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 Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I moved to a small town. I have received three recall notices. The nearest dealership that can service my Jeep continues to tell me " those parts are not available ". After that, no one would bother to even return my emails. I realize they make no money performing a recall, but why am I to be punished? I found a dealership in medford oregon, about 120 miles away, left my information and I am waiting for a response from them. The recall of my ball joints was fixed immediately. I lived in a large area. So now with three new recalls and no one to fix the issues, what can I do? Do you have any influence over these dealerships to make them fix the problems? …
I have 2 recalls on my Jeep right now. N46 and r06- I was told today because I lived in winter conditions that the n46 - cannot be installed because there is corrosion in the frame of the car making it impossible for the hitch to be installed. So if I am in a collision and rear ended my fuel tank could explode. The r06 could not be preformed which is the occupant restraint control module because there have been no parts available since February of 2015. So I could be driving and my airbags could deploy which will result in an accident. I called the FCA recall assistance center and they were unable to give me a solution to either issue. I took time off of work to have these issues resolved and it was a waste of my day and time not to mention the fact that my vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced under NHTSA campaign number:12V527000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline , structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 5/15/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure). The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician stated that there was corrosion around the area where the hitch was supposed to be attached and the condition of the vehicle did not support proper installation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,462. Updated 5/11/15 the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified and the inspector took photos. The recall was closed. The vehicle was not repaired. Updated 09/16/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. When the vehicle was started in warm weather, the air bag warning light continuously illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions each time the vehicle was started in warm weather. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 12v5270000 (air bags), 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline , structure), and 15V046000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving at an unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure) and 15V046000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure) however, the technician stated that due to excessive rust and corrosion the recall remedy could not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
I went to the store and picked up chips and drinks and keep running fine. Got back in it and took me several tries to crank. Kept going dead on the mile drive home. Haven't been able to afford to get it fixed but mechanic replaced computer spark plugs fuel pump and injection system. Still wouldn't crank well. Had new computer programmed. Nothing. Till says 3 cylinders are not working and I need a new motor.
After having service done to the fuel tank under a recall on this vehicle, I now get error code 0544, large exhaust gas leak, . I had service done to the hoses, and two were found damaged near the tank, , I replaced the fuel cap, and finally replaced the computer. But the light continues to come on. I have not found a satisfactory answer, but it must be related to work done by the Jeep dealer.
I have a safety recall that cannot be fixed according to tunkhannock auto mart and scranton Dodge. I'm experiencing all kind of malfunctions due to the sensor being bad I have no power, my shifting, fuel economy ,hard starts,everything. This is my only vehicle and I need a vehicle until this is resolved
NHTSA investigations
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 System complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2002 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 173 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2002 Jeep Liberty, 10% of the model year's 1,808 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Liberty fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2002 Jeep Liberty, though it has 8 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 Liberty fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.