2002 Jeep Laredo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 101 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Laredo year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 18 Laredo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (27% of the total).
101
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Laredo years?
What are the most common 2002 Jeep Laredo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 27 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 19 | 19% | — flat |
| Airbags | 11 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 11% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN "RIGHT". I TOOK IT IN A FEW TIMES TO BE TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. I WAS IN 2 ACCIDENTS, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, AND REAR ENDED EACH VEHICLE. WHEN I BRAKED AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. IN AUG. 04, I CALLED THE…”
“DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC WINDOW FAILED FOR NO REASON, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE WINDOW ALL OF THE SUDDEN FELL ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY. THIS WAS DONE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. SO FAR, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPLACE THE PART. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS THE WINDOW REGULATOR, AND THAT…”
“MY JEEP LIBERTY '02 REAR WHEEL DRIVE. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH ON A WINDY DAY(50 MPH WINDS) WHEN THE WIND THREW MY BACK END INTO THE GUARD RAIL WHEN APPROACHING AN OVERPASS.THE JEEP HIT THE BACK END ON RAIL FOLLOWED BY THE FRONT END THEN ROLLED UPSIDE DOWN CROSSED THE…”
“ON MY WAY TO WORK ON MONDAY MORNING AT AROUND 5:15 AM, SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM MY JEEP'S HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I TURNED AROUND AND PROCEED TO HEAD BACK HOME. WITHIN FOUR TO FIVE MINUTES THE SMOKE TURNED INTO FLAMES AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE (ON A LOCAL STREET). I JUMPED OUT…”
“DRIVER SEAT MADE SLIGHT BUMPING NOISE WHEN MOVING SEAT BACK AND FORTH ON A DAILY BASIS FOR ABOUT A MONTH. I WAS THEN INVOLVED IN A VERY LOW IMPACT ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. AT IMPACT OF COLLISION THE DRIVERS SEAT COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF OF THE BRACKET. THIS SHOULD…”
2002 Jeep Laredo — common questions
Is the 2002 Jeep Laredo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 101 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 18 Laredo years. It is one of the Laredo years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Laredo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (27 complaints), visibility & wipers (19 complaints), engine (11 complaints).
Does the 2002 Jeep Laredo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Jeep Laredo.
Which Jeep Laredo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laredo years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 2003, 1997. The cleanest record among Laredo years belongs to 1986.
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.