Model year guide

2005 Jeep Wrangler

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Jeep Wrangler is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 116 on record.

2005 Jeep Wrangler — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Jeep Wrangler at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints650
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$12,299

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

2005 Jeep Wrangler recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #06E022000 · 13/03/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WH…

Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #05V460000 · 06/10/2005

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER 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.

2005 Jeep Wrangler common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 650 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2005 Jeep Wrangler MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,033

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

What's a 2005 Jeep Wrangler worth?

Low
$8,200
Typical price
$12,299
High
$17,100

From 113 comparable 2005 Jeep Wrangler listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Jeep Wrangler costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,165
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,700
Total$24,865
Per mile$0.33

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 ($12,299) with the same model 5 model-years older ($7,614), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Jeep Wrangler trims & engines on record

Trims
X · Sport · Unlimited · SE · Rubicon · Unlimited Rubicon
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl

2005 Jeep Wrangler vehicles on record

Other Jeep Wrangler model years

2005 Jeep Wrangler — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. 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 2005 Jeep Wrangler?

Based on 650 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Jeep Wrangler get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Jeep Wrangler at about 15 mpg combined (14 city / 17 highway).

How much is a 2005 Jeep Wrangler worth?

Comparable 2005 Jeep Wrangler listings run roughly $8,200–$17,100, typically around $12,299 (from 113 vehicles).

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