Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Several years ago I was pulled over by a police officer because I had no tail/running/turn or brake lights. I immediately had those replaced. Within a month I took my Jeep in for the yearly state inspection and found that I had the same issue. I was told then, that this was a problem with this design of the Jeep, they were very familiar with this problem as I told them about my recent traffic stop and having just gotten it fixed. This very serious problem has persisted extensively! No matter how many times I address the issue (and it's not the bulbs, those are rarely burnt out, it's the connection, cleaning the connection surface helps but ...) I am constantly being stopped and told I have no tail lights whatsoever, it's exhausting and a danger to my and everyone else's! Ongoing problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that both turn signals functioned intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician repaired the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 12V527000 (air bags). However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was unsure about what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V046000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 111,568.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the passenger side tail light burned out and melted the plastic around the holder of the lights. In 2005, he replaced the entire lens and plastic component at the cost of approximately $115. Most recently, the contact noticed that the driver side was experiencing the same failure, which also caused a short. The repair for this failure also cost $115. The dealer advised the contact to replace the entire tail light structure. The current mileage was 98,000 and failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Updated 05/21/08 updated 05/20/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the turn signals of the vehicle would not come on when prompted. In addition, the alarm system sounded on numerous occasions when the key was used to open the door. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
It's killing my battery the interior light stays on when vehicle is off and power windows don't work unless driver side door is open while vehicle is on.door open lights flashes when vehicle is running however it is really shut already. I have friends with same type vehicles having same issues.
Turn signal failure on my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The turn signals failed on my Jeep on July 15, 2007 due to a faulty flasher on my car. The car had 68,000 miles on it at the time of the failure. The part that failed is part number 4686094 and it is failing all over Chrysler's vehicles when you search the internet. As the turn signals are a safety feature on the car and mandatory to operate the vehicle this item should be recalled. Once the part was replaced, my turn signals worked fine. The repair was $55.47 in parts. The vehicle is in excellent condition and no accidents.
Jeep parked in the garage no one in it and with the headlight switch in the auto position the lights go on and off by them selves. Sometimes the lights go on and off with the garage door opener. Sometimes they stay on all night and when you come out to leave the battery is dead. I have had this problems sense it was new. The dealer said they cannot fix the problem unless it is there when I bring it in. How many times it happens I'm not sure unless I'm in the garage at the time it happens.
The headlights turn on for approximately 10-15 minutes without cause. This occurs with the engine turned off, the key removed, and usually after the Jeep has been parked in the garage and not operated for several hours and sometimes for several days. We have had the problem looked into by the local Jeep dealer who could not find a problem. We have also ensured that the headlight dash switch appears to be working correctly and is positioned correctly.
Electrical problems, check engine light, beep under dash, dome lights coming on, radio goes off, all dash lights(ABS, brake,etc.). Transmission problems 3 times in shop for slipping and leaking seals. Leaking at pan, output seal and, drive train they changed seals and 1 month later output seal was leaking again. Govern assembly was replaced 8/3/03 along with solenoid, transduce. Faulty batteries. Shocks all leaking but they replaced 1 front 1 back.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1% of the model year's 1,476 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.