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EnginePart report

2002 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
4%of 108 total for the year
Median mileage
169,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, 4% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle oil pressure dropped to 0, check gauges light came on. I pulled over to park and ride lot and turned vehicle off assuming loss of oil pressure. Waited 15 minutes and tried to start it again, would not start. Checked oil dip stick and discovered antifreeze mix, opened oil cap and saw coffee-colored mix. Dealership I had it towed to at the time stated at cylinders 3 & 4 had cracked, was not owners fault as this was a common issue with cylinders heads with casting 0331. Would not repair as it was not a manufacture recall. Meanwhile vehicle is inoperable. …”

NHTSA complaint #10577017, filed 2014-04, 165,000 miles

“The contact owned a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated and smoked started to emit from the engine compartment. The contact mentioned that after the driver attempted to inspect the vehicle by lifting the hood, it engulfed into flames. The fire department was contacted and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was declared destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would contact her at a later date. The failure and current mileages were 173,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10464792, filed 2012-07, 173,000 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
20252940%
202441756%
202310829%
20229323%
202122223%
2020569%
2019456%
2018995%
20176220%
20168819%
201512827%
201432249%
201314021%
201217221%
2011367%
2010386%
2009185%
2008374%
2007336%
200691%
2005193%
200442%
200311%
200244%
200121%
200094%
199910%
199721%
199011%

Other parts of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Body and structure
26 complaints
Suspension
19 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

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