I have had my jeep liberty for about 5 years no major problems with it until this past august. I've changed the oil in it every 3,000 miles, and maintained my jeep very, very well. One day I started the car, was driving away from my house and I heard a loud "knocking" sound from the engine. The engine light came on, and when I checked the code it read as the knock sensor. I took it to the mechanic to determine the cause. They told me that the engine was done, that I needed to replace it with a new engine to fix the problem, and that he had seen this problem with liberty's several times before! I've checked numerous help websites and jeep forums and it confirmed that I was not the only liberty owner with this problem, but yet chrysler hasn't done anything about it! Buying a new engine for a car is not cheap, and it isn't something that I should pay out of pocket when there are hundreds of other reports of bad liberty engines. This needs to be researched and taken care of promptly!
2002 Jeep Liberty engine complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 159, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 2002 jeep liberty was bought brand new from the dealer. About two months ago I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the dashboard turned off and then turned back on, then my car started shaking like it was about to stall, and the engine light started to blink. I got scared because I didn't want my engine to stall and break down in the middle of the highway since it can be very dangerous, so I got off the highway and parked it in a lot over night so that I could take it straight to the dealer the next day. I took it to the dealer very carefully, my car started over heating when it was sitting in place/ traffic for more than one minute, and then it would cool back down when it was moving. Finally at the dealer they changed the water pump, thermostat, and one of the coils. The dealership said the problem was fixed and sent me off. Within that week my car started acting up again, the engine light began to flash again and I noticed my car was still being jumpy. I took it back and it turns out it had blown head gaskets, not only that but the heads were not even repairable. I need a complete new engine. I looked online and have found that it is very common for jeep liberty's to have a major engine problem. There is obviously something wrong with the way jeep builds their engines. There needs to be a recall, it is a defect in the liberty's. There have been multiple complaints of jeep engines breaking down with no signs. Also as a side note, the seat belt on the drivers side doesn't really click and sometimes un buckles on its own. There is also an electrical problem, the inside lights turn off and on all the time by themselves.
After proceeding through a stop light I heard a ticking noise that got louder, then a banging, and then the engine seized within 1 block of driving. Through a rod. Had just checked oil under hood that am. Maintained vehicle well in the 9 yrs. Of ownership. There was no warning prior to event or alert on gauges. Bought a rebuilt engine & had it installed.
Jeep started missing and stalled as I was driving. Lost break pressure and steering control of the vehicle. Thank goodness I was able to get to the side of the road without an accident. The engine light came on and the vehicle would not restart. After being towed to a mechanic, he told me the values where done and the motor was shot. I have since looked up the problem on the web and have found that most 2002 jeep liberty's have experienced the same problem, repeatedly, one guy is on his fourth motor. Spoke to the local chrysler dealer who acted like I spoke a foreign language, never heard of the problem. This is the company we just bailed out with taxpayer dollars, correct! I am at a loss, can't afford to fix it nor buy a new vehicle. Please put some pressure on chrysler to address the issue, we addressed theirs.
My daughter bought a 2002 jeep liberty 1 month ago. We changed the oil and I had her check it every two weeks since the vehicle was new to her. She did as I said for a couple weeks and said it used none. She is very diligent at watching her mileage to plan oil changes every 3000 miles. She went to work and the engine started to knock. She checked the oil and found it 3 quarts low and got no low oil warning. We took it to a shop and it needs a new engine. We found out no reputable salvage yard wants to sell the engine due to a known oil gear issue, so they will not even warranty one with low miles. A rebuilt motor with the oil gear issue fixed costs $3200.00. With labor my daughter is looking at $4500.00 to replace an engine with only 119000 miles. I searched the internet on 2002 jeep liberty 3.7 engine. I found many complaints regarding the blown motor. The average seems to be 96000 miles. Many people online said they contacted jeep and they said they were sol. I don't expect a new engine for nothing, but when the average vehicle today does 250000 miles by most manufacturers and toyota is at 400000. I would like to see an american company doing everything it can to create customer loyalty. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
#2 cylinder failed,#2 rocker arm came off,#2 lash has play which caused the rocker to come off, passenger side cylinder assembly had to be replaced. Also fuel leak by crimp. All this with no indication or warning signs. No unusual sounds, smells or indication from panel on dash. The vehicle lost power immediately.
Failed thermostat housing at 94,000 miles. Thermostat housing did not open for coolant to pass causing extensive engine damage to head gaskets and pistons with 7k damage . There was no warning of overheating or error codes on dash board as thermostat failed. Car just stopped at 5mph. Car well maintained and serviced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. The contact stated that when attempting to shift into four wheel drive, the shifter linkage cable separated from the transfer case. The rubber that was connected to the plastic housing also separated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the four wheel drive transfer shifter assembly and linkage cable. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 60,603. And the current mileage was 60,737....updated 08-24-12 *bf the consumer stated the old part is available and the manufaturer was contacted. Updated 09/04/2012
Engine was running great. Started to loose power, skipped and then blew up.. New engine was $5000.00 from the dealer... It started to skip again.. I took it back for $3000.00 dollars more work... Now its skipping again...
