2002 Jeep Liberty Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,808 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Jeep Liberty, 4% of the 1,808 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Number 3 and 6 cylinders blew. Found broken rods and bearings in the oil pan. Bearings were twisted around the studs for the crank cover. Seems to be a common issue in this year 3.7l engine. This happened while driving in traffic on a city street and I can't imagine what I would have done if I had been driving on i95 when it occured.”
NHTSA complaint #10865038, filed 2016-05, 168,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11096922, filed 2018-05, 175,000 miles“Valve is either dropped or has broken randomly. I have been told that it is not worth fixing, because it would cost way too much money. Also I have done research and found that is a very common problem with the 2002 Jeep Liberty. I want to know why Jeep has yet to address this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10605679, filed 2014-06, 179,000 miles“On july 23, 2015, while driving on the interstate highway, at approximately 55 miles/hour, the odometer, speedometer and cruise control simultaneously stopped working for no apparently known reason. When arriving at my destination in another state, (approx. 60 miles), I researched the internet for potential problems. A number of other 2002 Jeep Liberty owners had experienced similar problems. Additionally, several owners had experienced engine stalling when braking at a stoplight or intersection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10747764, filed 2015-08, 103,498 miles“I was pulling out of my driveway and the car just shut completely off and I was stuck in the middle of the road. About 10 mins later, it started back up again and drove normally. This is not safe at all and if I was driving on the road, I could have died. I'm scared to drive this car now and I can't afford to go to a mechanic and pay thousands of dollars. From looking online, this is a recurring problem with this car. There should be a recall on this issue. Someone can really lose their life over this.”
NHTSA complaint #10726249, filed 2015-06, 90,380 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 44 | 11% |
| 2011 | 22 | 12% |
| 2010 | 20 | 10% |
| 2009 | 7 | 6% |
| 2008 | 31 | 6% |
| 2007 | 16 | 2% |
| 2006 | 30 | 2% |
| 2005 | 30 | 3% |
| 2004 | 32 | 3% |
| 2003 | 25 | 2% |
| 2002 | 74 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Jeep Liberty
546 complaintsSuspension
494 complaintsFuel system
173 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsSeat belts
110 complaintsBody and structure
108 complaintsEngine cooling
85 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
84 complaintsBrakes
83 complaintsSteering
78 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsExterior lighting
50 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Jeep Liberty
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology