Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks
As I was driving down the highway all of a sudden without any warning the front end of my Jeep Grand Cherokee started shaking very violently. I took my foot off the gas pedal and tried to slowly apply the brakes and get the Jeep off the edge of the road. It was really hard to control the car but I did manage to get it off the road. I drove back home on the edge of the road going about 30 MPH with my flashers on. I took my Jeep to my mechanic who replaced the stabilizer bar but it wasn't long before it happened again. I have had several parts replaced on my front end but it still continues to happen. I am really scared to drive on a highway going 55 MPH anymore and don't do it unless I really have to.
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.
Ever since I have owned the 2002 Grand Cherokee vehicle there are times when the steering becomes difficult when approaching a corner and turning the wheel.. It does not happen all the time. The steering pump was replaced several tears ago but the problem continues sporadically after the replacement it is now happening more frequently this is a accident waiting to happen I just wish I would have reported this sooner
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Steering wheel began making strange sounds. Steering gear and associated parts were replaced. Shortly after, strange sounds returned, the steering began to become completely unassisted at low speeds for a brief second. The problem causes quite a scare and causes temporary loss of control. This is associated with low speed idle. Damage is imminent without repair. This problem is well documented among Jeep chat rooms. Second well documented problem among Jeep owners. Faulty power window units that fail without warning and cause window to be stuck up or down. This causes driver to be forced to drive with open non responding windows in a variety of weather conditions, obvious safety and health hazard. Third chronic hazard well known to Jeep owners as well as Jeep. The blend doors on A/C consistently fail right after warranty period. …
Our vehicle has a growling noise in the steering system. This occurs occasionally when turning the wheels to the right, whether driving forward or backwards. Dealer 1 took the car for a day an reported that parts would have to be ordered. They would call when parts arrived. After several fruitless attempt to determine if parts had arrived, car was taken to dealer 2 whose service manager immediately recognized the symptoms and replaced the power steering hoses and valves. On the second visit, nothing was corrected as dealer 2 checked the steering wheel area valves and bearings. Dealer 2 said that Jeep engineers are aware of the problem and expect to have a fix in a month or two. First purchased in June 2002 and noticed within one week. Noise continues to be present. Is there a steering and control issue looming on the horizon?.
'scraping' noise in front end when turning. Unable to find cause, southview Chevrolet said it was 'normal' in all jeeps. After searching the web, I found a discussion page for jeeps. After much research, I was told the fluid in the front axle was not full. I went to another Jeep dealers, explained the problem and showed them the report. It was resolved and there were no futher issues with the axle. Southview chev. Is now defunct after the owner cheated clients out of millions of dollars. Several more issues with my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland are to follow...
Dt: the consumer stated that there was a NHTSA engineering analysis ea05020 concerning the engine and engine cooling fan. The consumer's vehicle manifested the same problems as indicated in this analysis. The fan of the motor exploded, resulting in extensive damage to the radiator. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where it is currently being repaired for this problem. (11/23/05) the steering was noisy and would grind on high idle, the vehicle would shake when braking due to the front disc pads wearing low and the front rotors and the pinion seal leaked.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving between 2-30 MPH, the steering wheel made a grinding noise when it was turned. There was a loss of power steering fluid and maneuverability. When fluid was added to the vehicle, the power steering and grinding noise returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the power steering high pressure hose failed. The high pressure hose was replaced. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 68,000.
The steering column vibrates when turning the wheels (usually at lower speeds). Took it to the dealer 3 times, first time they replaced the hoses, second time replaced the steering column, and the third time they stated this was a problem with a piece of metal in the column that vibrates due to a small gap within the steering column. I was told this would be a few months, however, 6 months have now passed and I still have the problem. One side note, it seems to do it less in colder weather!
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 1,476 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
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.