2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Complaints

I just bought a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the VIN number listed above. I saw that there was a recall where the dealer had to put on trailer hitches on the vehicle as without it if rear ended the gas tank could explode. I understand this is a older vehicle but do they not service recalls anymore for something like that??? It could explode it hit in the back. When I put my VIN in it says no outstanding recalls yet it does not or ever had a hitch on it for this repair. Any info on this is appreciated....Thanks

NHTSA ID

11731752

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET RECALL R06 COMPLETED. ALL THE JEEP DEALERS SAID THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO GET THE NEEDED PARTS. THEY ARE ON A NATIONAL RECALL LIST. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP. THEY STATE THAT THE ORC MODULE AND OTHER ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL CANNOT BE OBTAINED ANYWHERE AND THE DEALER'S SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS FOR THE BACK ORDERED PARTS SO THE RECALL CAN BE COMPLETED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED ON THESE JEEPS. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE PARTS NEEDED IS ON THE RECALL LIST R06 TO FIX IT. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS CRITICAL INJURIES. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ID

11679986

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

I currently own 3 of the same vehicles myself, my husband and my son. Each of the vehicles have been experiencing electrical issues. I have taken all of the vehicles at some point back to the mechanic for repairs for this issue. It was only a temporary fix. Here are examples of some of the electrical issues. The blinkers and break lights may go out and not work while we are driving and some days they work just fine. But it has now become a safety hazard because we never know when they will work and are afraid to be hit by another car from the rear. Another example is when I am driving down the street all of the sudden the windows will automatically roll down by themselves. These issues have put all of our safety at risk, especially while we are driving in high traffic areas such as Atlanta, Georgia. The problem was acessed by our auto mechanic on all three (3) vehicles. They are are 1999-2000, 2001 & 2002 Grand Cherokee one of the vehicles is a limited edition. There are no warning signs or symptoms and the check engine light is not on any of the vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11589954

Incident

May 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The local dealer was contacted several times and advised the contact that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 137,849. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11547797

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

Mileage

137,849 mi

Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks

NHTSA ID

11528596

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side airbag inadvertently deployed without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 206,000.

NHTSA ID

11506020

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

Mileage

206,000 mi

While driving, airbags deployed on both the passager and driver's side. The car is available for inspection. The vehicle is with the dealership and awaiting repair. My safety was put at risk, the incident occurred while I was operating the vehicle. No other damage except to the vehicle itself, damaging my property. There were no notices, warnings or other symptoms of the problem.

NHTSA ID

11501790

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

I have air bag module not working and dealer keeps say part back order for months now and can’t get repaired and can’t get Jeep inspected till this is fixed brylea Jeep,Chrysler in Rutland Vermont Is dealer working with for it

NHTSA ID

11500707

Incident

Nov 17, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, there was an abnormal sound coming from the dashboard. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the speedometer failed to display the correct speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of a leak in the EVAP system. The contact was also informed that the vehicle control sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,000.

NHTSA ID

11464983

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

Mileage

205,000 mi

I brought in my car in to Roger Williams Chrysler in Weatherford TX, 1102 Washington Dr, Weatherford, TX 76086, for Safety Recall R06. The first appointment I dropped off the vehicle and received a rental, which was covered by FCA under the recall. A couple of days pass as they order parts and perform the maintenance. I return to my vehicle once they stated the Safety Recall was completed. The airbag light was still on, they couldn't tell me what DTC was associated with the light so I checked it myself. The DTC's were airbag DTC 54 and 55 (Side impact sensor internal fault). Safety Recall R06 instructs the dealership to replace impact sensors should they have any DTC's on them. R06 also states, at least twice, NOT to replace the front impact sensors, which they boasted and were proud about replacing. They stated "the tech has done hundreds of these recalls and always replaces the front sensors". I explained why I felt the recall maintenance was not completed to the tech when I picked up my vehicle. He maintained his narrative that the recall was satisfied and if I wanted them to look into it further it would be a minimum of $300.00. As weeks go by while I work with FCA customer care and the dealership service manager I am forced to drive a vehicle with faulty airbags. After several weeks and numerous phone calls and arguing I convinced the dealership to take another look at the vehicle. Upon their second look they initially maintained that the recall was satisfied and that the front sensors were replaced. I pleaded with the service manager once more to check the DTC's and review the NHTSA/FCA Safety Recall R06 instructions to replace the side impact sensors. They finally do, now the vehicles airbags are functioning and all is well. I just wonder, how many hundreds of WJ's are out there that had this maintenance done incorrectly and either don't know or didn't push hard enough to have it done correctly. How was this even able to get to this point?