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the engine would need to be replaced. The faulty engine was not included in the service warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
I bought my 2002 jeep liberty used with 99000 miles at 105000 the engine blew with no warning. I wish I would have looked into the complaints first never would have bought a jeep. Obviously there is a problem with as many complaints that are the same. The 3.7l engine is junk come on jeep do something to help with this $4000 cost of replacing an engine.
2 jeep liberty's- both engine making loud knocking noise, within a month of each other. Took them in for repair. Told both need new engines. This will be the 3rd time the engine has been replaced in one jeep; 2 2 times under extended warranty and now 1 engine replaced at $3,500.00. The other jeep first engine needs to be replaced. Both jeeps around 130,000 miles. Based on internet traffic complaints, discussions with repair mechanics, and the pricing on replacement engines, there is a evident problem and a recall is in order from jeep.
Engine failed blowing a cylinder and a half during normal use of the vehicle and I was told by my mechanic it would cost $5,000.00 for a new one. Bought the car used and have 84,000 miles on it.
Without warning, the jeep stalled and has catastrophic engine failure. The engine is not salvageable and has to be replaced. There were no warning signs, no check engine lights or oil pressure warnings. The oil is changed regularly and the vehicle has been well maintained.
August 08, bought my 02 liberty. Took about 1.5 years to drive it because of an accident - that's why I bought the liberty. About 1 year later the idle air control valve went out, had to replace it. There's been other, minor things, like when accelerating, feels like someone bumped into me. Sometimes are worse than others. Often feel a "vibration." within months of being 1 year of replacing the iav, began to get extremely bad gas mileage - about 187m to a tank. Not sure why. Replaced the spark plugs, did a lof, inspection, etc.. Almost exactly 1 year from replacing the iav, check engine light came on. Was on for 1-1.5 days. I decided not use it until I could get it to the mechanic. Next morning, was going to the store & the light was off! But when I pulled into a parking space, it died. This sort of things happened before, db cluster being "faulty." other things [vacuum seal leak, etc] never prompted the lights on. Had to replace the iav again & it ran fine. Recently, been getting that "kicking" feeling & like my car is running "rough". Today, I noticed the airbag light was stuck on. Checked the manual, it said to have the airbag system checked. I was nervous about driving - had an odd feeling the airbag would deploy - moved my seat back just in case. Since the accident, I get anxiety over these things. Luckily, no deployment. Got it home, turned it off, waited, turned it on, waited a few seconds and the light turned off this time. Went straight to my computer only to find these recalls and investigations - one being the steering - last week had a nerve-wracking experience, my car began to swerve turning left onto the freeway, it was raining, so, I slowly merged. Wasn't until it straightened out that it began to swerve, almost like losing control, didn't feel like a "slip." but I just assumed it was. Also, the seat belts don't seem to stay click in at times.
I have a 2002 jeep liberty. Change oil every 3000 miles. Valve seat shattered. Zero compression in #2 cylinder. I checked on line and there is a lot of other people with the same problem. What are you going to do about it? I loved my jeep so much we were going to buy another one. Now I'm having second thoughts about buying your vehicles.
Cause: seat got loose got jammed in the valve and busted the piston, effect: engine chokes out. Wont idle. Misfires. Pulled no codes. I have found this and broken valve springs are an extremely common flaw in jeeps 2002-5. In 2006 chrysler changed the intake parts for it and never notified the public as to the reason. The replacement parts are listed as being able to be bought rebuilt or new, however you cannot find any rebuilt ones. Reason being you would have the same problem because its defective. This should have been recalled. No deaths=no recall -[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Needs new engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would violently jerk and the engine would make a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure the first two times it was taken in. When the vehicle was taken in for a third time, the dealer stated that the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.the failure mileage was unknown and current mileage was 71,996.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. While driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the engine rucker arm had detached from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
When vehicle was started that morning check engine light came on. No apparent problems oil and other fluids ok. The power steering at one point that day seemed to go out for a brief moment but problem was not recurring. Driving down the highway that afternoon and the vehicle just died smoke was pouring from under the hood. I pulled onto the side of the road, liquid was leaking all over the ground. Called a mechanic he stated it was antifreeze leaking. Could not restart vehicle, had it towed to mechanic. Upon inspection I found out the long block was cracked. I bought the jeep a year ago used, currently 140,000 miles. I am still paying on it monthly. It needs a new engine and is currently sitting in my driveway. I am still paying on it monthly. After talking to a few mechanics I found out this is a common problem with this make/model/year. The research I have done confirms it. I am paying to every month to have a brokendown vehicle in my driveway that I can't drive and can't afford to fix. This is a problem with the manufacturing of the engine who is going to take responsibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty limited. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop who diagnosed that the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.
