Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The engine stopped while driving took it to a mechanic and they said all fluids were filled it was just a "bad engine" I paid 2700 dollars to have engine replaced . The truck still wasn't running right it was having trouble starting took it to the mechanic and he changed the fuel pump 700 dollars . The truck still dose not run right ive had brake lines replaced that broke with no impact or accident ive been told the master cylinder needs replaced there is no brake pressure my wiring is messed up and now both my brake lights are out ive checked fuses and bulbs the truck takes several tries to start it its in the shop more than I drive it its dangerous and I never know if its going to stop in traffic or if people behind me know when im trying to stop I have 6 kids I drive to school every day and I worry about their lives every time we have to get in the Jeep I feel like buying this …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle always swayed back and forth as if it were off balanced. While driving approximately 30 MPH, she noticed that the engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument control panel. Smoke appeared from the vehicle. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the radiator fan cracked and caused the failure. The belt, radiator fan, thermostat, and water pump were repaired at the cost of $1,000. The manufacturer informed her of NHTSA campaign id number 06V199000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan); however, the contact never received a recall notice. The manufacturer only covered the expense of the fan, which was $265. The engine warning light is still illuminated on the instrument control panel and the air conditioning system does not work. The failure mileage was 91,000.
This Jeep had the 4.7l v8 engine. Jeep was running fine, never had any issues with leaking fluids, etc.or any engine issues at all. Went to a friends house for a couple hours and when I went to leave, the vehicle started very rough and had no power - hitting the brake to change gears would stall the engine. Diagnostic testing showed no compression in the first cylinder. I was unable to pay to have my engine torn apart (keep in mind I only had this vehicle for little over a year and still owed over $1000 on something that was not driveable), but from the symptoms it seems this was caused by a dropped valve seat. I have seen numerous complaints on this issue in this engine (in jeeps and other Chrysler vehicles) and am surprised that no recall has been made. I am unsure what would have happened if I was driving at 50 MPH when the engine failed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that he started the vehicle and smoke began abnormally pouring from the engine and into the interior cabin. There was also burning fluids spewing from the radiator. The contact stated that the radiator was fractured and the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The mechanic replaced the cooling system to correct the failure. Following repairs, the contact located a recall for the failure (NHTSA campaign id number: 06V199000- engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan) however, the contacts VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the horn did not work. The vehicle was towed to a used car lot for the first failure. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but the contact was unsure if the vehicle had been diagnosed. The contact did not speak to a Chrysler dealer regarding either failure. The contact was unsure if the used car lot from where the vehicle was purchased had contacted a dealer on her behalf. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of either failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled a strong burning odor. There was a loud noise inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The contact observed that the engine overheated. The vehicle resumed with caution to the dealer and they informed that there was a recall related to the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 06V199000 (engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan). The VIN was not included in the recall. The technician recommended that the vehicle not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,162.
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.
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?
The engine cranks and runs fine but after you drive for a while the engine shuts off. It happens while you are driving or coming to a stop. It is random. It usually starts back up and runs fine until next time. When the engine dies, you do not have steering assist or brake assist. It is very hard to steer it off the road. A woman May have a hard time steering it or stopping it. I don't let my wife drive our Jeep much at all. It doesn't matter if you are driving in the city or on the freeway when it decides to shut off. Our Jeep is a 4wd with automatic transmission.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
On certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan May separate and penetrate the shroud.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine cooling fan blade failure
This investigation was opened on July 13, 2005, based on four odi consumer reports.odi contacted all of those complainants and each of them reported that pieces of the broken fan blade had damaged the radiator and penetrated through the protective fan shroud.since opening the investigation, odi has received 12 new consumer reports.in its response to odi's preliminary evaluation information request daimlerchrysler…
Fan blade failure (engine cooling fan)
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (06V199) of certain Jeep grand cherokee vehicles to replace the engine's electric motor driven cooling fan. The 182,875 vehicles included in the recall are model year (my) 2002 equipped with 4.0 liter (six cylinder) engines manufactured from February 4, 2002 through June 17, 2002; and my 2000 equipped with either the 4.0…
Engine complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 172 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 12% of the model year's 1,476 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (70 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-199 (fan, Jun 8, 2006); NHTSA recall 01V-348 (emission control, Nov 13, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.