2002 Jeep Liberty

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,808 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 14 times.

Avoid One of the Jeep Liberty years to avoid: 2.6× the complaints of a typical Liberty year. Which Jeep Liberty years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,002 milesMedian miles at failure

1,045 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Jeep Liberty problems

515 of the 1,808 complaints (28%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags460
49270
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint275
21023
Suspension65
504
Engine60
020
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system57
010
Electrical System53
052
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system52
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags47
41138
Suspension › Front41
205
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly39
101

2002 Jeep Liberty airbags problems

28% of all complaints

515 of the 1,808 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light32% · 165
  • sets off warning lights on the dash22% · 115
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash13% · 65
  • set off an airbag for no reason3% · 18

Share of the 515 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
118,000 mi
median of 241 reports
Peak year of filing
2013
135 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
96 · 3 · 112
in these complaints
“A couple years ago I had the airbag light come on when you come to find out there was a recall on my jeep. I had it took to the dealership, they supposedly fixed it now my airbag light is back on.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 17, 2025
“My vehicle shows zero recalls so it had the airbag replacement but the airbag light now comes on which I think indicates that the new airbag has malfunctioned. It seems they still used another inferior airbag product or maybe didn't actually replace the old one. The airbag warning light comes on when the car is cranked and stays on.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 27, 2020 at 104,132 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 12 complaints, 3 about the airbags'012002: 85 complaints, 17 about the airbags2003: 111 complaints, 22 about the airbags2004: 97 complaints, 7 about the airbags2005: 76 complaints, 10 about the airbags'052006: 223 complaints, 5 about the airbags2007: 119 complaints, 2 about the airbags2008: 64 complaints, 3 about the airbags2009: 49 complaints, 1 about the airbags'092010: 80 complaints, 4 about the airbags2011: 57 complaints, 2 about the airbags2012: 84 complaints, 42 about the airbags2013: 196 complaints, 135 about the airbags'132014: 182 complaints, 40 about the airbags2015: 198 complaints, 116 about the airbags2016: 106 complaints, 79 about the airbags2017: 28 complaints, 13 about the airbags'172018: 9 complaints, 4 about the airbags2019: 12 complaints, 4 about the airbags2020: 9 complaints, 5 about the airbags2021: 4 complaints, 0 about the airbags'212022: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2024: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2025: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbags'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 01V311000 (unknown or other)Recall 01V373000 (airbags)Recall 03V460000 (suspension)Recall 06E022000 (brakes)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09V119000 (suspension)Recall 12E047000 (suspension)Recall 12V527000 (airbags)Recall 13V252000 (body and frame)Recall 15V046000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation RQ14001NHTSA investigation PE11035NHTSA investigation PE11013NHTSA investigation EA08008NHTSA investigation PE07062NHTSA investigation EA05022NHTSA investigation PE05046
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Liberty peaked in 2006, with 223 filed that year. Owners had filed 1 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 01V373000 in December 2001; 514 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal15V046000
Filed Jan 28, 2015752,644 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Structure13V252000
Filed Jun 19, 20131,560,000 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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).

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive12V527000
Filed Nov 8, 2012744,822 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Hub12E047000
Filed Oct 22, 2012892 vehiclesTimken Corporation

Defect. Timken is recalling certain non-formed, front wheel hubs, part number HA599467, which were sold to retail and automotive distributors in the automobile aftermarket as front wheel hub replacements designed only for use on certain 2002 through 2005, 4X4, non-ABS, Jeep Liberty vehicles. These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4X2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.

Risk. If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep Liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Timken has notified retail stores that have received the subject parts. The front wheel hubs will be replaced free of charge. Owners who may have purchased the affected units should contact Timken at 1-330-471-3693 for more information. This recall is being conducted by Timken, not Chrysler/Jeep.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm09V119000
Filed Apr 9, 200943,489 vehiclesChrysler LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint06V288000
Filed Aug 3, 2006826,687 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT 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.

