2002 Jeep LIBERTY: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1,808 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
82,501 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2002 model year. Data snapshot: . 1,048 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 489 of 1,808 complaints (27.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 144 | 8.0% |
| Steering behavior | 139 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 60 | 3.3% |
| Engine operation | 47 | 2.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 47 | 2.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 42 | 2.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 489 |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint | 298 |
| Suspension | 95 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 88 |
| Electrical System | 85 |
| Engine | 74 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 74 |
| Structure | 69 |
Air Bags: 489; Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint: 298; Suspension: 95; Fuel/Propulsion System: 88; Electrical System: 85; Engine: 74; Fuel System, Gasoline: 74; Structure: 69
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 77 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 160 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 214 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 180 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 277 |
| 150,000 and above | 140 |
Under 25,000: 77; 25,000 to 49,999: 160; 50,000 to 74,999: 214; 75,000 to 99,999: 180; 100,000 to 149,999: 277; 150,000 and above: 140
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (277). 760 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 85 |
| 2003 | 111 |
| 2004 | 97 |
| 2005 | 76 |
| 2006 | 223 |
| 2007 | 119 |
| 2008 | 64 |
| 2009 | 49 |
| 2010 | 80 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2012 | 84 |
| 2013 | 196 |
| 2014 | 182 |
| 2015 | 198 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2001: 12; 2002: 85; 2003: 111; 2004: 97; 2005: 76; 2006: 223; 2007: 119; 2008: 64; 2009: 49; 2010: 80; 2011: 57; 2012: 84; 2013: 196; 2014: 182; 2015: 198; 2016: 106; 2017: 28; 2018: 9; 2019: 12; 2020: 9; 2021: 4; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 3; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 144 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 139 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 60 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10000174 · 2002-12-17 (December 17, 2002)
JEEP LIBERTY LIMITED PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, ANY ROAD CONDITIONS. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000174 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10000480 · 2003-01-02 (January 2, 2003)
MY WIFE LOST CONTROL OF OUR 2002 JEEP LIBERTY LIMITED EDITION WHILE DRIVING IN A DOWNPOUR IN THE LATE AFTERNOON ON 12/19/02. SHE CROSSED THE MEDIAN COLLIDING WITH A CAR AND A TRUCK AND CONTINUED INTO A MUDDY FIELD WHERE THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY EITHER DURING OR AFTER THE CRASH, HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THAT SEAT. THIS ACCIDENT IS, I BELIEVE, A DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL OFFSET COLLISION TYPE. DEALER CONTACTED INDEPENDENT INV…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,830 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000480 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10000891 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY HOWEVER THE PASSENGERSIDE DID. COLLISION OCCURED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CAUSING ABOUT $9500 IN DAMAGE. SCAN TEST COMPLETED AND THE INVESTIGATOR FOR CHRYSLER FOUND 3 FAULTS IN THE SQUIB 1 AND SQUIB 2 MODULES, ALSO SAID THAT THE SEATBELT TENSIONER SENSOR CREATED A FAULT WHICH TO THE COMPUTER NOT TO DEPLOY THE BAG. THE BELT WAS FASTENED AT TIME OF CRASH.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000891 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10001813 · 2003-01-02 (January 2, 2003)
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THEY WAS HIT AT 40MPH IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. *TS
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10001813 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002344 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FUEL TANK CRACK CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002344 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002636 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2002 JEEP LIBERTY IN MARCH, 2002. AT 8K, WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, REAR END BEGAN FISHTAILING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURED ON DEC. 16TH, 2002. WE STILL DO NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM JEEP INSPECTED VEHICLE AND STATED THAT "REAR AXLE WAS NEVER PROPERLY WELDED TO VEHICLE." THIS OCCURED ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE AT THE FACTORY. WE DO NOT FEEL VEHICLE IS SAFE AT THIS POINT.THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IS SERIOUS COMPROMISED. WE'RE CONCERNED OTHER 2002 JEEP LIBERTY'S MAY HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002636 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002785 · 2003-01-16 (January 16, 2003)
VEHICLES AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, THEN REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAKY FACTORY SEAL AND AGAIN HAD TO BE FIXED. VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT AS ALL OTHER LIBERTYS DO AND NOW WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, THE RIGHT FRONT MARKER LIGHT COMES ON. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS UHAULS FAULT UHAUL SAYS IT IS CHRYSLERS FAULT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL DISSAPPOINTMENT!!
Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002785 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002873 · 2003-01-17 (January 17, 2003)
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONTAL OFF-SET COLLISION, ONLY PASS. SIDE DID. FAULTS WERE FOUND IN DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT TENSIONER AND OPEN CIRCUIT FAULTS ALSO FOUND. CHRYSLER IS NOT COOPERATING WITH OUR SAFETY FAILURE AND IS MAINTAINING THAT ONLY 1 AIRBAG WAS SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY, THIS WAS STATED IN A LETTER WHICH ALSO DENIED THE FAULTS THAT HAD BEEN ALREADY FOUND. CHRYSLER WILL NOT RETURN OUR PHONE CALLS AT THIS TIME AND THE LETTER SOUNDS LIKE A COVER-UP. THE ONLY ASSISTANCE WE ARE RECEIVING ABOUT THIS MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT HAS BEEN…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,830 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002873 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
01V311000 · Unknown Or Other
Reported: 2001-10-04 (October 4, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE BLOCKER TRIM PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN DISENGAGE, FALL, AND STARTLE THE OPERATOR.
Consequence: THIS COULD STARTLE THE OPERATOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗01V373000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2001-12-05 (December 5, 2001)
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.
Consequence: THIS COULD DELAY THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗03V460000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
Reported: 2003-11-10 (November 10, 2003)
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.
Consequence: A BALL JOINT THATHAS SEPARATED FROM THE KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V288000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
Reported: 2006-08-03 (August 3, 2006)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V119000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm
Reported: 2009-04-09 (April 9, 2009)
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.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V527000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive | Air Bags
Reported: 2012-11-08 (November 8, 2012)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V252000 · Structure | Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2013-06-19 (June 19, 2013)
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: 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).
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V046000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2015-01-28 (January 28, 2015)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