2002 Jeep Liberty Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,808 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Jeep Liberty, 5% of the 1,808 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Propeller shaft bearing was exposed causing grinding/rattling noise and possible failure. While driving I heard a loud click and rattling noise. I took the car to the mechanic and he said that he could see the bearing exposed for the propeller shaft and that it needed replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10319683, filed 2010-03, 151,000 miles“The 2002 Jeep Liberty we bought for my wife back in 2010 from we thought was a very good honest car dealer will not name this person, but I ended up placing a brand new water pump within days of buying, then a new radio part from the dealer not cheap either, then the hood supports one was bad and the hood fell on my head so I bought 2 more not cheap all the oem- parts, not long after that had new SUV tires the type it used, had to buy the book that goes with the Jeep from dealer almost $100 just for the book. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704588, filed 2015-04, 191,000 miles“First of all, I only have 39,100 miles on my Jeep Liberty. Having said that, on the date listed below it was found that my Jeep had a faulty valve spring in the 2nd cylinder. Cost me quite a bit of money to repair. How in the world does this happen to a brand new car with only a little over 39,000 miles on it? Sound like faulty parts to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10093382, filed 2004-09, 39,150 miles“Trans case on my 2002 Liberty went with 37,000 miles on car called manufacturer who stated that since car was driven under 10 miles a day it was considered severe driving and since auto tran fluid not changed at 30000 it was a normal thing if I drove 50 miles a day on highway it was considered normal and based on their schedule the fluid never has to be changed chrysler refused to listen said it was my problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10137451, filed 2005-09, 37,400 miles“I was driving on the interstate at 55 MPH in the right lane. I accelerated to pass the vehicle in front of me who was driving approximately 40 MPH. When I accelerated, there was an extremely loud band that came from my car. I moved into the right lane and pulled over, off the road and stopped the car. The loud bang frightened and startled me for a moment and I could have lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Up until then, I had no problems. When I drove the car home, I drove slowly and carefully. The car kept stopping, as if someone turned the engine off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520661, filed 2013-06, 72,880 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 34 | 9% |
| 2011 | 10 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 30 | 6% |
| 2007 | 40 | 6% |
| 2006 | 76 | 6% |
| 2005 | 97 | 9% |
| 2004 | 52 | 5% |
| 2003 | 64 | 5% |
| 2002 | 84 | 5% |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
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 complaintsBrakes
83 complaintsSteering
78 complaintsEngine
74 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 31, 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