Post
Research the Car Logo

2007 Jeep Liberty

The 2007 Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged styling. It offered a combination of practicality and Jeep’s traditional design cues, appealing to those who wanted a capable yet manageable SUV. This year Liberty came standard with a 3.7L V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the Liberty’s off-road prowess, its classic Jeep look, and its relatively compact size for navigating city streets. Common dislikes included its somewhat outdated interior, less-than-stellar fuel economy, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

3.7L V6

  • Valve Seat Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dropped valve seat, causing engine misfire, rough running, and potential engine damage. May start as an intermittent ticking noise.
    • Solution: Engine replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. Visible oil drips under the vehicle and a burning oil smell are common.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cooling Fan Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating due to faulty cooling fan relay or the fan motor itself failing.
    • Solution: Replace the cooling fan relay or the entire cooling fan assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, or complete engine failure. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

  • Slipping and Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and harsh or erratic shifting. Can be more pronounced when cold.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Valve body replacement may be attempted first.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating. May also experience stalling or difficulty shifting into gear.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Reddish fluid leaking from the transmission, often from the pan gasket or seals.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps. Excessive play in the front wheels.
    • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning noises from the front suspension, especially when turning. Rough ride quality and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Spring Sag
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than normal, especially when loaded. Poor ride quality and reduced handling.
    • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic electrical behavior, including stalling, no-start conditions, power windows not working, wipers not working, and other electrical malfunctions.
    • Solution: Replace or repair the TIPM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, often making a grinding or clicking noise.
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wiper Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Wipers not working, or working intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace the wiper motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation, particularly on the rocker panels, around the wheel wells, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sun Visor Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors not staying in the up position and constantly sagging down, obstructing the driver’s view.
    • Solution: Replace the sun visors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per visor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Jeep Liberty has several common issues, ranging from relatively minor to more serious and costly repairs. Engine problems, particularly valve seat failure, can be very expensive to fix. Transmission issues, TIPM failures, and suspension problems are also frequently reported. Rust can be a significant concern in certain climates. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to address, others, such as engine or transmission replacement, can be substantial investments. Potential buyers should have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase, paying close attention to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.