2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 10 recalls, 1476 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
10 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #01V288000 · 2001 · 43,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain conditions, the cluster, with the majority of its gauges, illumination, and warning lamps, could become inoperative.
Why it matters: Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will re-flash the cluster software to correct the condition. Owner notification began October 8, 2001.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #01V348000 · 2001 · 38,700 vehicles
What's wrong: The onboard vapor recovery system vent hose May have been misrouted. This could allow water to enter the canister which can cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube when refueling the tank.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect (and reposition as necessary) the vent hose. If the vent hose is found in the bent down position, and the vehicle has been driven more than 20 miles, the canister assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began December 3, 2001.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #01V374000 · 2001 · 50,200 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel inlet check valve could stick in the partially open position. This condition could cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube during refueling.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel inlet check valve. Vehicles found to have a sticking fuel inlet check valve will have the fuel tank assembly replaced. Owner notification began December 24, 2001.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V032000 · 2002 · 71,677 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a fuel tank brush guard fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) control valve can become detached during a crash, allowing fuel leakage.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will either replace the fuel tank brush guard with a skid plate or reinforce the existing fuel tank brush guard with a reinforcement bracket. Owner notification will begin March 4, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V099000 · 2002 · 27 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger air bag wiring harness was improperly manufactured.
Why it matters: This could cause improper air bag deployment in certain crash conditions.
The fix: Dealers will add a wiring jumper to the existing circuitry to correct this condition. Owner notification began April 29, 2002.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V104000 · 2002 · 1,115,322 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #06V199000 · 2006 · 189,479 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan May separate and penetrate the shroud.
Why it matters: If this occurs while the hood is open, a person in the vicinity of the engine could be struck by the blade and injured.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2006.
Seats Vehicle recall #09V117000 · 2009 · 103,409 vehicles
What's wrong: 06v-197 completed (03-04 my) or seat heater elements service replacement (01-02 my). The front seat electric heater elements could overheat.
Why it matters: Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2009.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #12V527000 · 2012 · 744,822 vehicles
What's wrong: A component in the air bag control module May fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V046000 · 2015 · 752,644 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12v527 and 13v040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under…
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E011000 · 2006 · 7,291 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 Dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and May degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2006.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 20 mention a fire, 97 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (486): the most common themes are warning light on (136), fails to deploy (18).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (323): the most common themes are noise or vibration (17), electrical failure (14).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (153): the most common themes are noise or vibration (47), brake failure / soft pedal (13).
- Engine & cooling (146): the most common themes are overheating (29), noise or vibration (28), warning light on (19).
The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 1476 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 37 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints (1.9× the average Grand Cherokee year). Complaints peaked in 2007 (187 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (883 complaints, 4 recalls), 2003 (762 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 1476 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (486), visibility (wipers, glass) (323), brakes (hydraulic) (153).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.