2008 Jeep Liberty: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Jeep Liberty: 4 recalls, 541 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #08V455000 · 2008 · 494 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield and/or fixed rear quarter glass May have been assembled using incorrect urethane adhesive. This could affect glass retention.
Why it matters: If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield and/or fixed rear quarter glass free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2008.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #08V525000 · 2008 · 3,663 vehicles
What's wrong: The park brake lever clutch drum May distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system.
Why it matters: This could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the park brake lever assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2008.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #10V550000 · 2010 · 12,027 vehicles
What's wrong: The vehicles are equipped with windshield wiper motors that contain excess adhesive that May allow for water intrusion, which could result in intermittent and eventually inoperative windshield wiper operation.
Why it matters: A failing or inoperative windshield wiper system will reduce a driver's visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall began on December 1, 2010.
Body & structure, Airbags Vehicle recall #13V121000 · 2013 · 62,578 vehicles
What's wrong: The transfer case heat shield May drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
Why it matters: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition May increase…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #09E039000 · 2009 · 44 vehicles
What's wrong: These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on October 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 19 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (124): the most common themes are electrical failure (60), door / lock issues (39), stalls / loses power (30).
- Fuel system (95): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (31), fire / smoke (7), leaks (4).
- Body & structure (85): the most common themes are leaks (21), noise or vibration (16).
- Fuel & propulsion (61): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), warning light on (7).
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has 541 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 13 Liberty model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 683). Complaints peaked in 2011 (73 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (703 complaints, 6 recalls), 2009 (108 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Jeep Liberty.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Jeep Liberty, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Jeep Liberty problems?
Owners have filed 541 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (124), fuel system (95), body & structure (85).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Liberty get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.7 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Jeep Liberty repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.