2002 Jeep Wrangler Problems
- Complaints
- 108filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,499miles, 80 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 14 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about frame rust, which several describe as starting inside the frame rails and becoming visible only after the metal is already compromised. A second common theme is a violent front-end shake at highway speeds that owners link to worn steering and suspension parts. Transmission, airbag and brake concerns also appear in the sample, often at much lower mileage.
- Body and structure
Frame rust-through (rails and brackets)
- 27 complaints (25%)
- median 143,419 mi at 15.3 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2022
Complaints describe frame rails rusting from the inside out, with holes appearing near body mounts, the skid plate and transmission crossmember, and brackets losing the metal they attach to. Many owners say the vehicle was a daily driver that was never taken off road, and that rust was found during unrelated service such as an oil change, tire fitting or clutch work. Shops in several complaints declined to lift or work on the vehicle because of the frame condition, and owners report the dealer or manufacturer declined coverage. Typically reported on vehicles well past 60,000 miles, many in the 80,000 to 200,000 mile range, and often in states that use road salt.
What to check: Inspect the frame rails from below with a light and probe them with a screwdriver, especially around the body mounts, skid plate bolts and the rear frame curve. Ask whether the vehicle spent winters in a salt-using region.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I know the Jeep is a 2002, but this rusting, to be this bad, had to have started awhile ago. I went to have two new tires installed and was told by the shop that they could not jack or lift the vehicle due to the rust. This is part of the frame, god forbid if it would have failed. It is so rusted that I can put my finger through the frame in spots. I do not use the Jeep for off road activities nor park it in the ocean. I also wash the road salt off during the winter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11029924, filed 2017-09, 146,839 miles“Purchased a 2002 Jeep Wrangler sahara with 4 miles on it. All required maintenance has been done routinely. This vehicle has never been off road and was strictly a daily driver averaging 12k miles per year. I took the vehicle to the shop for an oil change and the mechanic brought me into the garage to show me the frame was almost completely rotted through near the front suspension. The frame where the cross bracket that holds the transmission in place has also rotted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598325, filed 2014-06, 138,244 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying; horn and airbag light
- 13 complaints (12%)
- median 29,165 mi at 2.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2014
Complaints describe collisions, including a rollover, in which the front airbags did not deploy, and owners say they were told the impact was not in the right spot. Others report the horn stopping and the airbag warning light coming on together, which dealers attributed to the clock spring, with the airbag control module also replaced in some cases. In these reports the repair was paid for by the owner. Reported from very low mileage up to about 95,000 miles, with the horn and warning-light cases often appearing after several years of use.
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the airbag light comes on and then goes out, test the horn, and ask whether the clock spring or airbag module has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“All in one minute both things happened while on the way to take my son to the er. My horn and then airbag light came on. Took to dealer and they said clock spring. They replaced at $300.00 then still not fixed. They then said its my airbag control module at a cost of $510.00. I am getting upset and broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10082221, filed 2004-07, 95,000 miles“I am complaining about what seems to be a common problem with chrysler. I have a 2002 Jeep Wrangler that now needs a clock spring repair. My horn was not working when I tried to use,then my airbag light came on. This has caused my air bag system not to work and it needs to be replaced. The cost is $300.00 and I feel really should be addressed as far as all air bags. Due to its safety of the driver and what these clock springs are doing in the chrysler vehicles! This should be a repair covered by chrysler.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080404, filed 2004-07, 94,000 miles - Steering
Front-end shake at highway speed
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 74,900 mi at 9.6 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2020
Owners describe the front end suddenly shaking or wobbling violently, usually at highway speed or after hitting a bump or uneven pavement, and say they had to slow sharply or pull onto the shoulder to make it stop. Complaints mention repeated replacement of ball joints, tie rods, stabilizers, shock and steering parts without the shake going away. A service bulletin on steering shimmy exists for this vehicle; complaints do not say it resolved the symptom. Reported from roughly 36,000 to 165,000 miles, most often at 50 mph and above or after road impacts.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and over broken pavement, and have the front end inspected for play in ball joints, tie rods, track bar and steering stabilizer before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Death wobble experienced daily several times a day. I hit a bump or uneven patch of road and death wobble begins it usually starts at 35- 40 MPH. I sometimes have to slow all the way to 20 MPH to make it stop. I have replaced u joints, rear drive shaft, ball joints, tires, steering stabilizer, tie rods, gotten wheel balances many times, replaced drag link and all bushings. Nothing has helped so far.”
