2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 17, 2026 · 1,476 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Cherokee years
More complaints than other years 6th of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1,476 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That ranks 6th out of 32 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (486 complaints, 33%), typically at around 124,750 miles. Complaints mention 75 crashes, 20 fires, 97 injuries. There are 10 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 7 defect investigations involving it.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags486 · ~124,750 mi
Visibility323 · ~69,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic153 · ~19,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling146 · ~68,390 mi
Seats91 · ~98,411 mi
Electrical System85 · ~102,600 mi
Power Train58 · ~58,000 mi
Steering41 · ~58,500 mi
Vehicle Speed Control38 · ~105,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline35 · ~71,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags problems48633%124,750“air bag” (33%)$700
Visibility problems32322%69,000“passenger side” (34%)$1,650
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems15310%19,000“brake rotors” (16%)—
Engine and Engine Cooling problems14610%68,390“cooling fan” (32%)$1,700
Seats problems916%98,411“heated seat” (23%)$500
Electrical System problems856%102,600——
Power Train problems584%58,000“park reverse” (9%)—
Steering413%58,500——
Vehicle Speed Control383%105,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline352%71,000——
Unknown or Other332%80,000——
Engine262%157,750——
Equipment262%58,500——
Seat Belts242%113,000——
Fuel/propulsion System201%135,500——
Exterior Lighting191%68,000——
Suspension171%94,139——
Service Brakes141%163,000——
Structure131%84,776——
Wheels121%25,000——
Tires91%38,000——
Service Brakes, Air81%18,000——
Latches/locks/linkages50%46,000——
Parking Brake50%53,000——
Visibility/wiper50%117,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)20%146,330——
Fuel System, Other20%———
Interior Lighting20%64,951——
Child Seat10%———
Trailer Hitches10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2007, with 187 complaints
2001: 220012002: 712003: 7720032004: 752005: 8220052006: 1362007: 18720071872008: 1132009: 4320092010: 512011: 2820112012: 202013: 13120132014: 1262015: 17220152016: 1032017: 2120172018: 122019: 1320192020: 22021: 120212022: 22023: 520232024: 12025: 120252026: 1

n = 1,476 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (10)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontalJan 28, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V046000 · 752,644 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveNov 8, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V527000 · 744,822 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolerApr 9, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V117000 · 103,409 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fanJun 8, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V199000 · 189,479 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan may separate and penetrate the shroud.

Risk: If this occurs while the hood is open, a person in the vicinity of the engine could be struck by the blade and injured.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectorsApr 8, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V104000 · 1,115,322 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.

Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:frontalMar 26, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V099000 · 27 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger air bag wiring harness was improperly manufactured.

Risk: This could cause improper air bag deployment in certain crash conditions.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 31, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V032000 · 71,677 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:deliveryDec 5, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V374000 · 50,200 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission controlNov 13, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V348000 · 38,700 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dashSep 10, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V288000 · 43,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment (RQ14001) — opened May 29, 2014, closed Nov 13, 2015, led to recall 15V043000.
  • Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires (EA12005) — opened Jun 12, 2012, closed Nov 14, 2014, led to recall 13V252000.
  • Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires (PE10031) — opened Aug 23, 2010, closed Jun 14, 2012.
  • Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires (DP09005) — opened Nov 6, 2009, closed Aug 23, 2010.
  • Fan blade failure (engine cooling fan) (EA05020) — opened Nov 14, 2005, closed Sep 12, 2006, led to recall 06V199000.
  • Engine cooling fan blade failure (PE05039) — opened Jul 13, 2005, closed Nov 14, 2005, led to recall 06V199000.
  • Roll-away in reverse when parked (EA01017) — opened Nov 1, 2001, closed Dec 18, 2002, led to recall 02V053000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I just bought a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the VIN number listed above. I saw that there was a recall where the dealer had to put on trailer hitches on the vehicle as without it if rear ended the gas tank could explode. I understand this is a older vehicle but do they not service recalls anymore…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Apr 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11731752

I have been unable to get recall r06 completed. All the jeep dealers said that they are unable to get the needed parts. They are on a national recall list. This is a serious safety issue and needs to be addressed asap. They state that the orc module and other items needed to complete the recall…

Air Bags · received Aug 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11679986

I currently own 3 of the same vehicles myself, my husband and my son. Each of the vehicles have been experiencing electrical issues. I have taken all of the vehicles at some point back to the mechanic for repairs for this issue. It was only a temporary fix. Here are examples of some of the…

Electrical System · received May 21, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11589954

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…

Air Bags · received Oct 2, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11547797

Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an…

Electrical System · received Jun 23, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11528596

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

← 2001 Grand Cherokee · 2003 Grand Cherokee →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners most often report air bags, visibility, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 486 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes, 10 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Cherokee model years, the 2002 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.