Investigation PE07041: 2005–2006 Jeep Liberty

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 8, 2007

Closed

Dec 7, 2007

Model years

2005–2006

Subject

Diesel fuel leak

Component: Fuel system, diesel

Summary

Overheating of the electrical connector at the fuel heater on the fuel filter / water separator assembly can cause a fuel leak through the electrical connection.operators report the smell of diesel fuel, smoke, difficulty starting and/or poor engine operation.the fuel leakage is reported by some operators as seepage, wetness, several drops, and an oz per minute.evidence of overheating of the connection was observed by some operators and reported as burned or discolored electrical connection at the fuel heater.seven operators report smelling or seeing smoke.one reported a vehicle engine compartment fire however the cause of the fire was not identified, and linkage of the fire cause to this issue is not likely to be established.the location of the fuel filter / water separator assembly is not near the location of the turbo charger which is located on the opposite side of the engine.the turbo charger would present a potentially hot surface however due to the layout of the engine compartment and its components, diesel fuel leakage from the electrical connection would not likely migrate to the turbo charger.at this time, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2006 Jeep Liberty1,372 complaints
• 2005 Jeep Liberty1,118 complaints