KnownCarProblems2002 Jeep Liberty Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,808 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Jeep Liberty, most often about the air bags (30% of complaints, typically around 116,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Liberty model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2002 Jeep Liberty problems
Air bags
546 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 116,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH and a chime sounded inside of the vehicle. Suddenly the front driver's side air bag deployed. The unintended malfunction occurred without any impact. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was…
Driving south on rt 3 on the rockland/norwell lin in ma. A deer ran across the highway - we hit it head on and rolled the 2002 Jeep Liberty sport. The air bags did not deploy - major injuries.
Suspension
494 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear, multiple axle.
Dt: caller says his ball joints are defective. Without warning the front passenger wheel fell off two weeks ago. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealer fixed it under warranty. Manufacturer said they will not replace the vehicle because of the mileage. Recall work was done in april 2004. Caller dose not have recall…
My wife lost control of our "2002" Jeep Liberty. The lower ball joint separated from itself. Recall service for lower ball joints was already performed by tom harrigan Jeep of dayton ohio on jan 10th of "04"
Fuel system
173 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 107,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system.
Received recall regarding safety issue on Jeep Liberty. Have contacted 3 different dealers in tri-city area and have been told that the parts are unavailable. If this is indeed a safety issue, they need to get the parts and make them available. "the fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in…
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated he was informed of NHTSA investigation item number: pe10-031 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) which stated that the placement of the fuel tank and lack of adequate shielding made the fuel tank vulnerable to rupture or leakage…
Engine
159 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 105,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While starting the vehicle, the electronic cooling fan blade separated and penetrated the shroud. A piece of the blade penetrated and stuck in the insulation of the hood. The dealer was notified and gave the contact the run-around. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving 55 MPH, the lights on the dashboard illuminated and a bell rang. The vehicle shut off, but was able to be restarted. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that the engine locked and agreed that this is unusual at…
Electrical
118 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 90,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, instrument cluster/panel, starter assembly.
Without warning the body control module shorts out draining the battery and damaging the multi-control switch on the steering column. Causing the headlights, interiorlights, running lights, windshield wipers, factory electric door locks, and dashboard lights to fail. This can cause a fire resulting in a total vehicle…
Speedometer sensor wiring was found rubbed into by the emergency brake cable at the rear differential. This was first indicated by an erratic speedometer indication and then total loss of indication. Problem repaired by owner including relocation of cable relative to brake cable location.
Seat belts
110 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
2002 Jeep Liberty ref. Nhtsa action # pe 05-046 driver seat belt latch will not latch . Red push button is stuck down. Sounds like piece is loose inside latch . Am needing to get new latch assy. Broken assy will be available.
Drivers seat belt buckle (female end) release remains retracted after release of the male end. The button either must be pried back up to latch the seat belt, or, after numerous tries, the seat belt buckle female end will secure in the male end. Dcc has refused to correct the defect, as the vehicle is out of warranty.
Body and structure
108 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Went to dealer to have recall notice n46/NHTSA 13v-252 resolved. "chrysler intends to inspect your vehicle and install an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) trailer hitch where appropriate, free of charge (parts and labor) to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts. Wanted to have this recall notice, as…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced under NHTSA campaign number:12v527000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
Transmission
84 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 52,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
On 11/29, my transmission on my 2002 Jeep Liberty was not shifting after second gear. Took the car to the dealership and was told that there was a "bad part" on the tranmission, that the piston retainer inside of the valve body was broken and it needed to be replaced. The car was purchased new in 2001 and mileage was…
The rear control arm completely separated from weld site with the rear axle. Consumer had the vehicle towed. This is what she was told by the mechanic. Rear axle housing broke away from control arm bracket and factory weld site. Control arm and rear axle housing was replaced. Manufacturer denied claim.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Jeep Liberty recalls
Air bags: frontal
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12v527 and 13v040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12v527 or 13v040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on december 29, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r06.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles manufactured january 9, 2001, to march 28, 2003, 2002-2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured february 13, 2001, to may 23 2003, and 2003-2004 dodge viper vehicles manufactured november 1, 2001, to june 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, chrysler will install a chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge,
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 jeep grand cherokee and 2002-2007 jeep liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in january 2013. The remedy for affected liberty vehicles is expected to be available in april 2013. The remedy for affected grand cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty vehicles manufactured january 9, 2001, through march 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured february 13, 2001, through may 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Suspension: control arm
Risk: Failure of the ball joint could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front upper control arm assemblies free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about april 24, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling 42,469 my 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in salt belt states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia , wisconsin and the district of columbia. The front suspension upper control arm ball joint may experience a loss of lubrication which could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving.
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: When the driver continues to operate the vehicle with this condition, the contamination can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear and possibly separation from the steering knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on september 11, 2006. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain trucks, the constant tension front lower ball joints may experience contamination. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period with this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience wear and looseness.
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: A ball joint thathas separated from the knuckle could result in loss of vehicle directional control and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front lower control arm ball joints with modified assemblies and heat shields on vehicles built between january 2, 2001 and october 4, 2002. On vehicles built between october 5, 2002 and march 26, 2003, dealers will inspect the ball joint assemblies (and replace them as necessary) and install heat shields. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the lower control arm ball joints can experience a loss of lubrication that can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation from the steering knuckle.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: This could delay the deployment of the air bag system, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will wrap the front impact sensor wire harness with protective insulation to prevent the possibility of damage. Owner notification began february 18, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. In the event of a severe frontal offset collision, sharp edges on the power steering pressure hose bracket could cut the front impact sensor wiring insulation causing a short circuit in the wiring.