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

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint03V460000
Filed Nov 10, 2003336,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal01V373000
Filed Dec 5, 2001102,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Unknown or Other01V311000
Filed Oct 4, 200172,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE BLOCKER TRIM PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN DISENGAGE, FALL, AND STARTLE THE OPERATOR.

Risk. 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.

All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 10 name the 2002 Liberty.

Jeep inadvertent air bag deploymentRecall query RQ14001Closed
Opened May 29, 2014Closed Nov 13, 2015Led to recall 15V043000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of inadvertent air bag deployments (IABD) occurring after the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 12V-527 had been installed on recalled model year (MY ) 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty and MY 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).The recall was in response to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) investigation EA12-001 during which data provided by FCA indicate that the air bag circuitry inside the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module can degrade. ORC …

Crash Related Fuel Tank FiresEngineering analysis EA12005Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2012Closed Nov 14, 2014Led to recall 13V252000fuel system

ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact …

Inadvertent Air Bag DeploymentEngineering analysis EA12001Closed
Opened Jan 23, 2012Closed Feb 21, 2013Led to recall 12V527000airbags

The investigation was opened based on reports of frontal air bag inadvertent deployments (ABIDs) on model year (MY) 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles.Data provided by Chrysler indicate that the air bag squib filter circuitry inside the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module can degrade and result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.As of Oct. 04, 2012, ODI is aware of 131 frontal ABIDs on the Jeep Liberty vehicles resulting in 62 injuries consisting of burns, cuts and bruises to the upper body region.There were no …

Inadvertent Air Bag DeploymentPreliminary evaluation PE11035Closed
Opened Sep 23, 2011Closed Jan 30, 2012airbags

Based on analysis of Chrysler's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has identified 87 reports of air bag inadvertent deployment incidents resulting in 50 alleged injuries.The injuries consists of burn/cuts and bruises to the upper body region.Forty-two (42) of the 87 incidents involved the driver frontal air bag, and the remaining 45 incidents involved both the driver and passenger frontal air bags inadvertently deploying without a crash.These incidents occurred both at vehicle startup or while the vehicle is being operated on the roadway.Some owners noted that the air bag …

Rear Suspension Control Arm FailurePreliminary evaluation PE11013Closed
Opened Apr 18, 2011Closed Sep 15, 2011suspension

During Preliminary Evaluation (PE11-013), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) conducted an analysis of consumer field data from its Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database and from complaint data submitted to ODI by Chrysler. ODI's analysis of VOQ data identified 13 complaints alleging failure of either the right or left rear lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.All of these complaints were associated with vehicles originally sold or registered in a salt belt state (for the purposes of this investigation, 'salt belt' includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, …

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA08008Closed
Opened Apr 15, 2008Closed Apr 16, 2009Led to recall 09V119000suspension

On april 7, 2009, chrysler llc submitted to odi a defect information report indicating that it would recall approximately 42,469 model year 2002 through 2003 jeep liberty vehicles to remedy a defect that can result in upper ball joint separation while driving (09v-119).the affected vehicles were built from may 2002 through september 2002 and originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, kentucky, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode …

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE07062Closed
Opened Dec 17, 2007Closed Apr 18, 2008suspension

Odi has received 22 complaints of upper ball joint separation on model year 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty 4x4 vehicles.the separation of an upper ball joint on either of the front wheels can result in the affected front wheel collapsing, possibly resulting in vehicle disablement and causing a loss of vehicle control.there is one complaint of a failure at 75 MPH, 1 failure at 60 MPH, 3 failures at 40 MPH, 2 failures at 25 MPH, 7 failures occurring while the driver was pulling into the flow of traffic and 2 failures that occurred when the driver was attempting to make a left turn across the flow …

FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA06008Closed
Opened May 31, 2006Closed Aug 24, 2006Led to recall 06V288000suspension

On january 6, 2006, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged front suspension lower ball joint separationin certain model year (my) 2004 jeep liberty vehicles.odi sent a letter to the manufacturer on february 7, 2006 requesting information about these and other jeep liberty vehicles.consequently, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on may 31, 2006 and the range of subject vehicles under investigation was expanded to include all my 2002-2006 jeep liberty vehicles.odi is aware of 566 non-duplicative complaints …

