10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,618 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Jeep Wrangler miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments

problem #8

Dec 172019

Wrangler

  • 186,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #7

Jul 132019

Wrangler

  • 123,000 miles
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. While on the outside of the frame looks perfectly fine and paint was still well coated, it was rotting from the inside. The problem did not disclose itself until the bracket got the spring are the axle attaches to the frame broke off when the rot from the inside made it all the way through. When it broke off, it caused my vehicle to crash. There was no foretelling that this was going to happen because the rot from the inside was invisible and not able to be detected. Myself I believe this is a big enough flaw that should become the responsibility of the manufacturer to repair or replace. My Jeep was treated like my baby. I took extremely well good care of the entire vehicle inside and out. Inspecting the frame and body every year in the spring to make sure it all paint was touched up and frame parts were kept coated with paint. Nowadays pretty much unheard of for only a 12 year old vehicle. When purchased brand new in 2002 at a cost of $21,000, a significant amount of money, but only to last for 12 years is a high price to pay. I believe it's in the best interest that a recall ruling be made for all 2002 and other years that has the internal rotting of the frame rail. Either new patch frame rails be installed, or a nominal amount a money be compensated for the cost of a entire new frame, for those wishing to replace the frame entirely. I believe that if the NHTSA fails to make a recall for this problem, could incur future accidents that could result in injury or even death because of the inability to detect the rotting of the rail from the inside.

- Holland, MI, USA

problem #6

Jul 042017

Wrangler

  • 102 miles
The frame is rotting terribly and the front control arms are about to crack off and the trans/skid plate has already rusted through causing the transfer case and trans to fall off of the frame, vehicle was city driving when this happend

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA

problem #5

Sep 262017

Wrangler

  • 146,839 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. This is ridiculous and Jeep should be ashamed to release a vehicle with such a dangerous defect. I wonder if this is a vehicle from a flood. For this amount of deterioration, I would not doubt it and I will try to find out. Thanks for any help you can provide.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

problem #4

Oct 172015

Wrangler

  • miles
Frame is rusty, not just the outside but is rusting in thick layers of scale from the inside out. Appears to be no drainage holes in bottom side of the frame, while having holes in the side of the frame allowing salt, sand, and whatever road chemicals an entry point while by design restricts the drainage of such elements. The vehicle is still operational, but only a matter of time till structure failure. Won't be seeing the roads this winter.

- Montrose, MN, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #3

Jul 152003

Wrangler

  • Manual transmission
  • 19,000 miles
Front end will shimmy/vibrate to the point of loss of control of steering

- Shasta Lake, CA, USA

problem #2

Apr 152003

Wrangler

  • Manual transmission
  • 10,000 miles
Paint is flacking on the hood fenders and rear door.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #1

Jan 182003

Wrangler 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Floor heater does not warm near center console creating an annoying cold draft on right leg. It's very uncomfortable and creates an uncomfortable driving experience.

- Chaska, MN, USA

Not what you are looking for?