Jeep Libertys are popular vehicles that have been on the road since 2002. It is a midsize SUV that is known for its durability and long-lasting performance, making it a hit among consumers. The Liberty is in the midsize SUV segment. In markets outside of the U.S., it’s known as the Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Liberty has a reliability rating of 78% from J.D. Power and Associates and many owners swear by its dependability. All things considered, it’s one of the more reliable vehicle models from Jeep’s lineup. But how long do they actually last?
Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Jeep Liberty Lifespan
Any vehicle can live long but most depend on how they’re engineered. Manufacturers expect them to last at least within their warranty periods, but major components should last well beyond these periods.
Warranty
Standard: The standard warranty for a Jeep Liberty is 3 years or 36,000 miles. This includes a 5-year/100,000 miles powertrain warranty, as well. In both warranties, Jeep honors whichever comes first.
Rust: Jeep’s rust warranty applies to two different areas of the Liberty. The first is a 3-year and unlimited miles for sheet metal paneling. The second is a 5-year and unlimited miles for paneling with finished paint.
Accessories: Jeep’s accessories warranty falls under the standard 3-year warranty discussed above. However, this only applies to manufacturer accessories. Anything replaced or installed after leaving the plant does not apply and is therefore not covered.
[Feature Image: Jeep Liberty engine]Major Components
Engine: The engine in a Jeep Liberty is expected to last for more than 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. On average, that’s a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Transmission: Jeep’s automatic transmission is famous for its longevity. You can expect a Liberty’s transmission to last anywhere from 130,000 to 180,000 miles.
Suspensions: Because Jeeps are designed with off-road capabilities in mind, the lifespan of their suspensions varies based on user operation. On average, though, you will likely need to change your shocks and struts somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.
Will a Jeep Liberty Last 200,000 Miles?
Given the overall lifespans of the various components of a Jeep Liberty, it’s safe to conclude that these vehicles should last 200,000 miles, if not more. Many Liberty owners have reported a minimum of 200,000 miles.
Will a Jeep Liberty Last 300,000 Miles?
While the average is 200,000 miles, it’s not uncommon for the Jeep Liberty to outperform expectations and hit 300,000 miles. In fact, there are many reports of owners reaching this milestone and beyond!
Maintenance to Extend Jeep Liberty Lifespan
Even with a lifespan that exceeds 200,000 miles, there are still some things you can do to help your Liberty last even longer.
Preventive Maintenance Service Intervals
As with all vehicles, there are certain preventive maintenance service intervals that should be adhered to in order to extend the life of your Liberty. Abiding by the recommended maintenance schedule should improve your Jeep Liberty reliability.
These service items include:
Oil Change: Today, a Jeep Liberty can operate between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. This includes changing the oil filter, as well. If your Liberty is older, however, it’s best to stick with about every 3,000 miles.
Tune-up: If you have one of the older model Jeep Liberty years, it’s recommended that you get a tune-up every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. But if you have one of the newer Jeep Liberty model years, you can likely go 20,000 miles (or even 30,000 miles) between tune-ups.
Fluid Changes: According to Jeep, you should change fluids like transmission, coolant, and ATF every 90,000 miles. Your mileage may vary, however, depending on your driving habits. For example, if you like to take your Jeep off-road a lot, you may need to perform fluid changes more frequently.
Lubrication: 4WD components should be lubricated according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. On average, this is every 80,000 miles.
Other Components that Need Replacement
Jeep Liberty is a vehicle with extraordinary longevity compared to many other vehicles. However, you will still be responsible for replacing several components over the course of its 200,000 miles.
These include:
Battery: The battery in a Jeep Liberty should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Regularly replacing it will greatly reduce the likelihood of getting stranded due to a dead battery.
Brake Pads: Based largely on your driving habits, you can expect to replace your Jeep Liberty brake pads every 15,000 to 70,000 miles.
Fuel Pump: The fuel pump in a Jeep Liberty typically needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles. However, it’s not uncommon for them to last longer than that. If you start to notice decreased fuel economy or fuel leaks, it’s time to look into your pump and associated components.
Timing Belt/Chain: Most Jeep Liberty owners can expect their timing belts to last anywhere from 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Jeep Liberty Common Problems
Jeep Libertys are known for being very reliable vehicles. However, like all vehicles, they’re not perfect and do have some common problems. Based on consumer complaints, there are three main issues that Liberty owners face:
The first is an issue with the intake valve locking. This results in a number of problems, including the Check Engine light coming on, misfires, and possible valve damage.
The second common problem is with the Liberty’s power windows. Reports state that the motor can fail and cause the window to become stuck in the up or down position or to not work at all.
Lastly, there are numerous reports of sunroof issues, mainly having to do with the slider model not opening. In some cases, the sunroof may become completely jammed shut.
Now that you know what to expect in terms of common Jeep Liberty problems, you can keep an eye out for these issues if you plan to buy one of the used vehicle models. The good news is that the above problems aren’t major repairs, so you don’t have to worry about high additional charges.
A Reliable Winner with Few Issues
The Jeep Liberty is a vehicle that’s built to last. It has an impressive lifespan and is very reliable overall. And with very few common problems, it’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable, roadworthy vehicle.
If you’re in the market for a used car, note that some Jeep Liberty years are more prone to some faults. Check out the NHTSA website for issues like safety recalls and consumer reports if you are looking into a particular model year.
Just be sure to keep up with the preventive maintenance service intervals and replace parts as needed, and your new or used Jeep Liberty should serve you well for many years to come.