I have a 2004 Liberty 4x4 with 6 cyl. and auto 4-spd.  Since new, it would sometimes make a thunk when coming to a stop and shifting down into 1st gear... felt like someone gently hitting you from behind.  Dealer said it was a normal quirk of Chrysler tranny and not to worry about it.  Now, at 43,000 miles, when I start out from a stop, it will give a big THUNK like I was rear-ended (but I wasn't).  This only happens once in a while so dealer said that if they cannot recreate it and no warning light is on (it's not), they cannot diagnose.  Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what did you *** what was causing this?  Otherwise love the Jeep but this has me very nervous.  Do you think it is transmission or driveline problem?  I can put it in and out of 4WD with no problem, smooth, no noise.  Got me through flooded streets recently without issue.  HELP!  

i would change the fluid and filter and see what happens. it might be one of the bands is out of adjustment.  

I had a transmission flush about a week ago and the
problem persists.  It did a "mild thunk" 2x today,
but otherwise shifts smoothly.  It sounds and feels
as though it is coming from the rear of the vehicle.
Actually considering trading for an AWD Calibur...
brand new 2007 that dealer should be looking to
nearly give away.  It's a nice car... but surely
no Jeep.  

I guess I'm not alone... is this true that the THUNK is a "normal Liberty thing?"


Custom Report on
2004 JEEP LIBERTY

Sponsored in Part By:    myCarStats Notification Service

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10082308

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Details: TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS HARD WHEN DECELERATING TO A STOP. A LOUD BANG IS HEARD AND A HARSH JOLT IS FELT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT COMES TO A STOP. NO DAMAGE IS VISIBLE UNDER THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE DRIVES NORMAL MOST OF THE TIME. THIS IS A VERY INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALER (MACK MASSEY OF EL PASO) COULD NOT REPLICATE, BUT STATED HE (SERVICE MANAGER) KNOWS OF THE ISSUE AND CALLED IT "A CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE JEEP LIBERTY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE, APRIL 2004. INCIDENT OCCURS AT LEAST 10-15 TIMES PER WEEK. *LA

Occurrences: 50 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 07/19/2004 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 7/20/2004

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10091021

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Details: TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS HARD WHEN DECELERTAING TO A STOP. AHARSH JOLT IS FELT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT COMES TO A STOP. VEHICLE DRIVES NORMAL MOST OF THE TIME. AND THIS IS A VERY INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. CHRYSLER TECHNICIAN AT ( POTAMKIN CHRYSLER IN MIAMI) COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM MENTIONED.A COPILOT IS BEING INSTALLED TO RECORD THE TRANSMISSON PROBLEM.THIS JEEP WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN JUNE OF 2004 AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 2,000 MILES.

Occurrences: 30 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 07/09/2004 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 9/14/2004

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.  

huh......you might have a recall situation. i'd keep bugging the dealer, make him earn his pay.  

Dealer said they would look it over... for $100!  (That happens to be the deductible on the 7/70 powertrain warranty).  I'm really getting p.o.'d now.  Went to AAMCO... guy there recommended either hold it till it is doing this horrible thud/bump often enough for Jeep mechanic to experience it and then insist on warranty fix, or hold it till it's paid off or the warranty is running out and DUMP IT.  Not what I was hoping for.  (No flash update for 2004 model trans.).  Yet... with others having the same problem, I cannot find out WHAT they did to fix it!  If you know where I can find this info., please pass along.  I hate to "dump it" as otherwise it is a fun vehicle.  

i wouldn't dump it.....worse case scenario, put in a new tranny.  

Try tightening all bolts on trailing arms. I've ran into many other vehicle with loose bushing bolts. It will be tight to shake with hand but not for the weight of vehicle to shift around.