NHTSA complaint #11152658, filed 2018-11, 125,000 miles“Violent shaking (without warning) in the front end of my Jeep Wrangler on a four lane highway during rush hour traffic. Jarring and terrifying, I had to slow down, get over and get to the shoulder without causing an accident. Chrysler has known about this problem and has written a technical service advisory 19-002-12 august 2012 but to date august 2013 refuses to recall and correct this issue. I have a stock Jeep (I.e. …”
NHTSA complaint #10532445, filed 2013-07, 74,900 miles - Brakes
Brake line rust and pedal to the floor
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 108,317 mi at 11.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2014
Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor while driving or the vehicle failing to slow at low speed, with the cause traced to brake lines rusted through along the frame rail. In several complaints the whole brake system was affected at once and the vehicle was stopped with the parking brake or by running up onto a curb. Inquiries about a related brake campaign reportedly came back saying the vehicle was not included. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 165,000 miles on vehicles in salt-belt areas.
What to check: Have the brake lines along the frame inspected for pitting and flaking, and check the pedal for a firm feel with the engine running.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 65 MPH in my Jeep Wrangler on the highway I brake as usual and next thing I know the brake pedal went straight to the floor. I had a total brake loss failure. I pump the brake pedal, but the pedal would not regain stopping power. I swerved violently to the right side of the highway and almost rear ended a truck. I managed to use the emergency brake to slow down my Jeep Wrangler. No injuries, no property damage...lucky me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592955, filed 2014-05, 108,317 miles“Corrosion on the rear brake lines caused catastrophic failure of brakes. This is a ten year old vehicle that I bought from the dealer. Fortunately, the failure occurred in a parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10475491, filed 2012-09, 161,568 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and transfer case noises
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 16,500 mi at 2.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2013
Complaints describe harsh automatic transmission engagement with a loud clicking noise, a manual gearbox that resists shifting between fourth and fifth, and a transfer case that broke apart at highway speed, leaving the vehicle without power. Owners report dealer attempts that did not resolve the problem, and in some cases the manufacturer declined to authorize repairs or replacement. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 165,000 miles, with several cases described while driving at highway speed.
What to check: Drive the vehicle through all gears, listen for clunks or clicks on engagement, and check for fluid leaks or noise from the transfer case in four-wheel drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Going down the freeway about 60mph around 5:30pm. Feel some humming from the vehicle follow by a loud high pitch. Then heard a loud band and parts started to fall on the freeway. The car was still moving without power and light. I was on the third lane of a five lane freeway. Cars behind me slow down and allow me to pull to the side. I was stop between an entrance and the freeway. After exam the car with the shop. The transfer case was broken into pieces. Called Jeep and was told to toll the car to a dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556452, filed 2013-12, 6,500 miles“At 65 MPH on I-95 in maryland, the clutch and bearings burned out. All power to power brakes and steering were lost immediately making an emergency stop and steering was very difficult. Recent dealer maintenance failed to detect any excess ive wear or potential for failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10058684, filed 2004-02, 16,500 miles
Buying note. Have any example inspected underneath for frame and brake line corrosion before purchase, since that is the most frequently reported concern and is hard to see from outside. A highway test drive and a front-end inspection are also worth doing, given the shake complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 108 consumer complaints for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler. 80 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,499 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 17 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure26 24%
- Suspension19 18%
- Air bags13 12%
- Steering10 9.3%
- Other or unknown8 7.4%
- Brakes7 6.5%
- Electrical system7 6.5%
- Tires6 5.6%
- Seat belts5 4.6%
Also reported: Engine (4), Engine cooling (4), Fuel system (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Purchased a 2002 Jeep from twin rivers auto sales, I did not receive a vehicle disclosure report and it was sold to me with a control arm bracket that was damaged was not attached to the frame which makes driving the vehicle impossible it is not attached to frame which could have cause other'and myself extreme harm or death. …”
