Model year guide

2008 Jeep Liberty

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Jeep Liberty is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 298 on record.

2008 Jeep Liberty — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Jeep Liberty at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints540
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$8,046

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Jeep Liberty recalls 5

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #08V455000 · 09/09/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 494 MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD AND/OR FIXED REAR QUARTER GLASS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED USING INCORRECT URETHANE ADHESIVE. THIS COULD AFFECT GLASS RETENTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND/OR FIXED REAR QUARTER GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #13V121000 · 03/04/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #10V550000 · 03/11/2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #09E039000 · 19/06/2009

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. 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.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.

Parking Brake NHTSA Campaign #08V525000 · 08/10/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARK BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Jeep Liberty common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 540 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2008 Jeep Liberty safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Jeep Liberty 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Jeep Liberty MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,413

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Jeep Liberty worth?

Low
$5,400
Typical price
$8,046
High
$11,000

From 296 comparable 2008 Jeep Liberty listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Jeep Liberty costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,065
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,100
Total$22,165
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,046) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,970), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Jeep Liberty trims & engines on record

Trims
Sport · Limited Edition
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl

2008 Jeep Liberty vehicles on record

Other Jeep Liberty model years

2008 Jeep Liberty — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Jeep Liberty have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2008 Jeep Liberty. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Liberty?

Based on 540 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, suspension, electrical system.

What is the 2008 Jeep Liberty safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Jeep Liberty crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Liberty get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Jeep Liberty at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2008 Jeep Liberty worth?

Comparable 2008 Jeep Liberty listings run roughly $5,400–$11,000, typically around $8,046 (from 296 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.