Most common 2002 Jeep Laredo problems
Share of the 80 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Laredo complaints by model year
Best Laredo years: 2006, 1995, 1997. Years to avoid: 2002, 2001, 2000. Compare all years →
What 2002 Jeep Laredo owners say
Brakes all 22 →
Dt: 04-29-04 while driving through a parking lot,prior to that had been to a flower nursey where a lot of dirt and gravel were on ground and then to a shopping center. Driving a slow speed approaching stop sign, regular weight in vehicle. Applied brake pressure which seemed to grip and then started to slow and then lost function on brakes. Applied steady pressure to try to stop before the intersection, approximately 15 feet from the interesection took foot off brake which was pressed to floor which seemed as if they were responding but only for a few seconds which ceased to work despite continous pressure. No brakes whatsoever. Removed foot immediately and then pushed down hard to engage ABS. Felt or heard nothing. At that point, steering was under control but car was not stoping. Was in straightway struck another vehicle which was speeding through. …
Since I bought the vehicle, the brakes have not been "right". I took it in a few times to be told nothing was wrong. I was in 2 accidents, where the vehicle would not stop, and rear ended each vehicle. When I braked at speeds over 50 MPH, the front of the vehicle shook. In aug. 04, I called the dealer again to complain, and was told the brakes are not under warranty (2002 grand cherokee Laredo - 26000 mi) I finally took it to my private mechanic, who told me that he has replaced numerous brakes on this model - they seem to be out of alignment from the start. My insurance company dropped me - too many of the same accidents in the last 2 years, and am now paying high rates, as a result.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Laredo. While driving 20 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to a shoulder lane where the vehicle was able to restart. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that several components of the engine had been replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The contact did not file a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 94,946.
Upon ignition, radiator fan exploded into pieces randomly. Found many many other instances of this incident, and all dealers and representatives of Chrysler deny any knowledge of the incident. It is for a Jeep grand cherokee. Here is your report: NHTSA campaign id number: 06V199000 - hide details recall date: 06/08/2006 component: engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan units affected: 146195 recall date: 06/08/2006 summary: on certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan May separate and penetrate the shroud. Consequence: if this occurs while the hood is open, a person in the vicinity of the engine could be struck by the blade and injured. Remedy: dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at [phone]. …
A/C & heater
I purchased a 2002 Jeep grand cherokee overland in November 2005 and by May 2006 the air conditioning & heat stopped working. During the winter months I was unable to drive the vehicle because of rapid fogging of windows. I recently took the vehicle to a Jeep dealer to have service done, and was informed that the blend doors needed to be replaced as well as the blower. This will cost approximately $1300. The consequences of this heating and ac failurewere mainly due to fogging of the windows. While driving during changing weather conditions. The windows will rapidly fog up and the defroster will not wor, k causing a danger to myself and those around me. As of now I have not repaired this problem due to the high cost.
One cool morning my 2002 Jeep grand cherokee limited stopped blowing warm air from passenger side vents. Searching for a possible solution to my problem, I come to the conclusion it might be my blend door actuator that has broken. I am unable to afford the repairs ... Dealerships are quoting me almost $1300 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this problem. After reading article from many grand cherokee owners, they have had the same problem. This needs to be taken care of soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Jeep Laredo a good car?
Based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Laredo rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Laredo at the same age. It is one of the Laredo years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Jeep Laredo?
The brakes — 22 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the engine & cooling (11) and a/c & heater (11).
How many recalls does the 2002 Jeep Laredo have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Jeep Laredo. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Laredo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 1995 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2001 and 2000. See the full Jeep Laredo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Jeep Laredo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.