Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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
The vehicle caught fire while it was being driven down the road, it was pulled over to side of the road in a driveway. Fire came from under the dash on the passengers side, and the vehicle was completely consumed by fire in approximately 10 minutes. I reported it to Chrysler and they stated because of the amount miles on it they weren't responsible! Updated 09/25/15 updated 12/08/2017
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 …
Two concerns addressed: fuel tank recall: while this agency has come to an agreement with FCA to 'remedy' the fuel tank exploding, I believe your agency did not take into consideration the contributing factor to this type of incident. The manufacturer had installed a protective metal enclosure surrounding the fuel tank models from 1993 to 2006. The problem is that the type of metal used is prone to rusting out that a vast majority of these vehicles have experienced which during a rear end collision exposes the plastic tank to crack and explode. Air bag recall: again owners of the affected vehicles will have to wait many months for replacement parts to be produced. The original recall waiting for parts, owners had to wait 12 months for dealership to obtain parts.
I was rear ended in my '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My vehicle does have a manufactured installed trailer hitch. After the accident, it was apparent that the gas tank was still hit by the vehicle. The hitch did nothing to keep the vehicle from getting to the tank. There are visible graze marks where the vehicle hit the hitch and proceeded to the gas tank. Still not feeling safe from the Chrysler recall that the "hitch" will prevent a fire hazard if involved in a rear end accident. Chrysler will not even look at the vehicle since it has a hitch. Photos are available upon request..updated 02/13/17 updated 08/08/2017
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.
I was driving when all of a sudden my vehicle cut off in the middle of traffic. Also, Sunday morning I was driving to church when my vehicle would not start. I was told my a mechanic (not on duty) that it could be my fuel pump, wiring or catalytic converter. Please look into this matter as soon as possible.
Strong gasoline smell inside car cabin....DTC p0455 was found.....split hoses were found at the EVAP .canister......comment : potential flash fire inside cabin had the rear bumper [ left rear] (driver side ) of bumper been hit in an accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While attempting to fuel the vehicle, fuel spewed out. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 190,000.
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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
NHTSA has conducted extensive analysis of the data regarding fuel tank integrity for the model year (MY) 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC). As a result of that work, the agency has decided to upgrade its safety defect investigation to an Engineering Analysis and to expand the scope of vehicles included in the investigation.
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013…
Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires
In a letter dated October 2, 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.CAS alleged that the subject vehicles have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard in crashes.
Fuel System complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 1,476 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-104 (injectors, Apr 8, 2002); NHTSA recall 02V-032 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jan 31, 2002); NHTSA recall 01V-374 (delivery, Dec 5, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries and 1 death to fuel & propulsion system 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.