Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Liberty 2.8L.
The 2004 Jeep Liberty, built on the KJ platform, marked Jeep’s entry into the compact SUV segment with a unibody design and available 2.8L turbo-diesel engine—a rarity in its class at the time. While its rugged styling and off-road capability aligned with Jeep’s heritage, this model year stood out for its suspension-related owner complaints, which accounted for a significant portion of the roughly 1,100 reported issues. With 13 recalls on record, the 2004 Liberty’s reliability narrative is mixed, sitting mid-pack in the KJ generation’s complaint history—far from the 2002 peak of 1,807 grievances but well above the 2000 model’s low of just six, signaling a period where build quality varied but persistent concerns demanded attention.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 04105409AE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 04105409AE alt 04781452BF |
| Engine air filter | 05018777AC alt 05019443AA |
| Spark plug | SPZFR6F11G alt 68307021AA |
| Battery | BB34F101AA |
| Front wiper blades | 05066974AA alt 05066973AC |
| Serpentine belt | 53032037AJ alt 53013352AD |
| Thermostat | 53010552AC alt 68174083AA |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 166.1 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in |
| Overall height | 70.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4043 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.2 / 59.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 55/45 |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
No 2004 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sport CRD 2.8L Turbo Diesel I-4 | 9.50 sec | 17.10 sec | 160 hp | 4x4 |
| 2005 | Sport CRD 2.8L Turbo Diesel I-4 | 10.10 sec | 17.30 sec | 160 hp | 4x4 |
| 2005 | Sport CRD 2.8L Turbo Diesel I-4 | 10.10 sec | 17.50 sec | 160 hp | 4x4 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-110 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-5-4-3-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF+4 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 4 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.6 Pints mvc Front |
| Differential Gear Oil | Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3.8 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | HOAT · MS9769 |
| Lug Nuts | 85-110 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 100 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-6-5-4-3-2 |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.63 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | SP-15 |
| Oil Capacity | 8.00 oz |
| Pressure Test | 16 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 18-21 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 195 °F |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 47-51 psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 11 ft-lbs / 18 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | 0.030 in |
| Minimum Shoe Thickness | 0.030 |
| Rotor Max Parallel Variation | 0.0006 in / 0.0007 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.004 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.102 in / 0.472 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.102 in / 0.472 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 1.024 in / 0.433 in |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi.
| Every 6,000 mi | Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
| Every 18,000 mi | Brake Linings (inspect) |
| Every 60,000 mi | Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect) |
| At 120,000 mi | Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2004 Jeep Liberty sits in the descending tail of a clearly troubled first generation, having followed the 2002 peak of 1,807 complaints and 14 recalls and a still-elevated 2003 figure of 1,349. Its 1,100 complaints and 13 recalls represent a measurable improvement over those early years, but they remain far above the 6–10 complaints recorded in 2000–2001, and the model subsequently regressed again to 1,118 in 2005 and 1,368 in 2006 before the generation finally tapered. Suspension is overwhelmingly the dominant failure category at 388 complaints—more than four times the next area—and 86 crash-related plus 39 fire-related complaints indicate meaningful safety exposure rather than purely cosmetic defects. With 5 active investigations and 70 TSBs still attached, 2004 reflects a design still working through its issues rather than a fully resolved platform. A pre-purchase inspection emphasizing the suspension, fuel system integrity, and crashworthy components is essential, and this year should be regarded as a conditional buy at best, contingent on thorough documentation that all 13 recalls were completed.
All 1,100 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 13 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The rear suspension lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion, causing a loss of vehicle control. Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
IN JUNE 2012, CHRYSLER EXPANDED THIS RECALL TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES, REPRESENTING AN ADDITIONAL 137,176 VEHICLES. THIS RECALL NOW CONCERNS CERTAIN MY 2004-2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES… Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE…
Showing 5 of 70 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2208000136 | 2022-07-09 | Electrical System | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module… |
| S2208000136 | 2022-07-09 | Electrical System | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module… |
| 9001784 | 2021-02-22 | Power Train | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 9001784 | 2021-02-22 | Equipment | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 9004275 | 2020-07-22 | Electrical System | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.