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONEngineering analysis EA05022Closed
Opened Dec 27, 2005Closed Dec 21, 2006seat belts

The office of defects investigation (odi) has closed the investigation of front seat belt buckles in model year 2002 jeep liberty vehicles.on august 26, 2006, odi opened preliminary evaluation (pe)05-046 to investigate complaint reports that alleged problems with latching and unlatching the front seat belt buckle.several of the complaints reported that something was broken inside of the buckle.the investigation found that some buckles may experience failure and separation of one, or both, of the internal latch guide leaf springs.lack of leaf spring function does not appear to inhibit buckle …

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONPreliminary evaluation PE05046Closed
Opened Aug 26, 2005Closed Dec 27, 2005seat belts

This investigation of front seat belt buckles in the subject vehicles was opened on august 26, 2005.the basis for opening was seven odi reports alleging the driver's seat belt buckle failed to function properly.the complainants alleged the buckles would not latch or were difficult to latch or unlatch.some of the complainants alleged something was broken inside of the buckle and others alleged that the button was stuck down and had to be pried up in order to latch the buckle.this investigation has been upgraded to ea05-022

Technical service bulletins

94 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Liberty. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 17equipment 14engine 13electrical system 9transmission 8visibility 7trailer hitch 5wheels 4
M3511082012Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 8, 2013airbags

Advanced Field Action Communication ? M3511082012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2002 and 2003 model year (KJ) Jeep Liberty vehicles built through March 28, 2003 and 2002 through 2004 model year (WJ) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles built through May 23, 2003. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag, side curtain airbag, …

0800107Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 7, 2007airbags

PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION. *KB

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2002 Jeep Liberty 4-DR.———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jul 5, 2026KS

The lower ball joint on passenger side failed. Didn't notice any symptoms prior to it breaking. I understand that it was apparently under recall. It was repaired around the recall date but it failed again and is considered recurring failure.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 2025NC

A couple years ago I had the airbag light come on when you come to find out there was a recall on my jeep. I had it took to the dealership, they supposedly fixed it now my airbag light is back on.

Suspension
Filed Sep 26, 2024CA

At approximately 6:30 am 9/25/2024, I was transporting a friend to her home in a neighboring city. After ten minutes of travel, I exited a four lane bridge. As I slowed and set up for traffic negotiations, We heard a bang, like maybe tire blowout, I initiated a full stop to safety, disembarked vehicle to find that; THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE! Thus, the tire was sliced the tire mount rim was deeply grooved. Had vehicle towed to my home. It is in the condition left by the towing company. So, I called my neighborhood dodge boys and wàs assured that "they were not obligated not interested in repairing this near calamity, for the "RECALLED LOWER BALL JOINT COMPONENTS WERE DEALT WITH IN 2006.. TOO MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED FOR THIS EVENT TO BE REPAIRED BY RECALL OR WARRANTY". OK THEN, HOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG OPEN RECALL AT THE STEERING WHEEL.. REPLY, NO. NOTHING MISSED OR ELIGIBLE. Well, that's it.. Thanks for the venting space. And seriously, thank you for what you do.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jul 13, 2024DE

I install an after market right side tail light assembly on my Jeep liberty, light is “plug and play” during check out I found the whole light assembly was improperly wired so I sent back to Amazon and ordered another from a different supplier when I received it, it was manufactured by the same company Eagle Eyes auto lamps. The safety issue that were experienced The tail light was on the bright element of the light bulb, the brake light was on the dim side of the same bulb The turn signal was the on the dim side of the bulb showing up not any brighter than a side marker light (very dim) Finally the reverse light was also wired on the dim side of the bulb and does not illuminate what’s behind the vehicle when backing up Both items have a Carparts.com inc label on them I called to talk to their technical department at 866-529-0412 to make them aware of the of the problem, however the customer service representative would not put my call through to the technical team. Both tail light I received acted the same and would have made my jeep dangerous to be on the road, my old tail light works properly just has a cosmetic crack and will be replaced with oem part already ordered

