2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Has 16 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: hvac system (blend doors) (moderate severity).
Should You Buy the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a capable SUV offering respectable off-road prowess and a comfortable ride for its class, but it comes with a well-known list of age-related issues. If you're considering this vehicle, be prepared for proactive maintenance and potential repairs, as neglecting its quirks can quickly lead to significant costs and frustration.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust 4.0L I6 engine (if maintained)
- Strong off-road capability (with proper 4WD systems)
- Comfortable and spacious interior for its time
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
16 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. 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.
AIR BAGS
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. 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.
What breaks on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Recommended Reading for the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Before you buy, discover which Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid and the most reliable models in our definitive worst-to-best guide.
How Long Does a Jeep Grand Cherokee Last? (Real Owner Data)
Uncover the definitive lifespan of a Jeep Grand Cherokee with our analysis of real owner data, revealing exactly how many miles it truly lasts.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems and Repair Costs
Uncover common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems and their typical repair costs to confidently budget for maintenance and necessary repairs.
