What would cause this?

[CAMAN]

Today I was driving next to a Jeep Liberty and it would occasionally shoot out a puff of thick black smoke from around both rear wheel wells. It seemed to happen each time it shifted or possibly accelerated. It didn't seem to be burning oil as that is more blue than black. This was very black and almost looked like what a diesel looks like when shifting gears, but I'm not aware of any Liberty's equipped with diesel engines. I couldn't get a whiff of what it smelled like as he was in the lane next to me. Could this possibly be from the tranny burning up? I couldn't see where the exhaust pipe exits but find it unlikely it comes out each wheel well. Just curious as it was a very unusual sight coming from this type of vehicle.

[Scott K]

The Liberty did offer a diesel for a few years, around 05ish, and heard they are going back to it.

[CAMAN]

Ah ha! Good to know! I'm guessing that along with a broken exhaust caused this issue. Thank you!

[Jeremy airjer W]

I think they only sold about six of those in the u.s. what you saw is a rare sighting!

[JOHNBIGDOG]

"I think they only sold about six of those in the u.s. what you saw is a rare sighting!"

Really? huh, the dealer took a diesel jeep Cherokee/liberty? a while back. It was an odd sight indeed. I don't know what became of it.....

[CAMAN]

I think they only sold about six of those in the u.s. what you saw is a rare sighting!

LOL! Wikipedia says 10k sold in the first year, can't find total number sold for all years though, and how many of those are still running?. But yes, still a rare sighting.

[Whoaru99]

Considering the number of vehicles sold, 10k is essentially 6.

[Powerstroke]

One in my neighborhood. The guy tows his boat with it and gets almost 30mpg when unloaded. I seriously considered one a while back.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

If your interested I think we still have the one at the dealership....