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 8, 2024MS

Well my 2002 jeep liberty has been messed up lately,it will just not crank so I thought it was the battery but it turned out to be the ignition switch also it did this off an on for about 6months ,the heat went out when I bought it and it will act as if it is overheating but it won't do anything for while then all of my windows have problems with the motor s in them the suspension, control arms I've had to change ,and the cruise control button will stick and keep going while you are driving it almost caused me to wreck on the interstate you have to turn the vehicle completely off once you get it to stop if you can get it to stop. out of all the vehicles I've had this is the first to take off by itself

SuspensionCrash
Filed Jun 23, 2023MO

Ball joints are coming apart and leaving me stranded on several occasions leading to costly repairs.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 2022GA

Can’t go over 60 miles n the brake shake The gas pedal seem to be look at I purchase it 4 $3000 at a car lot last month

Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2021VA

Manufacturing defect on EVAP canister, the nipple for the EVAP hose is too large for hose diameter, 3/8" hose cracks after a couple years when the rubber is not new, causing emissions test failure. Hose replaced several times.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 2021118 milesTX

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated upon exiting the vehicle, the lights on the unlock and lock button remained illuminated, causing the battery to drain. The contact stated that the vehicle constantly had to be jump-started due to the failure. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118.

Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2021UT

MY VEHICLE IS A 6 YR OLD LOW MILEAGE CHEVY EQUINOX THE STABILITRAK LIGHT CAME UP AS WELL AS THE SERVICE POWER STREERING. IT HAS ALSO LOST POWER IN THE HIGHWAY AND STALLS OR WON'T ACCELERATE AT TIMES WHICH MAKES IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE I COULD GET HIT BY SOMEONE IN THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE REPLACED O THEN SENSOR WHICH COST ME $400 BUT NOT FIXED I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED SOME FUSES AND SENSORS ANOTHER $500 STILL NOT FIXED. THE CAR IS NOW BACH AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS BEEN A FEW DAYS. THIS SEEMS TO BE. VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE EQUINOX AS I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW PEOPLE WHO OWN ONE AND THEY JUST ENDED UP TRADING THEIR CAR. I DON'T WANT ANOTHER CAR PAYMENT AND FOR A 6 YEAR OLD CAR WITH LOW MILEAGE THIS IS NOT NORMAL

Power Train
Filed Jan 27, 2021SC

VEHICLE HAS 70,000 ORIGINAL OWNER MILES. PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK BUT THE LINKAGE HAD FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STAYED IN D AND STARTED TO ROLL OFF. THE LINKAGE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED, THE PART IS: MANUAL CONTROL LEVER - MOPAR 52104177. IT HAS BEEN REVISED TWICE SINCE THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE. THE GRADE WAS VERY SLIGHT AND MY WIFE WAS STILL IN THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL BUT COULD NOT FIND ONE. THE SAME PART IS USED ON MANY JEEP, DODGE, CHRYSLER VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SOME MODELS. IT IS A GREAT SAFETY HAZARD AS THE SHIFT LIVER IS IN PARK BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT. I HAVE MADE A PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT PART BUT THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER A NEW ONE WHICH IS NOW: MANUAL CONTROL LEVER - MOPAR (52104177AC) AFTER HAVING BEEN REVISED TWICE.