Car overheated, check engine light came on and steam poured out from under the hood on the highway. Mechanic used a scan tool and determined that there was a cylinder 2 misfire. Coolant was found in the cylinder and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. When the head was removed the gasket was ok but it was determined that the engine (long block) needed to be replaced. I have found other owners online who have had this same issue with the 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty's. I am over the 7 year 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. Car was always maintained and regular oil changes were performed. No off-roading or towing done with this vehicle.
I have contacted jeep about the noise problem before after having a recall notice worked on and said it sounded like a piece of junk after being worked on and something was grinding. They told me nothing was wrong. Well, obviously there was because now it needs a new engine at 157,000 miles!!!! I had the oil changed regularly also. It is now parked in our drive needing a new engine!!!!! We have been dodge and jeep buyers all our lives but now we went and bought a kia!! We lost all trust in jeep since they wouldn't stand good tp problems they knew they had. I called jeep and the representative just told me to drive slow! I could not believe I had that kind of a response!
Stopped to get gas. Shut off engine. Engine did not work any more.
I have a 2002 jeep liberty. I had a new transmission put in january 2011. The jeep has about 202000 miles. Now I am told that I need a new engine. I have always done the oil changes as noted. The jeep is not even worth the cost of a rebuilt engine. Now am reading that chrysler knows about this problem but are denying the engine sludge. I will be a pare of any class action suit against them. This is crazy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. The contact stated that the engine exhibited an abnormally loud noise when first starting. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that parts of the engine began fracturing and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer advised that the engine would need to be taken apart to determine the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised they were unable to assist because they were not aware of the failure. The contact was advised by a local mechanic that the replacement engine could malfunction in the same manner as the original. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 140,000.
While driving my 2002 jeep liberty at an estimated 45-50 MPH, the engine suddenly stalled and then shut off without warning. The engine roared as if accelerating and rpms fluctuated from high to low without increasing actual vehicle speed and lost control of steering and coasted until car stopped. The dashboard lit up for battery, check engine light, and oil and all other power stayed on, including radio and headlights and emergency lights. When car came to a stop, I put the car in park and turned it off and restarted it. Dashboard indicators turned off and car started normally to only repeat the same engine stall less than a mile away at a slower speed. Car then required several more attempts to start engine. At this time, the car had a 1/2 tank of gas. The next day I changed all fluids including oil, antifreeze, coolant and added a fuel injection cleaner and filled car to a full tank and was able to drive back home without issue. Next time car was used same engine stall happened as car was in reverse and without the RPM fluctuation or dashboard indicators lighting up. New battery installed and hooked up to computer for data codes which revealed no error codes. Car currently in shop for 7 days with over $500 in costs that did not solve problem. Car maintenance in great shape at 103700 miles and full car tuneup done just last year by jeep dealership. I have been told by the mechanic of several different problems it could be or not be, and invest money in repairs that may not even solve the problem. Total engines failures/stalls in one week averaged 2 times each time the car was driven. Given the traffic and traveling speed of the car, I was lucky to have avoided collision but do not feel safe or trust to use my car especially after reading complaints of others experiencing same engine failure without a solution provided that solved the problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. While turning into the driveway the vehicle stalled, the engine was on but the vehicle would not move forward. The failure occurred forty three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed her to purchase another without inspecting her vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed her that the vehicle was not fit to drive and it would cost $2000 for the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.
I am experiencing a rattling sound when driving uphill or downhill through driveway, traveling 5-20 miles an hour. I took my jeep 2002 liberty 2wd to get serviced and received recommended repairs: prosteer control arm with ball joint upper center, remove and install propeller shaft to replace universal joints on both ends, rear wheel bearings, tail pipe is welded to muffler, muffler does not meet design specifications and should be replaced due to exhaust leak as well, remove rack and pinion, complete rack as does not meet design specifications and is leaking. I was driving about 25 MPH and my rear right side tire was smoking profusely. I pulled over and noticed the gray smoke from my tire. I took the car to check the rear breaks. They were fine but was told that I had a leak from the exhaust pipe which dripped on to that area. The car has 75,806 miles. I was told that I could loose control of vehicle and entire area can collapse during traffic due to these issues. Aside from these issues, I am experiencing a whistling sound, problems with rear drivers side passenger power window regulator which produces grind-like sound. The window came off and I was told that I needed a new regulator for the window. I'm also experiencing a red stain in engine oil drippage on ground. Finally, strange odor from car -odor continues to be present whether I wash the carpets and seats (smells like mold/mildew or skunk).
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