Does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, the most recent reported on April 8, 2002 (Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system, injectors). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (26 complaints), followed by suspension (19).

How many 2002 Jeep Wrangler complaints mention a crash or fire?

15 of 108 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 17 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Jeep Wrangler recalls and problems

2 recalls and 108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler.

recalls

108

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Jeep Wrangler recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system, injectors

NHTSA campaign 02V104000 · reported April 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 1,115,322 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began may 13, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system: ignition, switch

NHTSA campaign 02V075000 · reported March 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 95,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
The risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a redesigned switch. Owner notification began april 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Structure26
Suspension19
Power train14
Air bags13
Steering10
Unknown or other8
Electrical system7
Tires6
Seat belts5
Engine4

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 28, 2022 · Structure
Frame is rotted out. Vehicle is well maintained and it is upsetting. After spending good money for a reputable brand, the frame did not last. It is not drivable and is unsafe to be on the road. It is not safe to travel with my family. Everyone I know that has these years wrangler TJ model has this problem. Lower and…

Mar 25, 2021 · Structure · 148,868 miles
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…

Feb 18, 2020 · Structure · 200,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED SEVERE RUST FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LEAF SPRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS…

Dec 27, 2019 · Engine · 186,000 miles
FOR A POPULAR ON AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE WHICH HAS A REPUTATION FOR STRENGTH AND DURABILITY, WHY WOULD THE FRAME, THE VERY FOUNDATION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, BE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUSTING OUT AND MAKING SAID VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOT COOL , JEEP, NOT COOL.

Dec 24, 2019 · Power train · 150,000 miles
FRAME RUSTING OUT

Wrangler model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	1	251	17	20
2001	3	170	17	16
2002	2	108	15	5
2003	0	98	8	3
2004	1	192	17	7
2005	1	650	10	9

Across all years, the 2018 Wrangler has the most complaints (1,827). All Jeep Wrangler years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, the most recent reported on April 8, 2002 (Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system, injectors). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?: Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (26 complaints), followed by suspension (19).
How many 2002 Jeep Wrangler complaints mention a crash or fire?: 15 of 108 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 17 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 28, 2022.