NHTSA ID

11455901

Incident

Mar 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact became aware of the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated since she purchased the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 314,900. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11441951

Incident

Nov 3, 2021

Mileage

314,900 mi

IN 2012 OR BEFORE, PRIOR TO WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MARCH 20, 2012, THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL NOTICE. MANY TIMES, AND MOST RECENTLY IN AUGUST 2020, TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE DEFECT, AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE PART IS NOT "IN STOCK".

NHTSA ID

11349076

Incident

Mar 20, 2012

ONE MONDAY THE 6TH DRIVING NORTH. IT WAS RAINING. SO, I HAD FULL 4WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED. A CAR CUT ME OFF. I WAS ON THE TRANSITION FROM THE 5 N TO THE 55N. A CAR FROM THE LEFT LANE CUT INTO MY LANE TO TRY AND EXIT ONTO 4TH STREET. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND VEERED RIGHT. BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUSHING DOWN ON THE BREAKS AS HARD AS I COULD. THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN. TRYING TO OBTAIN CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE I "FISHTAILED" FROM GOING RIGHT BACK TO LEFT AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND THEN HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AND I HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER AND FLIPPED AROUND. I WAS THEN FACING OPPOSITE TRAFFIC TOWARDS THE DIVIDER. I THREW THE CAR INTO PARK AND HELD THE BREAKS STRONG. THE BACK WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING OUT. I LOOK DOWN AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. LUCKILY, I HAD A SPARE KEY IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND THE KEYS ON THE GROUND BUT NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE PEDALS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. THE ONLY THING THEY COULD VERIFY IS THAT THE KEY COULD COME OUT WILE THE CAR IS STILL ON. ACCORDING TO THEM THIS HAPPENS AS THE KEY WEARS DOWN OR GETS OLD.

NHTSA ID

11320817

Incident

Apr 6, 2020

Mileage

187,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE A HITCH ATTACHED. THE MECHANIC REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MILITELLO MOTORS (1029 N STATE ST, FAIRMONT, MN 56031, (507) 238-4444) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED PER THE N47 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED SAFE. THE CONTACT HAD NO RECOLLECTION OF BEING INFORMED OF SUCH INSPECTION TAKING PLACE ON HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK REMAINED EXPOSED AND THE HAZARD COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11281607

Incident

Nov 18, 2019

WE WERE DRIVING INTO OUR PARKING STALL AT HOME WHEN OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. AS WE REVERSED AND DROVE FORWARD TO STRAIGHTEN OUR CAR IN OUR STALL WE NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURN ON SUDDENLY AND AIRBAGS AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYED. OUR ENTIRE FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR AND KIDS ARE TRAUMATIZED. SUPER SCARY MOMENT, AND WHAT IF WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY!

NHTSA ID

11279920

Incident

Oct 15, 2019

Mileage

107,593 mi

AT START UP AIRBAG LIGHTS STAY ON I STOP AT THE STORE AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND START IT BACK UP THE AIRBAG LIGHTS ARE OFF. ISSUE 2. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND START UP A HILL IT DOWN SHIFTS OR HIGH RPMS A FUSE BLOWS.

NHTSA ID

11277237

Incident

Sep 3, 2019

Mileage

157,000 mi

FUEL TANK PROTECTION. I TOOK THIS IN FOR THE RECALL WHICH I ASSUMED THEY WHERE GOING TO INSTALL A TRAILER HITCH TO HELP PROTECT FORM REAR END COLLISION IN PACKING THE FUEL TANK. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T NEED ONE. SO NO ADDITIONAL PROTECTION WAS ADDED. I ALSO DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE THE GAS EVAPORATOR CANISTER BY THE BACK BUMPER. ITS FULL OF GAS VAPOR. USUALLY THESE ARE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CHRYSLER SHOULD DO MORE TO HELP PROTECT THIS VEHICLE. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE

