2002 Jeep Wrangler

108 federal complaints (139 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 39 service bulletins
See all 41 model years of the Jeep Wrangler →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD
EPA economy
14 city / 17 hwy
Federal complaints
108
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
26
Suspension
19
Power train
14
Air bags
13
Steering
10
Other
8
Engine & cooling
8
Electrical system
7
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 13 complaints01 years old: 20 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 6 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 3 complaints56 years old: 1 complaints7 years old: 2 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 8 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 6 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 103 of 108 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 18 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 13 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 4 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 7 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 10 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 3 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 8 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 77 of 108 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

26 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"DUE TO A POOR DESIGN OF SIDE HOLES BUT NO BOTTOM DRAIN HOLES, WATER AND DIRT, ETC COLLECTED INSIDE THE REAR FRAME SECTION AND RUSTED IT FROM THE INSIDE OUT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Suspension

19 complaint records2 crash reports
"A LOOSE BOLT IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD AND WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS ON A PAVED ROAD. *SCC *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Power train

14 complaint records
"2002 JEEP WRANGLER HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V104000Fuel System, GasolineON 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.Normally free
02V075000Electrical SystemON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER AND IMPURITIES CAN ENTER INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
S2025000005
Jun 2020
Electrical SystemMalfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Show 34 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
D-20-02 Rev. A
Mar 2020
EquipmentDIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003192
Dec 2014
WheelsPart Description: wheel hub cap Issue Description: This hubcap is installed directly to the wheel using screws; PN 00154236. This part is not currently listed in the catalog
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
1900306
Aug 2006
SteeringSTEERING SHIMMY. *TT
2301006
Feb 2006
StructurePRIMARY DOOR WEATHERSTRIP WATER LEAK AT A-PILLAR BELT LINE. *TT
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0901004
Oct 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDIRT AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AT REAR MAIN SEAL. *TT
0200102
Aug 2004
SuspensionSPECIAL BALL JOINT, ALLOWS ADJUSTMENT TO CASTER AND CAMBER ANGLES. *SLC THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 02-001-02 DATED 06/10/02. ALSO TO INCLUDE 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. *TT
2300504
Mar 2004
StructureSOFT TOP ZIPPER CLEANER AND LUBRICANT - FOR DIFFICULT TO OPERATE WINDOW ZIPPERS. *TT
1803103
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L ROUGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER RESTART FOLLOWING A HOT SOAK. *TT
2400703
Aug 2003
EquipmentHVAC DRIVE WATER LEAKS UNDER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT CARPET. *TT
0900303
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. *TT
1400102A
Oct 2002
Fuel SystemFUEL CAP DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
1400102
May 2002
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING FUEL CAP DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC
0801701
Sep 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING SAFETY SYSTEMS - VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / REPAIR. *TT
2401201
Sep 2001
VisibilityCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE HVAC DRAIN WATER LEAKS UNDER PASSENGER SIDE CARPET. *TT
2302501
Sep 2001
StructureSOFT TOP ZIPPER CLEANER AND LUBRICANT - FOR DIFFICULT TO OPERATE WINDOW ZIPPERS. *TT
2600901
Sep 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE/DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL REVISIONS. *SLC
0801601
Aug 2001
EquipmentINFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RADIOS WILL HAVE A NEW LOCKING RADIO ANTENNA CONNECTOR. *SLC
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Jeep Wrangler →