VehicleVerdict

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,771 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Grand Cherokee year — the 2002 model ranks #7 of 38 Grand Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 9 deaths and 131 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 488 reports (28% of the total).

1,771

NHTSA complaints

16

Recalls

7

Investigations

98

Crash-involved

23

Fires reported

131

Injuries

9

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags48828%
Visibility & Wipers35020%
Brakes21212%
Engine17810%
Electrical System925%
Seats915%
Transmission603%
Fuel System583%
Other442%
Steering412%
Speed Control382%
Seat Belts241%
Lighting221%
Tires & Wheels211%
Suspension191%
Body & Structure131%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)131%
Latches & Locks50%
Child Seat10%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

16 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V046000AirbagsJanuary 28, 2015 · 752,644 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

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.

12V527000AirbagsNovember 8, 2012 · 744,822 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09V117000SeatsApril 9, 2009 · 103,409 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY). THE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE OR INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

06V199000EngineJune 8, 2006 · 189,479 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PLASTIC BLADES OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN COOLING FAN MAY SEPARATE AND PENETRATE THE SHROUD.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, A PERSON IN THE VICINITY OF THE ENGINE COULD BE STRUCK BY THE BLADE AND INJURED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

06E022000BrakesMarch 13, 2006 · 7,440 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

06E011000Fuel SystemFebruary 1, 2006 · 7,291 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

02V104000Fuel SystemApril 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

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.

02V099000AirbagsMarch 26, 2002 · 27 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE IMPROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A WIRING JUMPER TO THE EXISTING CIRCUITRY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 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.

02V032000Fuel SystemJanuary 31, 2002 · 71,677 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) CONTROL VALVE CAN BECOME DETACHED DURING A CRASH, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A SKID PLATE OR REINFORCE THE EXISTING FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN MARCH 4, 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.

01V374000Fuel SystemDecember 5, 2001 · 50,200 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE COULD STICK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE DURING REFUELING.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE. VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE A STICKING FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE WILL HAVE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 24, 2001. 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.

01V348000EngineNovember 13, 2001 · 38,700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ONBOARD VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM VENT HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED. THIS COULD ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE CANISTER WHICH CAN CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE WHEN REFUELING THE TANK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT (AND REPOSITION AS NECESSARY) THE VENT HOSE. IF THE VENT HOSE IS FOUND IN THE BENT DOWN POSITION, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN MORE THAN 20 MILES, THE CANISTER ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2001. 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.

01V288000Electrical SystemSeptember 10, 2001 · 43,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLUSTER, WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS GAUGES, ILLUMINATION, AND WARNING LAMPS, COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE CLUSTER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2001. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP. THE SEAT BELT DETACHED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT LANDED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND HER HEAD WENT THROUGH THE MOON ROOF. A POLICE REPORT WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 30, 2008 · crash

HEATER BLEND DOOR INOPERABLE. MY PREGNANT WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS NEAR BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA . IT WAS ABOUT 30 DEGREES THAT MORNING AND THE HEATER DIDN'T WORK. IT ACTUALLY BLEW COLD AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD, AND IT FROZE BLOCKING OUR VIEW WHEN WE RAN OFF THE ROAD. WE COULD HAVE BEEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 14, 2006 · crash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO SOME BENCHES. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2005 · crash

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS LEASED. THERE WERE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL TROUBLE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES. *AK *SC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 6, 2004 · crash

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD, IT WAS PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD IN A DRIVEWAY. FIRE CAME FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED BY FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. I REPORTED IT TO CHRYSLER AND THEY STATED BECAUSE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2014 · fire

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,771 complaints put the 2002 model at #7 of 38 Grand Cherokee years. It is one of the Grand Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (488 complaints), visibility & wipers (350 complaints), brakes (212 complaints).

Does the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2005, 2011, 2012, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2015, 2004, 2007, 1997, 2018, 2013, 2023, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2016, 2020. The cleanest record among Grand Cherokee years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.