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 2020145,600 milesIN

THE CAR CHUGG IN AND OUT GOIN DOWN THE ROAD IF FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS GOIN TO FALL OUT OF IT THE IT DIES THE STEERING SO SO BAD IT FEELS LIKE A TIRE IS GOIN TO FALL OF AT ANY MOMENT THE VALVE COHERE GASKET NEEDS REPLACED THE BRAKES ARE NON EXISTING I ALMOST CRASHED INTO SOME E HEAD ON AFTER IT DIED ON ME WHILE I WAS GOIN 50 MPH DOWN THE [XXX] I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 WEEK HOBART AUTO SALES HAVE IT TO ME IN REPLACE OF A VEHICLE THEY HAD SOLD ME THAT DIDN'T HAVE A TITLE TO IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 202091,000 milesPA

I HAVE A SAFETY RECALL THAT CANNOT BE FIXED ACCORDING TO TUNKHANNOCK AUTO MART AND SCRANTON DODGE. I'M EXPERIENCING ALL KIND OF MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO THE SENSOR BEING BAD I HAVE NO POWER, MY SHIFTING, FUEL ECONOMY ,HARD STARTS,EVERYTHING. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I NEED A VEHICLE UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 2020104,132 milesNC

MY VEHICLE SHOWS ZERO RECALLS SO IT HAD THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT NOW COMES ON WHICH I THINK INDICATES THAT THE NEW AIRBAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED. IT SEEMS THEY STILL USED ANOTHER INFERIOR AIRBAG PRODUCT OR MAYBE DIDN'T ACTUALLY REPLACE THE OLD ONE. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS CRANKED AND STAYS ON. THIS STARTED HAPPENING A FEW YEARS AGO SHORTLY AFTER THE AIRBAG "REPAIR" WAS MADE BY A DEALERSHIP AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WILL SOMETIMES BE OFF AND SOMETIMES BE ON. I DON'T RECALL THE EXACT DATE THE REPAIR WAS MADE BUT , IT SEEMS IT WAS IMPROPERLY REPAIRED.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 21, 2020200,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS THEN DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE ENGINE REMAINED REVVED UP. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED AFTER RESTARTED WITHOUT FURTHER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2020217,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FRACTURED CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE IMPALING THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO A GAS STATION WHERE A TOW TRUCK RESPONDED AND PICKED UP AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE WHERE THE VEHICLE REMAINED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V119000 (SUSPENSION) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 217,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2020139,129 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHETHER THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PASSENGER'S OR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,129.

Suspension
Filed Jun 9, 2020150,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PRESTIGE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE LOCATED AT 6520 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89149, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V1190000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 3, 2020184,000 milesAZ

AFTER A TIRE FAILURE AT 45MPH ON A PARKWAY VEHICLE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED 1 COMPLETE TIME. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 202075,000 milesFL

THE HORN MEMBRANE HAS FAILED AND IT WILL REQUIRE THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG TO BE REPLACED OR I AM STUCK WITH NO HORN. THE HORN SHOULD NOT BE TIED TO THE AIRBAG. THEY WANT 1,500 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG WITH THE HORN. TO DATE I AM WITHOUT A HORN. STILL NO WORKING HORN WHICH IS AN ALERTING DEVICE TO OTHER MOTORISTS

Suspension
Filed Dec 3, 2019WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD WORN OUT DUE TO A CORRODED BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V119000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 2019175,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE ACCELERATING AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT'S NIECE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S NIECE SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS AND CUTS TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOT. BECAUSE A CRASH DID NOT OCCUR, THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT FILE A CLAIM OR CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 15, 20193 milesNY

RECALL # 09V119000 RECALL DATE 04/09/2009 SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM AND RECALL # 06V288000 RECALL DATE 08/03/06 SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT. VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS DRIVING WITH SPEEDS OVER 15MPH. HEAVY VIBRATION AND UNEASY DRIVING. DEALER MADE A REPAIR ON ONE LOWER BALL JOINT TO SATISFY RECALL BUT THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALLS DO NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. THE RECALLS ARE YEAR AND MODEL SPECIFIC. IF THE VEHICLE RECALL AFFECTED ONE CONTROL ARM LOWER BALL JOINT IT SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO THE OTHER SIDE. BALL JOINTS SHOULD BE REPLACED IN SETS. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS ARE PART OF THESE RECALLS. THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANY DRIVER IF DEALERS CAN USE VIN NUMBER TO DISCLAIM NECESSARY RECALLS ON VEHICLES.

Suspension
Filed Sep 2, 2019197,465 milesSC

2002 JEEP LIBERTY...FEELS LIKE AND SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE FRONT END IS FALLING APART..AND THEN I WENT TO THE POST OFFICE AND AS I TURNED IN THE PARKING LOT THE JEEP MADE THE WORST NOISE..PEOPLE STARTED LOOKING..IT WAS REALLY BAD WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL..MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID THE BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE CHANGED..AND I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING ....I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON BALL JOINTS AND SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING.ALSO MY BROTHER N LAW FOUND A PART LAYING LOOSE IN DOWN IN THE MOTOR..I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN AND I STILL WORK..AND I NEED MY JEEP CHECKED..I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT...PLS LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO...THANKS..

Suspension
Filed Jul 7, 2019141,000 milesFL

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AT 140,100 MILES ALL POWER WINDOWS FAILED OVER LAST 5 YEARS HOOD LID HYDRAULICS FAILED @99,000MILES TAILGATING WINDOW HYDRAULICS FAILED@ 105,000MILES AIR COND. FAN FAILED @ 141,000 MILES TAILGATE WINDOW RUBBER GASKET FAILED @125,000MILES

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 2019AK

I SEE THERE ARE TWO RECALLS IN MY VEHICLE - ONE FOR THE AIR BAGS AND SECOND FOR THE FUEL TANK HAVING POSSIBLE LEAKAGE. I LIVE ON AN ISLAND AND THE CLOSEST DEALER/REPAIR SHOP THAT COULD DO WORK IS IN ANOTHER TOWN THAT WOULD TAKE A WEEK LONG TRIP TO GET THERE BY BOAT, ETC. ANY SUGGESTIONS

Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2019126,445 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED A FEW SECONDS LATER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,445.

Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2019128,000 milesRI

MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 3. REPLACED COILS, PLUGS, AND COMPUTER. STILL THROWING THE CODE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 18, 2019179,043 milesPA

"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS HIT IN A HEAD ON COLLISION BY A DRUNK DRIVER AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY KNEES WERE ALSO INJURED AND I WAS INFORMED THERE IS ALSO A RECALL ON MY JEEP FOR A KNEE PLATE. SEE ATTACHEMENTS. *DSY

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2019111,800 milesMD

REAR POWER WINDOW MADE CRACKING GRINDING NOISE AND WINDOW FAILED TO RAISE OR LOWER

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 16, 201975,000 milesMD

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILS TO LATCH

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 3, 2019200,000 milesFL

HEADLIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT THEMSELVES OFF AND THEN TURN BACK ON APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 SECONDS LATER. I HAVE TRIED SWITCHING THE LIGHTS COMPLETELY OFF AND BACK ON TO SEE IF THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN WORKING BUT THEY DID NOT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB AND THIS SITE AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION OR RECALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS NO WAY TO IMMEDIATELY CORRECT THE ISSUE WHILE DRIVING OR PREDICT WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE LIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON AND STAY ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN SHUT BACK OFF AGAIN. SOMETIMES THEY WILL FLASH FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS AND THEN SHUT OFF WHICH MAKES IT DANGEROUS FOR THE CARS THAT ARE DRIVING TOWARDS ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SO FAR AND AT THIS POINT I AM SCARED TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 23, 2018223,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT LOCK INTO THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 201853,000 milesNY

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 2018175,000 milesMS

I WENT TO THE STORE AND PICKED UP CHIPS AND DRINKS AND KEEP RUNNING FINE. GOT BACK IN IT AND TOOK ME SEVERAL TRIES TO CRANK. KEPT GOING DEAD ON THE MILE DRIVE HOME. HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED BUT MECHANIC REPLACED COMPUTER SPARK PLUGS FUEL PUMP AND INJECTION SYSTEM. STILL WOULDN'T CRANK WELL. HAD NEW COMPUTER PROGRAMMED. NOTHING. TILL SAYS 3 CYLINDERS ARE NOT WORKING AND I NEED A NEW MOTOR.

