2002 Jeep Liberty Problems and Recalls (1,776 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2002 Jeep Liberty is Airbags (26% of 1,776 owner reports). There are 14 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Airbags — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,776 complaints · 14 recalls

What problems show up on the 2002 Jeep Liberty?

469 of 1,776 filings named Airbags (26% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Suspension (446 reports).

There are 14 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Airbags, Suspension, and Fuel system. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.

What to check before you buy a 2002 Jeep Liberty

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 14 campaigns on file below.
  2. Airbags. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed.
  3. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Airbags. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Airbags 469 complaints · 26.4% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 172
  • Fires 21
  • Injuries 181
  • Deaths 4
All Jeep Liberty years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Airbags (AIR BAGS) appears in 469 of 1,776 owner complaints (26.4%) in this vehicle snapshot. Airbags (AIR BAGS): 469 complaints, 26.4% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 92 crash reports 3 fire reports 469 · 26.4% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 446 complaints, 25.1% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 33 crash reports 1 fire reports 446 · 25.1% Engine (ENGINE): 128 complaints, 7.2% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 4 fire reports 128 · 7.2% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 101 complaints, 5.7% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 fire reports 101 · 5.7% Seat belts (SEAT BELTS): 99 complaints, 5.6% of reports Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 11 crash reports 99 · 5.6% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 76 complaints, 4.3% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 3 crash reports 76 · 4.3% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 74 complaints, 4.2% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 7 fire reports 74 · 4.2% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 63 complaints, 3.6% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 9 crash reports 2 fire reports 63 · 3.6% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 57 complaints, 3.2% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 7 crash reports 57 · 3.2% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 818 complaints, 46.1% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 100 crash reports 7 fire reports 818 · 46.1% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 469 26.4% 92 crashes · 3 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 446 25.1% 33 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 128 7.2% 0 crashes · 4 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 101 5.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 99 5.6% 11 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 76 4.3% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 74 4.2% 0 crashes · 7 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 63 3.6% 9 crashes · 2 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 57 3.2% 7 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 818 46.1% 100 crashes · 7 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jul 2001; the first recall shown was reported in Oct 2001. 2001-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2001-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2002-Q1: 26 owner reports 26 2002-Q2: 15 owner reports 15 2002-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2002-Q4: 19 owner reports 19 2003-Q1: 26 owner reports 26 2003-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2003-Q3: 32 owner reports 32 2003-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2004-Q1: 37 owner reports 37 2004-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2004-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2004-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2005-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2005-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2005-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2005-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2006-Q1: 16 owner reports 16 2006-Q2: 32 owner reports 32 2006-Q3: 51 owner reports 51 2006-Q4: 120 owner reports 120 2007-Q1: 51 owner reports 51 2007-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 2007-Q3: 31 owner reports 31 2007-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2008-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2008-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2008-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2008-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2009-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2009-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2009-Q3: 16 owner reports 16 2009-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2010-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2010-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2010-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2010-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2011-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2011-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2011-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2012-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2012-Q2: 18 owner reports 18 2012-Q3: 27 owner reports 27 2012-Q4: 21 owner reports 21 2013-Q1: 24 owner reports 24 2013-Q2: 61 owner reports 61 2013-Q3: 77 owner reports 77 2013-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 2014-Q1: 31 owner reports 31 2014-Q2: 50 owner reports 50 2014-Q3: 60 owner reports 60 2014-Q4: 40 owner reports 40 2015-Q1: 40 owner reports 40 2015-Q2: 38 owner reports 38 2015-Q3: 79 owner reports 79 2015-Q4: 41 owner reports 41 2016-Q1: 53 owner reports 53 2016-Q2: 21 owner reports 21 2016-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2016-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2017-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2017-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2017-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2017-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2018-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2018-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2019-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2020-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2020-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2021-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2021-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2026-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jul 2001 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 01V311000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V311000 Recall campaign 01V373000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V373000 Recall campaign 03V460000 ◆ Recall campaign 03V460000 Recall campaign 06E022000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E022000 Recall campaign 06E026000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E026000 Recall campaign 06E049000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E049000 Recall campaign 06E065000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E065000 Recall campaign 06V288000 ◆ Recall campaign 06V288000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09V119000 ◆ Recall campaign 09V119000 Recall campaign 12E047000 ◆ Recall campaign 12E047000 Recall campaign 12V527000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V527000 Recall campaign 13V252000 ◆ Recall campaign 13V252000 Recall campaign 15V046000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V046000 Investigation PE05046 ● Investigation PE05046 Investigation EA05022 ● Investigation EA05022 Investigation EA06008 ● Investigation EA06008 Investigation PE07062 ● Investigation PE07062 Investigation EA08008 ● Investigation EA08008 Investigation PE11013 ● Investigation PE11013 Investigation PE11035 ● Investigation PE11035 Investigation EA12001 ● Investigation EA12001 Investigation EA12005 ● Investigation EA12005 Investigation RQ14001 ● Investigation RQ14001
