What Are The Best Years For The Jeep Liberty?

A beloved model from the adventure brand Jeep, the Liberty offers a rugged vehicle suited for the everyday commute.

But which years are the best for the Jeep Liberty?

What Are The Best Years For The Jeep Liberty?

The 2009 and 2008 models are the best years for the Jeep Liberty. They have the fewest reported complaints and repairs. Looking at the old style of the Liberty, the 2007 model offers a sturdy vehicle with few complaints. Avoid 2002, 2005, 2012 Liberty models due to their high repair rate.

Read below for more information on the best years of the Jeep Liberty. 

Learn what repairs to anticipate and some things to look out for when buying used. 

2009 Jeep Liberty

The year 2009 was the peak for Jeep Liberty. 

This model year was more advanced than older models claiming its dominant status. 

The 2009 model has the fewest complaints of all the Jeep Liberty years and will typically require less maintenance and fewer repairs. 

Most 2009 Jeep Liberty owners praise the ride quality. 

This model rides much smoother than the previous models and even has improved gas mileage. 

The 2009 Jeep Liberty offers good gas mileage at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. 

While other years for the Jeep Liberty have had several recalls, the 2009 model has had only one recall on aftermarket suspension. 

There are no manufacturer’s recalls on any 2009 Jeep Liberty component. 

Some of the common repairs reported for the 2009 Jeep Liberty are:

• TIPM Failure
• Overflowing Gas Tank
• Heater Core Failure

Many Jeep models and years have electrical problems, specifically with the TIPM. 

The TIPM, or the totally integrated power module, distributes power through the vehicle.

When the TIPM goes out, all the electrical components start glitching.

Common glitches are settings turning off and on at random times.

Another issue reported with the 2009 Jeep Liberty is the gas tank overflowing when refilling. 

While it isn’t a major mechanical issue, it can be quite a nuisance to have your gas tank overflow every time you fill-up. 

Additionally, the heater tends to go out in the 2009 Jeep Liberty, especially in cold areas where the heater gets used often.

If you are buying a used 2009 Jeep Liberty, be sure to check the heater. 

2008 Jeep Liberty

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is second best.

It comes with a lot of the same perks as 2009, offering few complaints and generally requiring fewer repairs.

The estimated gas mileage for the 2008 model matches the 2009 model with 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. 

In 2008, Jeep introduced safety and driver assistance features to the Liberty model, including Hill descent control and Hill-start assistance. 

The 2008 Jeep Liberty comes with a few more issues, having five recalls on parts:

• Drive Shaft Failure may cause airbag deployment
• Windshield Wiper Motor 
• Aftermarket Performance Suspension Systems
• Parking Brake Lever Clutch
• Rear Windshield

Problems with the 2008 Jeep Liberty don’t just stop at recalls. 

Some common issues reported with the 2008 Jeep Liberty are:

• TIPM Failure
• Sky Slider Defective
• Broken Window Regulator
• Gas Overflow when Refueling

The 2008 Jeep Liberty has received the most complaints concerning a faulty TIPM and other electrical issues. 

While most electrical problems in the vehicle trace back to the TIPM, some electrical issues exist independent of the TIPM and will need to be remedied separately.

The next common complaint is the defective sky slider. 

While it seems like a simple fix, sky slider repair might not be possible. 

Because the vehicle is so old, many parts specific to the sky slider are no longer being manufactured. 

You may be able to find parts in a junkyard or from a parts vehicle, but purchasing them through a parts manufacturer is out of the question. 

While parts may not be available to repair the sky slider, many Liberty owners have made their own makeshift repairs to their sky slider that have protected their vehicle interior. 

These repairs are simple to make and can preserve the life of your vehicle.

The broken window regulator is another common problem, it can be remedied with stock parts, so you likely won’t face any issues with getting your power windows moving up and down again.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty presents the same problem as the 2009 Liberty with the gas overflow during refueling.

Jeep improved that defect in the 2009 model.

It is still an annoyance, for sure, but it doesn’t affect the mechanical function of the vehicle in any way. 

2007 Jeep Liberty

If you like the old-school look of the Jeep Liberty and want to go with something more classic than the KK generation, you should consider the 2007 model.

It is the newest model of the old body style. 

The 2007 Jeep Liberty offers a sturdy, reliable ride that can take you where you want to go. 

The 2007 Jeep Liberty has some upgrades that previous models of the KJ generation don’t have, including ESC (Electronic Stability Control). 

The ESC improves vehicle safety through a computer-controlled braking system that targets each wheel individually. 

This feature helps drivers avoid spinning out or swerving out of control. 

By braking one wheel at a time, the ESC keeps tires grounded and returns control to the driver after swerving.

While the 2007 model may be the best model from the first generation of Jeep Libertys, it still does have a list of problems to consider. The 2007 model has six recalls:

• Rear Lower Control Arm Fracture
• Post Collision Fire after Rear Impact
• Aftermarket performance suspension systems
• Overheating Ventilation and AC blower  motor
• Abs control module
• Powertrain control module

The 2007 Jeep Liberty also has a high number of complaints about the following problems:

• Window regulator failure
• Windows fall into door
• Gas overflows when refilling
• Poor Quality upholstery

The most complained about issue with the 2007 Jeep Liberty is the windows. 

Many have had issues with the window regulator failing and the windows sticking up or down. 

In addition to this, some have even reported the windows falling and getting stuck in the door. 

Repairs for this issue are inexpensive, but it’s still a repair to be done.

The 2007 model, like the 2008 and the 2009 models, has the issue of overflowing gas when fueling up. 

Years to avoid

2002

The 2002 Jeep Liberty has many complaints that typically require expensive repairs. 

The most common complaint about the 2002 model is engine failure. 

In addition to the volume of complaints, the 2002 Jeep Liberty has had 14 recalls. 

2005

The 2005’s most common issues relate to the window regulators and issues with the window falling inside the door, but there are also quite a few engine complaints that should make anyone wary of the 2005 Jeep Liberty. 

The 2005 model of the Jeep Liberty has also had eight recalls.

2012

The last year of the Jeep Liberty isn’t the best. 

The primary complaints surrounding the 2012 Jeep Liberty are about the electrical, TIPM failure being the top complaint. 

It may not be the best year for the Liberty, but there are only two recalls on the 2012 Jeep Liberty