2002 Jeep Wrangler
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 50 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 76 |
| 1992 | 77 |
| 1993 | 108 |
| 1994 | 151 |
| 1995 | 202 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 401 |
| 1998 | 265 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 251 |
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2002 | 108 |
| 2003 | 98 |
| 2004 | 192 |
| 2005 | 649 |
| 2006 | 730 |
| 2007 | 555 |
| 2008 | 872 |
| 2009 | 368 |
| 2010 | 684 |
| 2011 | 481 |
| 2012 | 829 |
| 2013 | 646 |
| 2014 | 647 |
| 2015 | 453 |
| 2016 | 451 |
| 2017 | 304 |
| 2018 | 1789 |
| 2019 | 721 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 884 |
| 2022 | 369 |
| 2023 | 330 |
| 2024 | 638 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL- DRIVING DOWN A DARK COUNTY ROAD- LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT OFF ROAD AND HIT A TREE- UPON IMPACT THE JEEP BURST INTO FLAMES- THE DRIVER WAS PULLED OUT BECAUSE SHE WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE BURNING JEEP- THE JEEP WAS TOTALED DUE TO...
NHTSA ODI report, 20151228
AT START UP, VEHICLE SHAKES AND SOUNDS LIKE INJECTORS ARE MISSING, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET. *AK VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. VEHICLE BOGGS AND RUNS ROUGH/HESITATES WHEN COLD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020611
15% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190808
9% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER AT 45 MPH. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030331
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROLL OVER, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, ALSO THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030124
6% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER AND IMPURITIES CAN ENTER INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: 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
Campaign 02V075000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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. OWNER
Campaign 02V104000 — check if this car was fixed
BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVE
Remedy: BESTOP WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A
Campaign 04E041000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DOD
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-305
Campaign 06E011000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAN
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-32
Campaign 06E022000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Jeep Wrangler — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V075000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V104000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04E041000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E011000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E022000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Jeep Wrangler is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Jeep Wrangler?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Wrangler have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.