Recall 18V278 affects 239,904 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles for corrosion-weakened rear lower control arms. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 239,904 2004-2007 Liberty SUVs because excessive corrosion can fracture the rear suspension lower control arms. A fractured control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and raise crash risk, and Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear suspension lower control arm on a 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty is a steel link that helps hold the rear axle in the right position. As the suspension moves, the arm keeps the axle controlled so the tires stay aligned with the body and road.
On affected Liberty vehicles, the rear lower control arms were built in a way that leaves them vulnerable to excessive corrosion. Rust weakens the metal over time until the arm fractures. If that happens, the rear axle is no longer held where it belongs, and the driver can lose vehicle control.
There is no warning sign before failure. NHTSA campaign 18V278 describes the problem as corrosion that eventually results in a fracture, so owners should not rely on noise, handling feel, or a visible dashboard alert to know the arm is failing.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004-2007 Liberty model years, all tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2004 Jeep Liberty | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2005 Jeep Liberty | rear suspension |
| 2006 Jeep Liberty | rear suspension |
| 2007 Jeep Liberty | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 239,904 |
Not every 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear lower control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Keep trips limited until the repair is complete, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free rear lower control arm replacement that fixes the corrosion-related fracture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V278 and Jeep recall U38 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the rear suspension feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician replaces the rear lower control arms covered by this recall. The replacement parts and labor are free, and the recall repair is available now. If you already paid out of pocket for a related rear suspension lower control arm repair, the reimbursement plan directs owners to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation. Keep copies of anything you submit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 20, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V278?
NHTSA campaign 18V278 covers 239,904 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles with rear suspension lower control arms that can fracture from excessive corrosion. A fractured control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. Jeep dealers replace the rear lower control arms for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Liberty is included in recall 18V278. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule rear lower control arm replacement. Reference recall number 18V278 or Jeep recall number U38 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers replace the rear lower control arms free of charge. The Jeep recall began June 26, 2018, so the dealer repair is available.
Is it safe to drive my Jeep Liberty before the repair?
Recall 18V278 does not include a do-not-drive order, but the risk is loss of vehicle control if a rear lower control arm fractures. Check your VIN first. If your Liberty is included and you notice unusual rear suspension noise, movement, or handling, call a Jeep dealer before driving farther.
What if I bought my Jeep Liberty used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 18V278.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V278000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V278 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V278000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →