Jeep Wrangler / 2002
2002 Jeep Wrangler problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 18.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 13.7%.
Complaints139
Crashes22
Fires5
Injuries22
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Structure 18.7% · 26
Suspension 13.7% · 19
Power train 10.1% · 14
Air bags 9.4% · 13
Steering 7.2% · 10
Unknown or other 5.8% · 8
Electrical system 5.0% · 7
Tires 4.3% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 22 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 35 model years of the Jeep Wrangler in this data, 2002 sits 29th by complaint volume. 2018 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 26 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,792 miles.
In owners' own words
The design of the vehicle frame was faulty from the original purchase where water and dirt can enter the frame but no way to exit therefore becoming trapped to allow rust to form from the inside of frame. This not only promotes but allows the life of the frame to become dangerously weak and if in a accident not to with stand a impact and create a situation where life or harm to persons increase. 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 upper control arms need to be welded back because they rotted off. Structure
The 2002 Jeep Wrangler has approx. 85000 Miles on it. Never used off road - just to and from work. Brought vehicle in for work on clutch and repair shop states that the vehicle frame is rotted through and need to be replaced before transmission is able to be removed. Front fenders have rusted through in same spot on each side. Structure · reported at 85,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…