLS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329073

Incident

Dec 15, 2019

Mileage

98,500 mi