2002 Jeep Wrangler recalls and problems

The 2002 Jeep Wrangler has 2 safety recalls and 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

108

Crashes / fires

15 / 5

Injuries / deaths

17 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Jeep Wrangler recalls

Recall 02V-104: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 02V-075: Electrical System

Reported Mar 8, 2002 · 95,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.

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.

2002 Jeep Wrangler problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	26
Suspension	19
Power Train	14
Air Bags	13
Steering	10
Unknown or Other	8
Electrical System	7
Tires	6
Seat Belts	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Visibility	4

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 22
Air Bags › Frontal — 10
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
Seat Belts › Front — 3
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 3
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2
Suspension › Front — 2
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,585 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 Wrangler complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Feb 28, 2022

Frame is rotted out. Vehicle is well maintained and it is upsetting. After spending good money for a reputable brand, the frame did not last. It is not drivable and is unsafe to be on the road. It is not safe to travel with my family. Everyone I know that has these years wrangler TJ model has this problem. Lower and upper control arms need to be welded back because they rotted off.

Structure · at 148,868 miles · reported Mar 25, 2021

Purchased a 2002 jeep from twin rivers auto sales, I did not receive a vehicle disclosure report and it was sold to me with a control arm bracket that was damaged was not attached to the frame which makes driving the vehicle impossible it is not attached to frame which could have cause other'and myself extreme harm or death. I was not informed of any problem with frame, after purchase the dealership told me to take it to ziebart and it would be undercoated for free, they tried to cover up with the undercoating where the control arm bracket became detached from the frame along with other…

Structure · at 200,000 miles · reported Feb 18, 2020

The contact owns a 2002 jeep wrangler. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle showed severe rust from the front to the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the leaf spring on the passenger's side of the vehicle was fractured. The contact also stated that the subframe on the driver and passenger's side of the vehicle showed a 60% fracture. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Engine · at 186,000 miles · reported Dec 27, 2019

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.

Structure · reported Aug 26, 2019

The design of the vehicle frame was faulty from the original purchase where water and dirt can enter the frame but no way to exit therefore becoming trapped to allow rust to form from the inside of frame. This not only promotes but allows the life of the frame to become dangerously weak and if in a accident not to with stand a impact and create a situation where life or harm to persons increase.

Other Jeep Wrangler years

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Compare all Jeep Wrangler years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler: 02V-104 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-075 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners report structure problems most often (26 reports), followed by suspension (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,585 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.