Other: unknown or other
Risk: This could startle the operator, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the knee blocker trim panel. Owner notification began november 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The driver's side knee blocker trim panel assembly can disengage, fall, and startle the operator.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of inadvertent air bag deployments (iabd) occurring after the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 12v-527 had been installed on recalled model year (my ) 2002-2003 jeep liberty and my 2002-2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured by fiat chrysler automobiles (fca).the recall was in response to the office of defects investigation (odi) investigation ea12-001 during which data provided by fca indicate that the air bag circuitry inside the occupant restraint control (orc) module can degrade. Orc degradation can result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle
Crash related fuel tank fires
Summary
Odi has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject jeep cherokee, grand cherokee and liberty vehicles (svs).as of june 2013, odi knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the svs.based on this analysis, odi issued a recall request letter (rrl) on june 3, 2013 requesting that chrysler recall the grand cherokee and liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium suvs) built during the same time period.in the rrl, odi described how the location of the af
Inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
The investigation was opened based on reports of frontal air bag inadvertent deployments (abids) on model year (my) 2002-2003 jeep liberty vehicles.data provided by chrysler indicate that the air bag squib filter circuitry inside the occupant restraint control (orc) module can degrade and result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.as of oct. 04, 2012, odi is aware of 131 frontal abids on the jeep liberty vehicles resulting in 62 injuries consisting of burns, cuts and bruises to the upper body region.there were no reports of loss of vehicle control or vehicle crashes.some owners noted that the air bag warning ligh
Inadvertent air bag deployment
Summary
Based on analysis of chrysler's response, and including odi's consumer complaints, odi has identified 87 reports of air bag inadvertent deployment incidents resulting in 50 alleged injuries.the injuries consists of burn/cuts and bruises to the upper body region.forty-two (42) of the 87 incidents involved the driver frontal air bag, and the remaining 45 incidents involved both the driver and passenger frontal air bags inadvertently deploying without a crash.these incidents occurred both at vehicle startup or while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.some owners noted that the air bag warning light had illuminated, or had intermittently illuminated, and that this occurred just prior t
Rear suspension control arm failure
Summary
During preliminary evaluation (pe11-013), the office of defects investigation (odi) conducted an analysis of consumer field data from its vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) database and from complaint data submitted to odi by chrysler. Odi's analysis of voq data identified 13 complaints alleging failure of either the right or left rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.all of these complaints were associated with vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state (for the purposes of this investigation, 'salt belt' includes connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohi
Upper ball joint separation
Summary
On april 7, 2009, chrysler llc submitted to odi a defect information report indicating that it would recall approximately 42,469 model year 2002 through 2003 jeep liberty vehicles to remedy a defect that can result in upper ball joint separation while driving (09v-119).the affected vehicles were built from may 2002 through september 2002 and originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, kentucky, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia and wisconsin.according to chrysler, the front suspension upper co
Upper ball joint separation
Summary
Odi has received 22 complaints of upper ball joint separation on model year 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty 4x4 vehicles.the separation of an upper ball joint on either of the front wheels can result in the affected front wheel collapsing, possibly resulting in vehicle disablement and causing a loss of vehicle control.there is one complaint of a failure at 75 MPH, 1 failure at 60 MPH, 3 failures at 40 MPH, 2 failures at 25 MPH, 7 failures occurring while the driver was pulling into the flow of traffic and 2 failures that occurred when the driver was attempting to make a left turn across the flow of oncoming traffic.one complainant alleged almost being hit by an oncoming truck as a result of the v
Front suspension ball joint separation
Summary
On january 6, 2006, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged front suspension lower ball joint separationin certain model year (my) 2004 jeep liberty vehicles.odi sent a letter to the manufacturer on february 7, 2006 requesting information about these and other jeep liberty vehicles.consequently, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on may 31, 2006 and the range of subject vehicles under investigation was expanded to include all my 2002-2006 jeep liberty vehicles.odi is aware of 566 non-duplicative complaints alleging involuntary front suspension lower ball joint separation in the subject vehicles.odi is also aware
Front seat belt buckle malfunction
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has closed the investigation of front seat belt buckles in model year 2002 jeep liberty vehicles.on august 26, 2006, odi opened preliminary evaluation (pe)05-046 to investigate complaint reports that alleged problems with latching and unlatching the front seat belt buckle.several of the complaints reported that something was broken inside of the buckle.the investigation found that some buckles may experience failure and separation of one, or both, of the internal latch guide leaf springs.lack of leaf spring function does not appear to inhibit buckle operation because there is another spring that returns the release button.however, a separated leaf sp
Front seat belt buckle malfunction
Summary
This investigation of front seat belt buckles in the subject vehicles was opened on august 26, 2005.the basis for opening was seven odi reports alleging the driver's seat belt buckle failed to function properly.the complainants alleged the buckles would not latch or were difficult to latch or unlatch.some of the complainants alleged something was broken inside of the buckle and others alleged that the button was stuck down and had to be pried up in order to latch the buckle.this investigation has been upgraded to ea05-022
Questions about the 2002 Jeep Liberty
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Liberty?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (546 complaints, typically around 116,000 miles); suspension (494 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); fuel system (173 complaints, typically around 107,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Liberty have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 28, 2015 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Jeep Liberty?
- It is the most complained-about Liberty model year since 2000, with 1,808 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.