2002 Jeep Liberty recalls and problems
The 2002 Jeep Liberty has 8 safety recalls and 1,808 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Jeep Liberty vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Jeep Liberty recalls
Recall 15V-046: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 13V-252: Structure, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
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, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
Recall 12V-527: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 09V-119: Suspension
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 06V-288: Suspension
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 03V-460: Suspension
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 01V-373: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 01V-311: Unknown or Other
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The driver's side knee blocker trim panel assembly can disengage, fall, and startle the operator.
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.
2002 Jeep Liberty problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 551 | |
| Suspension | 527 | |
| Electrical System | 118 | |
| Structure | 114 | |
| Seat Belts | 112 | |
| Power Train | 91 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 89 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 88 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 83 | |
| Steering | 78 | |
| Engine | 74 | |
| Visibility | 67 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 298
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 53
- Air Bags › Frontal — 52
- Suspension › Front — 46
- Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 42
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 37
- Structure › Body — 33
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 28
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,002 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Jeep Liberty complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Jeep Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Liberty: 15V-046 (air bags), 13V-252 (structure, fuel system, gasoline), 12V-527 (air bags), 09V-119 (suspension), 06V-288 (suspension) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Jeep Liberty?
Owners report air bags problems most often (551 reports), followed by suspension (527). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,002 miles.
Are Jeep recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.