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2002 Jeep Wrangler problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Jeep Wrangler is body and structure, typically around 92,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Wrangler model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
83/100
Owner complaints
108
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
43
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
14-17mpg

The worst 2002 Jeep Wrangler problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

No deployment 6Ball joint 6

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectorsReported April 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 02V104000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 8, 2002 · 95,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
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.

Recall number 02V075000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler 43

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 43 bulletins for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

2002 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl4WD14-1617-1916-17
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD13-1416-1714-15

What 2002 Jeep Wrangler owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 28, 2022 · Body, Suspension · NJ

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2021 · Body, Steering · 148,868 miles · MO

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

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Acceleration, Body · 200,000 miles · KY

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.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Engine, Suspension · 186,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Dec 24, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · 150,000 miles · TN

Frame rusting out

Filed Dec 21, 2019 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · KY

Frame is rotten. This has took driving it safely away

Filed Nov 8, 2019 · Suspension · 170,000 miles · KY

Complete frame is rusted out and cannot be drove safely.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Body · KY

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2019 · Suspension · 123,000 miles · MI · crash

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 federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 6, 2019 · Body · 200,000 miles · KY

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Jeep Wrangler before you buy

Compare the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Is the 2002 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, fewer than a typical Wrangler model year.

What is the 2002 Jeep Wrangler year score?

The 2002 Jeep Wrangler scores 83 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Jeep Wrangler: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?

Body and structure, with 26 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles. Next is suspension (19).

How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.

What year does the Jeep Wrangler have the most body problems?

The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most body complaints are 2018 (97 complaints), 2000 (56 complaints) and 2001 (38 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 14-16 city and 17-19 highway.

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