Jeep · 2007–2012

Jeep Liberty

The Jeep Liberty (KK), or Jeep Cherokee (KK) outside North America, is a compact SUV that was manufactured by Jeep. Introduced in 2008 as a successor to the first generation Liberty (KJ). The Liberty features unibody construction and was assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in the United States and other countries, including Egypt and Venezuela. In 2010, Jeep estimated that 70% of Liberty buyers were first-time Jeep owners.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Jeep Liberty · Successor: Jeep Cherokee (KL)

All Jeep Liberty data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Description

The Jeep Liberty received a complete redesign for the 2008 model year with a more boxy and utilitarian look, like that of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, the latter of which lasted until its final production in December 2011. The 2008 Liberty debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. With the smaller Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs becoming available to cater to MPG-conscious buyers, the four-cylinder diesel engine was dropped from the Liberty's offerings. The iron-block, aluminum-head V6 was the only engine available for 2008. Towing capacity was 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). Jeep discontinued the Liberty CRD for the American market because it would not meet tougher 2013 emissions standards for diesel engines. Between 2008 and 2010, the Jeep Liberty KK was sold in the European market with a 2.8 L diesel engine producing 175 hp and 302–339 lb ft of torque. The Inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine is manufactured by Italian diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori. Transmission choices were both carry-overs: a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Standard equipment included electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. New Features included standard side airbags. Optional features are rain-sensing wipers, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and the MyGig entertainment system, complete with a 30GB hard drive. Two models were offered initially, the base "Sport" and a higher-trimmed "Limited." Wheel choices included several 16-, 17-, and 18-inch designs. Among the more distinctive features was the Sky Slider, a power roof made from "reinforced acrylic cloth" over the front and rear seats. The Sky Slider retracted to an 60 inches (1,500 mm) by 30 inches (760 mm) opening that was the largest i

2011 Restyling

For the 2011 model year, the Liberty KK received a mid-cycle restyling. While the general exterior design remained identical to the 2008-2010 model, the interior was restyled to be similar to that of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), with a new steering wheel, and revised infotainment systems that became included with wireless stereo audio streaming (A2DP) in vehicles equipped with U Connect Bluetooth (the top-tier Limited and Limited Jet Edition trims received this feature as standard equipment), and a Park View rear view backup camera became available for vehicles equipped with touchscreen infotainment systems. The mid-level Limited trim was shelved for retail buyers, and a new Limited Jet Edition was introduced to take its place. The Limited model, which remained available for fleet buyers (such as rental companies), received a higher level of standard equipment, including leather seat trim, heated front seats, the 368-watt, eight-speaker Infinity premium amplified audio system with a subwoofer, and U Connect Bluetooth. A 'SINCE 1941' embossing was added to the interior to celebrate Jeep's 70th Anniversary, and a special 70th Anniversary Edition model was also offered. Three new trims, Sport Jet Edition, Latitude, and Limited Jet Edition, were introduced midyear.

Trim levels and special editions

Throughout its five-year production, the Jeep Liberty KK was available in two basic trim levels: The Sport served as the base model and included a standard 3.7 L Powertech V6 engine producing 210 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission (later, an automatic transmission became standard equipment), air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD/MP3 player, and 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, a four-speaker sound system (later, a six-speaker sound system became standard equipment), 16-inch tires and alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cloth seating surfaces, a split-folding rear seat. Options such as the Sky-Slider fabric sunroof, UConnect hands-free Bluetooth phone with A2DP wireless stereo audio streaming capabilities, remote audio system controls mounted on the steering wheel, an automatic transmission (this later became standard equipment), darkened 17-inch alloy wheels, and a full-size spare. The Limited added, among other standard equipment, an automatic transmission, UConnect hands-free Bluetooth phone, A2DP wireless stereo audio streaming capabilities, voice command for phone, satellite radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio system controls, six-speaker sound system, power front driver's seat, security system, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels, full-size spare, dual-zone climate controls, and a vinyl rear cargo shade. Options such as leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated power dual front bucket seats, an eight-speaker premium sound system with an Infinity subwoofer, a touch-screen sound system, the Sky-Slider fabric sunroof, and 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels mounted on all-season tires. The Liberty KK was offered in five special edition models: The Renegade, sold from 2009 to 2011, added the Selec-T

Discontinuation

In June 2012, Chrysler announced the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, where the Liberty is manufactured, will temporarily shut down on August 21, 2012, to prepare for the launch of the new Jeep Cherokee. Production was to start in late spring 2013, following the introduction of the new Cherokee at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The second-generation Liberty ceased production to make way for the reintroduction of the new Cherokee. The final 2012 model Jeep Liberty rolled off the assembly line on August 16, 2012.

Recalls

On June 7, 2011, Chrysler issued a safety recall on the 2011 model Jeep Liberty because they were possibly built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. On July 14, 2011 Chrysler issued another recall, calling another 11,000 vehicles in for inspection. On December 7, 2011, Chrysler issued a Customer Satisfaction Notification recall on Jeep Liberties manufactured between 2010 and 2011 equipped with power door locks. The malfunction caused the right front and right rear door locks to make a ratcheting sound while using the power door locks. On July 2, 2013, Chrysler issued the first of several recalls addressing the Active Head Restraints failing to deploy during a rear-end collision. The recall was issued on nearly half a million vehicles manufactured through January 14, 2013. Among them were the 2011 and 2012 Jeep Liberty. Three other recalls up until 2017 were issued concerning the same issue. The Jeep Liberty KK was also a subject of the infamous Takata airbag recall that affected millions of vehicles from multiple manufacturers. According to the recall, "In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one of the affected frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants."

Fleet and government use

From its introduction for the 2008 model year until its discontinuation and replacement by the Cherokee KL in 2012, the Liberty KK found its way into rental car fleets, most vehicles being base-model Sport models in 2WD or 4WD. Many government and police fleets also used the Liberty KK. The models were base-model Sport models with 4WD.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Jeep Liberty (KK)

aka

Jeep Cherokee (KK)

Production

2007–August 16, 2012

Model years

2008–2012

Manufacturer

Chrysler LLC (2008–2009), Chrysler Group LLC (2010–2012)

Wheelbase

106.1 in

Length

176.9 in (2008–2010), 176.1 in (2011–2013)

Width

72.4 in (2008–2010), 73.1 in (2011–2013)

Height

74.9 in (2008–2010), 71.3 in (2011–2013)

Kerb weight

3985 -

Engine

2.8 L VM Motori RA 428 DOHC CRD I4 (turbo-diesel), 3.7 L Chrysler PowerTech V6 (gasoline)

Transmission

4-speed Ultradrive 42RLE automatic, 5-speed Mercedes-Benz W5A580 automatic, 6-speed Chrysler NSG370 manual

Related

Dodge Nitro, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Jeep Wrangler

Layout

Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

Predecessor

Jeep Liberty (KJ)

Successor

Jeep Cherokee (KL)

Designer

Dan Zimmermann (2004)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15977234CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Liberty_(KK)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1360837435 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Second_generation_KK_(Jeep_Liberty).jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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