2002 Jeep Wrangler Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 24%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, 24% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Rusted frame I bought a 2002 Jeep Wrangler and the left side of the frame in the middle where the skid plate bolts in to the frame is rusted out pretty bad and I have a cause for concern for safety. Well I didn't find this problem but I thought the universal joint was causing my bad shake when I pulled the front drive shaft out I noticed that problem. Its a 14 year old vehicle but I don't believe that the frame should be rusted like this. Please fix my problem.. The vehicle was stationary in my driveway”
NHTSA complaint #10839303, filed 2016-03, 180,000 miles“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. I have included pictures of the rusted pass side and the not too rusted driver side. This is just an around town vehicle. …”
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. The bolts in the bracket have nothing to hold onto because the frame has rotted through. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598325, filed 2014-06, 138,244 miles“I purchased the Jeep 6/04. I purchased it for transportation back and forth to work. It was never used off road. It only has approx 81000 miles and the frame is completely rusted from approx. The back of the front tires to the front of the rear tire. There may be more but we have to completely strip down vehicle to establish if there is more damage. Its so bad that you can put a screw driver through and through the frame and the transmission and the tray is disconnected from frame to frame and is completely hanging. Scare to drive it. Jeep may fold crumble in half. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577937, filed 2014-04, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use 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, 2019Use 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…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10019535Feb 15, 2006Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 7 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 1% |
| 2021 | 18 | 2% |
| 2020 | 17 | 3% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 97 | 5% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 4% |
| 2015 | 22 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 20 | 3% |
| 2012 | 30 | 4% |
| 2011 | 28 | 6% |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 24% |
| 2001 | 38 | 22% |
| 2000 | 56 | 22% |
| 1999 | 21 | 10% |
| 1998 | 25 | 9% |
| 1997 | 29 | 7% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 5 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel 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 28, 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