2002 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2002 Jeep Wrangler. Newest first.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between april 27 and may 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 jeep wrangler. the cockpit cover may not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. as a result, the cockpit cover may not…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. owner notification began june 16, 2004. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
108 complaints15 involved a crash5 involved a fire17 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension
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.
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
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…
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 defects in the frame I was only able to drive the jeep from dealership to ziebarts for the undercoating and then had to have towed to my house due to the stabilizer link breaking because of the control arm bracket breaking away from frame due to rust, . I've tried call the dealership many times with no reply. I am thankful that no one was injured or dead if this would've happened while I was driving on hwy, the purchase price was 6700.00 and then additional 5 new tires 600.00 and two leaking and bent rims at 75.00 for a total of 7375.00 on a unsafe vehicle which the dealership new about . I am extremely disappointed, and frustrated with this situation. I need help getting this resolved but they will not rerun my calls and have hung up on me I have photos and a inspection saying that it was safe when far from being safe point blank this dealership sold me a vehicle that was u safe for others and myself to be on the road so now I am out all of this money and I can't drive the vehicle please investigate this situation so that they can not due business in this manner and I can resolve this with either giving me back my cost of the jeep and tires and rims . I don't know what else to do or who to contact in trying to get my money back it IS a lot of money for a jeep I can't drive
- Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
TL* 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…
TL* 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 · Suspension · Unknown or other
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.
- Power train · Suspension
Frame rusting out
- Suspension
Frame IS rotten. This has took driving it safely away
- Suspension
Complete frame IS rusted out and cannot be drove safely.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
My 2002 jeep wrangler tj x, frame rails rotted from the inside out on both the sides and rear curve up of the frame. It was difficult to realize that it was rotting because it rotted from the inside out. While on the outside of the frame looks perfectly fine and paint was still well coated, it was…
My 2002 jeep wrangler tj x, frame rails rotted from the inside out on both the sides and rear curve up of the frame. It was difficult to realize that it was rotting because it rotted from the inside out. While on the outside of the frame looks perfectly fine and paint was still well coated, it was rotting from the inside. The problem did not disclose itself until the bracket got the spring are the axle attaches to the frame broke off when the rot from the inside made it all the way through. When it broke off, it caused my vehicle to crash. There was no foretelling that this was going to happen because the rot from the inside was invisible and not able to be detected. Myself I believe this IS a big enough flaw that should become the responsibility of the manufacturer to repair or replace. My jeep was treated like my baby. I took extremely well good care of the entire vehicle inside and out. Inspecting the frame and body every year in the spring to make sure it all paint was touched up and frame parts were kept coated with paint. nowadays pretty much unheard of for only a 12 year old vehicle. When purchased brand new in 2002 at a cost of $21,000, a significant amount of money, but only to last for 12 years IS a high price to pay. I believe it's in the best interest that a recall ruling be made for all 2002 and other years that has the internal rotting of the frame rail. Either new patch frame rails be installed, or a nominal amount a money be compensated for the cost of a entire new frame, for those wishing to replace the frame entirely. I believe that if the nhtsa fails to make a recall for this problem, could incur future accidents that could result in injury or even death because of the inability to detect the rotting of the rail from the inside.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to watermark chrysler dodge jeep RAM (located at 1055 crossing pl, madisonville, ky 42431, (270) 875-4432), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
The frame IS rotting terribly and the front control arms are about to crack off and the trans/skid plate has already rusted through causing the transfer case and trans to fall off of the frame, vehicle was city driving when this happend
- Structure › Body
Excessive frame rot due to poor design by manufacturer.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Death wobble experienced daily several times a day. I hit a bump or uneven patch of road and death wobble begins it usually starts at 35- 40 mph. I sometimes have to slow all the way to 20 mph to make it stop. I have replaced u joints, rear drive shaft, ball joints, tires, steering stabilizer, tie rods, gotten wheel balances many times, replaced drag link and all bushings. Nothing has helped so far.
- Suspension
Frame IS rusting out by the rear end
- Tires
On december 1, 2017 walmart installed 5 new goodyear tires on my wrangler. The fifth was for the spare. The old tires had tread but were 7 years old. I tow this jeep behind an rv. I bought the tires to avoid a blowout while towing. On january 20 we started our seasonal trip to florida. About 4:00…
On december 1, 2017 walmart installed 5 new goodyear tires on my wrangler. The fifth was for the spare. The old tires had tread but were 7 years old. I tow this jeep behind an rv. I bought the tires to avoid a blowout while towing. On january 20 we started our seasonal trip to florida. About 4:00 pm, the left front tire came apart destroying the fender, turn signal, side marker, bent front bumper, ripped the wiring from the rv that controls lights, as well as the front jeep wiring left side. When I stopped, nothing but a piece of wire was wrapped around the front rim. No rubber and the alloy rim damaged beyond use. At that point I just thought I picked up a nail and got a flat. Thank goodness I had a new spare was my thought. The next day, 1/21/18, about 3:00 pm the right rear tire came apart and when I got stopped the only thing left was about an inch where the tire meets the rim, 2 rings of rubber. I had to have the jeep towed to the nearest tire center, firestone complete auto care. There, I noticed that the right front tire had small pieces of rubber missing. I replaced all the remaining goodyear tires. I contacted both walmart and goodyear. Goodyear had me fill out a claim form, number 601521. They made arrangements to have the right front tire and the 2 pieces shipped back to them. I received a certified form letter stating the one tire has normal wear (chunks of rubber missing IS normal wear?) and manufactured fine. I contacted goodyear by phone and asked how that determination can be made when two new tires, one day apart, came apart and a third showing signs of a problem. since they dont have a tire to examine they claim the problem IS not theirs. They said to send pictures. The result was the same. I have requested that the tire be returned to my residence. I have more than $4000 damage to my jeep, and a manufacturer thats standing in another world. They conveniently lost the two rubber rings, blaming it on fedex.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
I know the jeep IS a 2002, but this rusting, to be this bad, had to have started awhile ago. I went to have two new tires installed and was told by the shop that they could not jack or lift the vehicle due to the rust. This IS part of the frame, god forbid if it would have failed. It IS so rusted…
I know the jeep IS a 2002, but this rusting, to be this bad, had to have started awhile ago. I went to have two new tires installed and was told by the shop that they could not jack or lift the vehicle due to the rust. This IS part of the frame, god forbid if it would have failed. It IS so rusted that I can put my finger through the frame in spots. I do not use the jeep for off road activities nor park it in the ocean. I also wash the road salt off during the winter. I have included pictures of the rusted pass side and the not too rusted driver side. This IS just an around town vehicle. This IS ridiculous and jeep should be ashamed to release a vehicle with such a dangerous defect. I wonder if this IS a vehicle from a flood. For this amount of deterioration, I would not doubt it and I will try to find out. Thanks for any help you can provide.