Power Train
Filed May 13, 2018MI

ON JANUARY 2, 2018, I SUBMITTED A REPORT DETAILING THE DEFECTS FOR AN EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM TO THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN. THAT REPORT ALSO DETAILED SAFETY DEFECTS. THAT WAS FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY WHAT IS NOW FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES. CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE SYSTEM ALLEGEDLY BEING PUT INTO PRODUCTION WERE ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE AFOREMENTIONED OFFICE. HAVE THEY CONTACTED YOUR OFFICE? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM AND THUS DO NOT KNOW IF ANY ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN. I AM THE ENGINEER WHO DID THE ANALYSIS ON THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM AND PREPARED THE REPORT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2018132,000 milesLA

I AM FILING THIS TO GET SOME SORT OF HELP AND DIRECTION TO TAKE CARE OF THESE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE NHTSA NUMBER 13V-252.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 26, 2018ID

WHEN THE THERMOSTAT GETS TO THE MIDDLE INDICATOR WHICH IS IN THE NORMAL ZONE WHEN YOU STOP THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN UNTIL IT COOLS

Air Bags
Filed Apr 13, 2018144,890 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY WHEN MY UPPER AND LOWER ARMS AND BALL JOINTS JUST SNAPPED IN HALF ALSO THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO ELECTRICAL WORKING THE HORN DOESN'T WORK SO THE AIR BAGS DON'T WORK AND THE COMPANY I GOT THE VEHICLE FROM DISABLED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SO I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT ELSE IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE THE COMPANIES NAME IS WHEELS OF SUCCESS THE OWNER IS [XXX] SHE REFUSES TO HELP ME I HAVE CALLED SENT EMAILS TEXT ETC NO RESPONSE I GOT THE VEHICLE FROM HER IN NOVEMBER 2016 I HAVEN'T HAD IT A YEAR AND I HAVE PAID FOR REPAIRS THAT SHOULD OF BEEN DONE BEFORE GETTING IT I HAVE PAID OUT MORE THAN THE COST OF VEHICLE THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2018135,000 milesTX

WE REPLACED THE ENGINE AT 135,000 MILES AND THE NEXT ENGINE IS DOING THE SAME THING AT LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. MECHANICS HAVE SAID THESE ENGINES WERE DEFECTIVE. LOSES VALVE AND DESTROYS PISTON. I HAVE PAID OVER $10,000 IN PARTS ALONE, NOT COUNTING LABOR. HELP!!

Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2018170,000 milesGA

NOTICED A SPLIT IN PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AFTER I BOUGHT USED CAR AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN DASH .

Suspension
Filed Dec 27, 2017131,000 milesNJ

HEAT IS NOT WORKING IT THROWS OUT COOL/COLD AIR. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY LIBERTY OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. IT IS A PAIN SINCE I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CAR IS SO COLD YOU CAN SEE EVERYONE'S BREATH. I'VE HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED AND HAD A FEW THINGS CHECKED AND STILL NO HEAT. OVER THE SUMMER I HAD THE A/C FIXED BECAUSE IT STARTED THROWING OUT HOT AIR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND I'M SURPRISED IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS IN NEW JERSEY. CAR IS MOSTLY DRIVEN ON CITY STREETS AND OCASIONAL HIGHWAY. MY JEEP WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALLS, BUT LOOKING FOR RECALLS TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING FOR THE HEAT I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CONTROL ATMS/BUSHINGS. I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS RECALL AND NOTHING WAS DONE AT THE DEALER. LAST MONTH DRIVING ONE OF MY BUSHINGS BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I LOST A WHEEL.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 201799,000 milesCT

THIS PAST MAY, MY AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND STAYING ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL JEEP DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED A FAULTY IMPACT SENSOR, LEFT SIDE AND REPLACED IT AT A COST TO ME OF $297.10. TODAY, SIX MONTHS EXACTLY AFTER THAT VISIT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I AM BRINGING IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT TOMORROW.

Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2017190,000 milesME

ALTERNATOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT AN INTERSECTION WHILE DRIVING IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ALTERNATOR REPLACED.

Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2017140,000 milesIL

MY HUSBAND AND I DROVE MY 2002 JEEP LIBERTY TO DINNER AND WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, THE CAR STARTED BLOWING HEAVY SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. THEN IT COMPLETELY DIED, STOPPED! NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO CHECK OIL LIGHT AND NO WARNING WHATSOEVER! I NOW HAVE THIS VEHICLE SITTING IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO COST US APPROXIMATELY $5000.00 TO FIX. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, THIS ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE JUST STOPPING, HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT OWN THIS SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANYONE THAT FEELS IT'S WORTH FIXING. ALL INTERNET REVIEWS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT IF REPLACED, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. WHY ISN'T CHRYSLER MADE ACCOUNTABLE?? THEY KNOW THEY GOT AWAY WITH SELLING A LEMON! THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, IF SOMEONE IS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPS AS MINE DID! CHRYSLER SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL THE ENGINE OR GIVE BACK SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION TO EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD THIS ISSUE. CAN'T BELIEVE, THAT AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS, THE GOVERNMENT OR BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, HAVE NOT GOTTEN INVOLVED IN FORCING A RECALL FOR THIS 3.7 ENGINE.

Engine
Filed Oct 31, 2017187,000 milesGA

MOTOR WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING......REPLACED. AFTER 7K MILES.....MOTOR WENT OUT AGAIN. THE WARRANTY COMPANY FOR THE MOTOR ACTS AS IF THEY DID NOT KNOW THE MOTORS CONSTANTLY GO OUT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2017106,000 milesGA

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. I HAD THE R06/NHTSA 15V-046 RECALL FOR THE ORC COMPLETED ON 9/14/17 AND THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON.

Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2017144,000 milesCA

THE LOWER BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL CAUSING THE BOTTOM OF THE BALL JOINT TO LAND ON THE RIM. THUS CUTTING THE RIM ALL THE WAY AROUND IT OFF AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE. THUS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TO A STOP AT 50 MILES AN HOUR WITH A SKID MARK. THUS HAVING TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK TO PICK IT UP. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A OFF RAMP OF A FREEWAY TO A ON RAMP OVER PASS OF ANOTHER FREEWAY.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 22, 2017136,000 milesVI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS) AT WOODSTOCK GARAGE 601 N MAIN ST, WOODSTOCK, VA 22664 BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED ILLUMINATING AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS REPLACED AND NOT THE FRONT SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO WOODSTOCK GARAGE FOR AN AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARLOW MOTOR COMPANY LOCATED AT 707 N COMMERCE AVE, FRONT ROYAL, VA 22630 (540) 635-4158 WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE AS THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY SERVICED UNDER A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2017CA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON AND OFF ON A REGULAR BASES AFTER STSRTING THE CAR

Complaints 1-50 of 1,808, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20123852140Above average
2011181320Routine
2010197240Routine
2009108120Routine
2008541540Above average
20077037120Above average
20061,37210191Fatalities reported
20051,1188275Fatalities reported
20041,10113392Fatalities reported
20031,35213113Fatalities reported
2002 — this page1,80814214Fatalities reported
200110001Fatalities reported
20006000Routine

Compare every Liberty year →

2002 Jeep Liberty: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Jeep Liberty a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Liberty years to avoid: owners filed 1,808 complaints, 2.6 times as many as a typical Liberty year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (28%).

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

The airbags: 515 of the 1,808 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (32%), sets off warning lights on the dash (22%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (13%). The typical report comes at 118,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Liberty have?

14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 28, 2015. The largest, 13V252000, covered 1,560,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Jeep Liberty problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 82,002 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 118,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Jeep Liberty?

Yes, 10 times. The latest, RQ14001 ("Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment"), was opened May 29, 2014 and closed Nov 13, 2015.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Jeep Liberty?

The manufacturer filed 94 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (17), the engine (13) and the electrical system (9). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 28, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.