NHTSA complaint #11404830, filed 2021-03, 148,868 milesSuspension: “My 2002 Jeep Wrangler tj x, frame rails rotted from the inside out on both the sides and rear curve up of the frame. It was difficult to realize that it was rotting because it rotted from the inside out. While on the outside of the frame looks perfectly fine and paint was still well coated, it was rotting from the inside. The problem did not disclose itself until the bracket got the spring are the axle attaches to the frame broke off when the rot from the inside made it all the way through. When it broke off, it caused my vehicle to crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242713, filed 2019-08, 123,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “In 4-low trying to get out of snow in a 2002 Jeep Wrangler, the axle broke for no apparent reason. This is not being covered by warranty since I was told it happened when spinning tires hit pavement, although I never did get to pavement.”
NHTSA complaint #10013750, filed 2003-04, 6,000 milesAir bags: “Daughter involved in single car accident in which 2002 Jeep Wrangler rolled over 3 times and landed nose down in ditch. The air bags did not deploy. Complaint was issued to chrysler, they stated that the front end has to be hit just right before air bags are deployed. My daughter was almost killed and don't believe that statement was true. I feel it is in fact faulty equipment and after reading these reports , I feel that some kind of compensation is due. My daughter is still suffering bad head aches and back pains. I asked for $50,000. And was ignored.”
NHTSA complaint #10045163, filed 2003-10, 28,150 milesMileage when problems were reported
45% of the 80 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,000 and 124,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Jeep Wrangler version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V104000Apr 8, 2002Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › InjectorsCovers: Jeep Wrangler 2000–2002, Grand Cherokee 1999–2002, Cherokee 2000–2001
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.
- 02V075000Mar 8, 2002Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Jeep Wrangler 2001–2002
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
Recall details for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10223525Jun 1, 2020Electrical system. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Equipment, Body and structure. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10175510Mar 4, 2020Equipment. DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Jeep Wrangler
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 1,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 73 | 300 | 4 | — | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 750 | 14,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 373 | 13,000 | 14 | — | 20 | 51 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 409 | 17,650 | 15 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 957 | 20,000 | 15 | — | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 618 | 2,500 | 12 | — | 20 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 746 | 4,500 | 9 | — | 20 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 1,827 | 6,200 | 14 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 312 | 23,700 | 5 | — | 18 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 462 | 40,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 479 | 37,476 | 3 | — | 18 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 658 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 18 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 656 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 836 | 42,000 | 9 | — | 18 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 485 | 50,510 | 10 | — | 17 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 686 | 45,699 | 10 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 372 | 51,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 873 | 62,000 | 7 | — | 18 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 558 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 730 | 36,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 650 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 192 | 46,192 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 98 | 26,898 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 108 | 60,499 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 170 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 251 | 91,912 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 213 | 64,425 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 265 | 73,990 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 401 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 202 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 151 | 121,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 108 | 96,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 77 | 137,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 76 | 110,500 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 79 | 110,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1988 | 50 | 98,261 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 246,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Jeep Wrangler model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?
Owners of this model year most often write about frame rust, which several describe as starting inside the frame rails and becoming visible only after the metal is already compromised. The issues reported most often: Frame rust-through (rails and brackets); Airbags not deploying; horn and airbag light; Front-end shake at highway speed.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA recorded 108 consumer complaints for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 26 complaints (24% of the total), followed by suspension with 19.
Has the 2002 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler reported?
Among the 80 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,499 miles and the middle half falls between 19,000 and 124,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.