Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Jeep Laredo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
In March 2004 at approximatly 11,800 miles I had the brakes on my 2002 Jeep replaced due to warped rotors. The brakes were replaced in acordance with TSB 05-003-02 and TSB lon 05-81-01-92. In June 2005 at approximatly 21,000 miles the rotors were warped again and the Jeep dealer recommended replacing the rotors again but it would not be covered under warranty. Even if they had replaced them under warranty I would still be concerned about the safety of these brakes if the rotors need to be replaced every 10,000 miles. After a search on the internet I have discovered that this does not appear to be an isolated problem. I have also submitted a request for assiatance from Chrysler but after what I have read I don't expect much help from them.
Dt: the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Laredo. The front and back brake pads and rotors were replaced four times due to the application of cheap rotors to the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle pulsated while driving 40 MPH, but did not have any problems with stopping. Other than the pulsation there was no indication that there were any problems with the braking system. The pulsation occurred under normal driving and road conditions. The replacements had to be done every 9,000 miles at the consumer's expense with the exception of one time. The contact stated that the torque converter failed. The consumer replaced the torque converter with the manufacturer covering half of the cost.
I had warped rotors on my car 3 times now. This last time, I only went less than 10,000 miles. They keep using the same part, so the problem is consistent. I just got this problem fixed and later that night my brakes were squeaking. I have a constant rubbing noise when I turn my car (not sharply, just normal turning). They check it every time I'm in for service and state they can't find anything. I had fluids leak in my car that cause a wire to burn (within 3000 miles) and other oil leaks that required new sparks. I feel like I'm constantly in the shop with this car.
The front brakes wore out prematurely at 13,000 miles. The manufacturer was contacted, and to this date the complaint had not been resolved. An independent shop indicated that this was a very frequent problem. The vehicle was not fixed. The vehicle had warped rotors. The situation deteriorated over a period of time to the point where the brakes would constantly vibrate and shake at any speed.
Dt*: the contact stated when the brake was applied, the brake pedal went to the floor about two inches from the floor before the brake activated. The dealership was aware and replaced a master cylinder and brake pads, but the problem persisted. The dealership informed the contact this was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. There were no lights illuminated on the vehicle prior to the incident.
While driving at 25 MPH, and when the brakes were depressed there was severe vibration in the entire vehicle. This problem happened on numerous occasions. Also, this problem was progressively getting worse, to the point were the steering wheel would shake in consumer's hands. Dealer found that the problem pertained to the brake rotors.
I have a 02 Jeep grand cherokee. Chrysler had a recall on the front rotors in 2004 and we had them replaced at no expenses to us. Now two years later the same problem with the rotors came back. We contacted Chrysler and they would not warranty the problem again. We have to pay for the repair cost ourselves.
While driving in the rain or snow and when brakes were depressed vehicle went out of control. Vehicle was taken to the dealer five times before the problem was repaired. The pads/rotors and the drums were replaced during the last visit. Manufacturer had not been informed of the problem.
Brake complaints in other Laredo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Jeep Laredo?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Jeep Laredo, 28% of the model year's 80 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Laredo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Jeep Laredo. 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 Laredo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 58% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.