  • Campaign 01V373000 was reported 104 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 03V460000 was reported 801 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06V288000 was reported 1,798 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09V119000 was reported 2,778 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12E047000 was reported 4,070 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 13V252000 was reported 3,934 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V046000 was reported 4,906 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2001-Q3 Owner reports 7
2001-Q4 Owner reports 4
2002-Q1 Owner reports 26
2002-Q2 Owner reports 15
2002-Q3 Owner reports 23
2002-Q4 Owner reports 19
2003-Q1 Owner reports 26
2003-Q2 Owner reports 26
2003-Q3 Owner reports 32
2003-Q4 Owner reports 24
2004-Q1 Owner reports 37
2004-Q2 Owner reports 24
2004-Q3 Owner reports 17
2004-Q4 Owner reports 16
2005-Q1 Owner reports 18
2005-Q2 Owner reports 13
2005-Q3 Owner reports 20
2005-Q4 Owner reports 24
2006-Q1 Owner reports 16
2006-Q2 Owner reports 32
2006-Q3 Owner reports 51
2006-Q4 Owner reports 120
2007-Q1 Owner reports 51
2007-Q2 Owner reports 20
2007-Q3 Owner reports 31
2007-Q4 Owner reports 16
2008-Q1 Owner reports 9
2008-Q2 Owner reports 17
2008-Q3 Owner reports 20
2008-Q4 Owner reports 14
2009-Q1 Owner reports 8
2009-Q2 Owner reports 11
2009-Q3 Owner reports 16
2009-Q4 Owner reports 11
2010-Q1 Owner reports 20
2010-Q2 Owner reports 26
2010-Q3 Owner reports 20
2010-Q4 Owner reports 11
2011-Q1 Owner reports 11
2011-Q2 Owner reports 16
2011-Q3 Owner reports 14
2011-Q4 Owner reports 15
2012-Q1 Owner reports 17
2012-Q2 Owner reports 18
2012-Q3 Owner reports 27
2012-Q4 Owner reports 21
2013-Q1 Owner reports 24
2013-Q2 Owner reports 61
2013-Q3 Owner reports 77
2013-Q4 Owner reports 32
2014-Q1 Owner reports 31
2014-Q2 Owner reports 50
2014-Q3 Owner reports 60
2014-Q4 Owner reports 40
2015-Q1 Owner reports 40
2015-Q2 Owner reports 38
2015-Q3 Owner reports 79
2015-Q4 Owner reports 41
2016-Q1 Owner reports 53
2016-Q2 Owner reports 21
2016-Q3 Owner reports 17
2016-Q4 Owner reports 15
2017-Q1 Owner reports 10
2017-Q2 Owner reports 5
2017-Q3 Owner reports 7
2017-Q4 Owner reports 5
2018-Q1 Owner reports 2
2018-Q2 Owner reports 5
2018-Q3 Owner reports 2
2019-Q1 Owner reports 5
2019-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q3 Owner reports 2
2019-Q4 Owner reports 3
2020-Q1 Owner reports 2
2020-Q2 Owner reports 1
2020-Q3 Owner reports 3
2020-Q4 Owner reports 3
2021-Q1 Owner reports 2
2021-Q2 Owner reports 1
2021-Q4 Owner reports 1
2022-Q3 Owner reports 1
2023-Q2 Owner reports 1
2024-Q1 Owner reports 1
2024-Q3 Owner reports 1
2025-Q2 Owner reports 1
2026-Q3 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 01V311000
Recall campaign 1 01V373000
Recall campaign 1 03V460000
Recall campaign 1 06E022000
Recall campaign 1 06E026000
Recall campaign 1 06E049000
Recall campaign 1 06E065000
Recall campaign 1 06V288000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09V119000
Recall campaign 1 12E047000
Recall campaign 1 12V527000
Recall campaign 1 13V252000
Recall campaign 1 15V046000
Defect investigation 1 PE05046
Defect investigation 1 EA05022
Defect investigation 1 EA06008
Defect investigation 1 PE07062
Defect investigation 1 EA08008
Defect investigation 1 PE11013
Defect investigation 1 PE11035
Defect investigation 1 EA12001
Defect investigation 1 EA12005
Defect investigation 1 RQ14001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (14)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Airbags, Suspension, and Fuel system.

  1. Recall campaign 01V311000

    Safety recall 01V311000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 01V373000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 03V460000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 06E022000

    Safety recall 06E022000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 06E026000

    Safety recall 06E026000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 06E049000

    Safety recall 06E049000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 06E065000

    Safety recall 06E065000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 06V288000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 09V119000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 12E047000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 12V527000

    Safety recall 12V527000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 13V252000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    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).
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 15V046000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 1,776 complaints · page 1 of 72
2026-07-05Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11748340
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2025-04-17Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11655267
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2024-09-26Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11616701
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2024-02-08STEERING
NHTSA ODI 11570910
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2023-06-23Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11528453
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Ball joints are coming apart and leaving me stranded on several occasions leading to costly repairs.
2022-08-06Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11477969
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2021-11-05Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11439539
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-06-28Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11422678
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-03-13WHEELS
NHTSA ODI 11402726
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2021-01-27Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11390417
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2002 Jeep Liberty?

Owners named Airbags most often — 469 of 1,776 reports (26%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Jeep Liberty?

NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Airbags, Suspension, and Fuel system. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2002 Jeep Liberty?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources