KnownCarProblems2002 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, most often about the body and structure (24% of complaints, typically around 92,000 miles). It is 24th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2002 Jeep Wrangler problems
Body and structure
26 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The frame is developing severe rusting prematurely as comparative to other vehicles of this age of manufacuture, mileage, driving conditions and location of operation.
The 2002 Jeep Wrangler has approx. 85000 miles on it. Never used off road - just to and from work. Brought vehicle in for work on clutch and repair shop states that the vehicle frame is rotted through and need to be replaced before transmission is able to be removed. Front fenders have rusted through in same spot on…
Suspension
19 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 131,500 miles. Parts named most often: front.
Purchased a 2002 Jeep Wrangler sahara with 4 miles on it. All required maintenance has been done routinely. This vehicle has never been off road and was strictly a daily driver averaging 12k miles per year. I took the vehicle to the shop for an oil change and the mechanic brought me into the garage to show me the…
Death wobble experienced daily several times a day. I hit a bump or uneven patch of road and death wobble begins it usually starts at 35- 40 MPH. I sometimes have to slow all the way to 20 MPH to make it stop. I have replaced u joints, rear drive shaft, ball joints, tires, steering stabilizer, tie rods, gotten wheel…
Transmission
14 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, axle assembly, automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The automatic transmission has very harsh engagement and produces a loud clicking noise. Over the past several weeks I have had my 2002 Jeep Wrangler in the service department and the repairs have not been performed satisfactorily. I am told chrysler will not authorize the repairs or the replacement of the defective…
At 65 MPH on I-95 in maryland, the clutch and bearings burned out. All power to power brakes and steering were lost immediately making an emergency stop and steering was very difficult. Recent dealer maintenance failed to detect any excess ive wear or potential for failure.
Air bags
13 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 29,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Daughter involved in single car accident in which 2002 Jeep Wrangler rolled over 3 times and landed nose down in ditch. The air bags did not deploy. Complaint was issued to chrysler, they stated that the front end has to be hit just right before air bags are deployed. My daughter was almost killed and don't believe…
While driving approximately 35 MPH, somehow the vehicle hit the rear of a school bus. The front air bags did not deploy. The driver's chest hit the steering wheel. The passenger's head hit the dashboard. No one was transported to the emergency room. Please provide further details.
Steering
10 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, column, rack and pinion.
We are a Jeep family. Jeep liberty 2002 was brought in for recall on the ball joints on 11/26/06. In early dec we started experiencing problems with steering. Brought the Jeep into dealership and they quoted US $1680 to replace power steering pressure line &switch & rack and pinion. I was surprised that a Jeep this…
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that when driving 55 MPH or higher, the vehicle would shake violently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where several attempts were made to repair the failure, but the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the…
Other or unspecified
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles.
I know the Jeep is a 2002, but this rusting, to be this bad, had to have started awhile ago. I went to have two new tires installed and was told by the shop that they could not jack or lift the vehicle due to the rust. This is part of the frame, god forbid if it would have failed. It is so rusted that I can put my…
For a popular on and off road vehicle which has a reputation for strength and durability, why would the frame, the very foundation of the entire vehicle, be so susceptible to rusting out and making said vehicle unsafe to drive. Not cool , Jeep, not cool.
Wheels and tires
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: bead, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
2002 Jeep Wrangler collided with rear of passenger van at approximately 25 -35 MPH. Wheels braked and released on wet pavement. Air bag did not deploy, driver seat belt did not hold. Driver's face hit windshield, resulting in broken nose. Front engine compartment was crushed.
I have to complain that the front driver seat belt on my 2002 Jeep liberty is not latching on and not working properly. It wont click in to hold at all. And the "caps" on the lug nuts for the wheels are falling off during driving exposing the interior of the lug nut. I have not hit the car on anything they just fall…
Engine
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 124,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the cooling component was defective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the cylinder head was fractured and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was out of…
Vehicle oil pressure dropped to 0, check gauges light came on. I pulled over to park and ride lot and turned vehicle off assuming loss of oil pressure. Waited 15 minutes and tried to start it again, would not start. Checked oil dip stick and discovered antifreeze mix, opened oil cap and saw coffee-colored mix.…
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 Wrangler recalls
Fuel system: injectors
Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began may 13, 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
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Electrical: switch
Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a redesigned switch. Owner notification began april 8, 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
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
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.
Questions about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (26 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); suspension (19 complaints, typically around 131,500 miles); transmission (14 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 8, 2002 (fuel system). 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 Wrangler?
- It is 24th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints, with 108 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.