2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Air bags is the leading concern among 1,476 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,476

Of the 2002 reports, 75 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 97 people were injured and 4 people died.

Primary concernAir bags486 reports · 33% of complaints
Owner complaints1,476Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship16 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags486
  2. Visibility323
  3. Service brakes175
  4. Hydraulic153
  5. Engine and engine cooling145
  6. Seats91
  7. Electrical system85
  8. Power train58

Recalls and investigations

  1. Air bags, frontalJan 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.

    Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    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.

    Campaign 15V046000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bagsNov 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.

    Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    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.

    Campaign 12V527000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerApr 9, 2009

    CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY). THE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS COULD OVERHEAT.

    OVERHEATING COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE OR INJURY.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

    Campaign 09V117000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

    CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

    Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanJun 8, 2006

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PLASTIC BLADES OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN COOLING FAN MAY SEPARATE AND PENETRATE THE SHROUD.

    IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, A PERSON IN THE VICINITY OF THE ENGINE COULD BE STRUCK BY THE BLADE AND INJURED.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

    Campaign 06V199000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006

    CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

    Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Service brakes, hydraulicMar 13, 2006

    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 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

    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.

    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.

    Campaign 06E022000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 1, 2006

    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 CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

    IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

    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.

    Campaign 06E011000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, injectorsApr 8, 2002

    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.

    THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

    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.

    Campaign 02V104000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Air bags, frontalMar 26, 2002

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.

    THIS COULD CAUSE IMPROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

    DEALERS WILL ADD A WIRING JUMPER TO THE EXISTING CIRCUITRY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 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.

    Campaign 02V099000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 31, 2002

    CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) CONTROL VALVE CAN BECOME DETACHED DURING A CRASH, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.

    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A SKID PLATE OR REINFORCE THE EXISTING FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN MARCH 4, 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.

    Campaign 02V032000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Fuel system, gasoline, deliveryDec 5, 2001

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE COULD STICK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE DURING REFUELING.

    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE. VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE A STICKING FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE WILL HAVE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 24, 2001. 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.

    Campaign 01V374000 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission controlNov 13, 2001

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ONBOARD VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM VENT HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED. THIS COULD ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE CANISTER WHICH CAN CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE WHEN REFUELING THE TANK.

    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT (AND REPOSITION AS NECESSARY) THE VENT HOSE. IF THE VENT HOSE IS FOUND IN THE BENT DOWN POSITION, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN MORE THAN 20 MILES, THE CANISTER ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2001. 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.

    Campaign 01V348000 on NHTSA.gov

  16. Electrical system, wiring, interior/under dashSep 10, 2001

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLUSTER, WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS GAUGES, ILLUMINATION, AND WARNING LAMPS, COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

    DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE CLUSTER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2001. 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.

    Campaign 01V288000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: power train

58 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Sep 5, 2002

    NEEDS TOTAL REMAKE OF TRANSMISSION AT 3500 MILES 3 MOS OLD. *AK

  2. Power train, Jun 14, 2002

    CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALER DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES, SEALS WERE REPLACED, BUT TRANSMISSION STILL LEAKS.*AK

  3. Power train, May 14, 2002

    2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AFTER A DRIVE WHEN PUTTING CAR INTO PARK, THE ENGINE RACED OUT OF CONTROL IN REVERSE. LUCKILY THE BRAKES HELD IT FROM SPEEDING IN REVERSE. *AK

  4. Power train, Apr 5, 2002

    STARTED VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE, PUT BACK INTO PARK, THEN INTO REVERSE AND IT STILL WOULD NOT MOVE, PUT INTO PARK, COULD NOT GET IT OUT OF PARK, SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED PUT BACK IN REVERSE ANDIT WAS OKAY, CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER CALLED ME BACK, STATED JEEP WOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS WHERE WE STAND NOW. *AKY

  5. Power train, Mar 19, 2002

    BACKED OUT OF PARKING PLACE, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE, SHUT VEHICLE OFF STARTED ,PUT BACK INTO DRIVE AND IT WAS OKAY. VEHICLE WAS REPORTED BEFORE TO YOUR OFFICE LAST MONTH WITH TRANSMISSIION PROBLEMS. THIS TIME CONTACTED MANUFACTURER . DEALER HAD IT FIVE DAYS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, HE STATED. *AK

  6. Power train, Feb 21, 2002

    STARTED PLACED IN DRIVE GAVE GAS AND IT WENT IN REVERSE, PLACED IN PARK, BACK TO DRIVE AND AGAIN IT WENT BACKWARDS, PLACED IN PARK, BACK TO LOW AND IT WENT AHEAD. THEN PLACED INTO DRIVE AND IT WAS OKAY. REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER AND DEALER, CHECKED SAME AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT.*AK

  7. Power train, Feb 15, 2002

    I PLACED A BRAND NEW 2002 GRAND CHEROKEE IN PARK ONLY TO DISCOVER IT HAD EITHER SLIPPED INTO REVERSE OR I DIDN'T CLEARLY HAVE IT IN PARK. I INFORMED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH NEW JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. IT CLEARLY IS STILL A PROBLEM. NO QUESTION IN MY MIND. *AK

  8. Power train, Nov 10, 2001, crash

    VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY IN FRONT OF HOUSE. IGNITION WAS OFF. NOBODY WAS IN CAR AT TIME OF INCIDENT. TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM 'PARK' TO 'REVERSE' AND VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD IN DRIVEWAY, JUMPED CURB AND RETAINING WALL, CROSSED STREET, ROLLED DOWN HILL, HIT TREE, ROLLED THROUGH FENCE AND CONTINUED UNTIL IT REACHED BOTTOM OF HILL WHERE IT ROLLED TO A STOP.*AK