NHTSA ID

11253393

Incident

Jan 1, 2019

WHEN I GOT IN MY JEEP THERE WAS A BREAKING SOUND FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. I NOTICED THE SEAT WAS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AT THE FRAME OF THE SEAT I SAW WHERE THE FRAME BROKE IN HALF. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOW AND IT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I USED TO HAVE A LOT MORE FAITH IN JEEP UNTIL I LOOKED IT UP AND STARTED SEEING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER/JEEP HAS NOT RECALLED IT. DUE TO THIS BEING A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER JEEP IF THEY DON'T RECALL IT! THERE IS PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT IN THE VEHICLE BUT IS NOW INOPERABLE DUE TO IT BEING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11243150

Incident

Aug 3, 2019

Mileage

170,000 mi

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON INTERMITTENTLY UPON STARTUP, USUALLY WILL GO OUT IF SHUT OFF AND RESTART, BUT NOT ALWAYS. HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE ALREADY FOR AIRBAG ISSUE SO AM FAIRLY CONFIDENT THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM STILL. ONLY 89000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IS 100% GARAGE KEPT. .

NHTSA ID

11233738

Incident

Jul 15, 2019

Mileage

89,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. JEEP CHRYSLER INDIAN TRAIL (5501 W HWY 74, MONROE, NC 28110) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11228800

Incident

Jun 12, 2019

THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON

NHTSA ID

11219957

Incident

Sep 10, 2018

WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN ON ME. IT STARTS AGAIN AFTER I WAIT ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN DECEMBER 2017. SHE HAD ALL THE RECALLS FIXED EXCEPT FOR THE AIRBAG. SINCE OWNING THIS CAR I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT 3 TIMES. GRANTED I TOOK A FEW MONTHS TO PUT IT ON THE ROAD AS THE WEATHER WAS COLD. I'VE HAD EXTENSIVE WORK DONE ON IT. TUNE UP, NEW TRANSMISSION, BELTS, PUMPS, COILS, HOSES AND SENSORS YOU NAME IT BUT IT CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF ON ME. I TRY TO TAKE IT FOR A SPIN BUT JUST PUTTING IT IN REVERSE IT SHUTS OFF. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS?

NHTSA ID

11206984

Incident

Feb 15, 2018

Mileage

83,847 mi

SEVERAL YEARS AGO I WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE I HAD NO TAIL/RUNNING/TURN OR BRAKE LIGHTS. I IMMEDIATELY HAD THOSE REPLACED. WITHIN A MONTH I TOOK MY JEEP IN FOR THE YEARLY STATE INSPECTION AND FOUND THAT I HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THEN, THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS DESIGN OF THE JEEP, THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AS I TOLD THEM ABOUT MY RECENT TRAFFIC STOP AND HAVING JUST GOTTEN IT FIXED. THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED EXTENSIVELY! NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I ADDRESS THE ISSUE (AND IT'S NOT THE BULBS, THOSE ARE RARELY BURNT OUT, IT'S THE CONNECTION, CLEANING THE CONNECTION SURFACE HELPS BUT ...) I AM CONSTANTLY BEING STOPPED AND TOLD I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS WHATSOEVER, IT'S EXHAUSTING AND A DANGER TO MY AND EVERYONE ELSE'S! ONGOING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11206752

Incident

May 8, 2019

Mileage

55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A NEW RADIATOR WAS INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE OEM RADIATOR WAS MADE OVERSEAS AND NOT BY CHRYSLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR BURST AND COULD NOT HANDLE THE PRESSURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIFTEEN MONTHS AFTER THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED BY THE MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11203192

Incident

Nov 14, 2017

Mileage

20,000 mi

A FEW INSTANCES HAVE OCCURRED WHERE I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AS THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (RADIO, HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD, ETC) STILL FUNCTION BUT ALL GAUGES STOP WORKING. I THEN HAVE TO PULL OVER, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT WILL THEN START UP RIGHT AWAY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HAS STARTED BACK UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING AND DRIVES FINE AFTER THAT. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WHEN I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT HAS HAPPENED WHEN I AM TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, NEVER ON A HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID

11196696

Incident

Apr 9, 2019

Mileage

210,000 mi