- Structure › Body
The main right side frame support for the centerline skid plate/transmission rusted from the inside out. this resulted in almost dropping the skid plate and transmission while the vehicle was in motion. I would dearly love to know why jeep sold vehicles that begin rusting where it can't be found until catastrophic damage occurs.
- Structure › Body
Found during vehicle inspection for other repairs. called chrysler and was told that vehicle had to be taken to a dealer and was given case# 31813048 dealer inspected (see file below) on 7-10-17 called chrysler 800-992-1997 and spoke with bri, she said that there IS no coverage available through…
Found during vehicle inspection for other repairs. called chrysler and was told that vehicle had to be taken to a dealer and was given case# 31813048 dealer inspected (see file below) on 7-10-17 called chrysler 800-992-1997 and spoke with bri, she said that there IS no coverage available through chrysler. I find with mileage and knowing that I keep my car inside during winter weather conditions and have maintained vehicle as per chrysler that this should not have happened.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 jeep wrangler. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the valve cover gasket was defective, leaking, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Structure › Body
"Rusted frame" I bought a 2002 jeep wrangler and the left side of the frame in the middle where the skid plate bolts in to the frame IS rusted out pretty bad and I have a cause for concern for safety. Well I didn't find this problem but I thought the universal joint was causing my bad shake when I…
"Rusted frame" I bought a 2002 jeep wrangler and the left side of the frame in the middle where the skid plate bolts in to the frame IS rusted out pretty bad and I have a cause for concern for safety. Well I didn't find this problem but I thought the universal joint was causing my bad shake when I pulled the front drive shaft out I noticed that problem. Its a 14 year old vehicle but I don't believe that the frame should be rusted like this. please fix my problem.. The vehicle was stationary in my driveway
- Structure › Body
Takata recall- driving down a dark county road- lost control of vehicle and went off road and hit a tree- upon impact the jeep burst into flames- the driver was pulled out because she was trapped inside the burning jeep- the jeep was totaled due to the fire
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Jeep frame has rusted in half in several places costing$3,000.00 in repairs luckily it broke at a low speed without harm to anyone if this happens at highway speeds who knows how many people could have been injured.
- Unknown or other
Frame IS rusty, not just the outside but IS rusting in thick layers of scale from the inside out. Appears to be no drainage holes in bottom side of the frame, while having holes in the side of the frame allowing salt, sand, and whatever road chemicals an entry point while by design restricts the…
Frame IS rusty, not just the outside but IS rusting in thick layers of scale from the inside out. Appears to be no drainage holes in bottom side of the frame, while having holes in the side of the frame allowing salt, sand, and whatever road chemicals an entry point while by design restricts the drainage of such elements. The vehicle IS still operational, but only a matter of time till structure failure. Won't be seeing the roads this winter.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
My frame and suspension have rotted out from the inside out. Its costing me over $6,000 to replace everything.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010205Plate - Planetary
- 10229877Part 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
- 10229256KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10223525Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
- 10221686KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10221045Part 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
- 10220995Part 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. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging 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.
- 10175510DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139875Part 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
- 10139596Part 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. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 1012900882212076, 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, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10020334Steering shimmy.
- 10019535Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10007314Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 10006452Dirt and debris accumulation at rear main seal.
- 100039864.0L rough engine idle after restart following a hot soak.
- 100035384.0L multiple cylinder misfire.
- 10003527Hvac drive water leaks under passenger side front carpet.
- 10003524Automatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure. Various models including the 2004 RAM truck, durango, sebring convertible, cherokee, vision, neon, and voyager.
- 10000310Fuel cap difficult to remove.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634090Subject regarding fuel cap difficult to remove. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 633476Special 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.
- 631781Subject regarding service/diagnostic manual revisions. *Slc
- 625620Subject regarding safety systems - vehicle modifications / repair.
- 625588Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 625576Customers may complain that the hvac drain water leaks under passenger side carpet.
- 623312Information regarding vehicles equipped with radios will have a new locking radio antenna connector. *Slc
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.