Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed that the vehicle was operating as designed but the failure recurred. The contact also mentioned that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. As a result the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There was a police report filed and no injuries sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The front end was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Upon making a slight lane correction at approx. 60 MPH, my daughter's 2002 Jeep libety began swerving uncontrollably. She felt no resistance to the steering wheel as she tried to stop the swerving. At no time did she apply the brakes. Witnesses said it appeared she had a flat tire. Eventually, the vehicle entered the grass median and rolled 2.5 or 3.5 times coming to rest on the roof facing on-coming traffic. The complete rear end(tires and differential) separated and ended up approx. 75 feet from the vehicle. The right front axle or cv joint was broken. Neither her passenger or her air bags deployed. The driver's seat belt was broken at the end of the motion of the rolling. Both occupants were bruised and cut. We believe the axle failed and caused this potentially fatal accident. This vehicle had approx. 3000 miles on it. …
The car chugg in and out goin down the road if feels like the transmission is goin to fall out of it the it dies the steering so so bad it feels like a tire is goin to fall of at any moment the valve cohere gasket needs replaced the brakes are non existing I almost crashed into some e head on after it died on me while I was goin 50 MPH down the [redacted] I have only had the car for 2 week hobart auto sales have it to me in replace of a vehicle they had sold me that didn't have a title to it.
I was towing a 2002 Jeep Liberty using the blue ox tow system. I followed the manufacturer s directions and put the car in neutral. The Jeep engine caught fire and totaled the car. My insurance company adjusters said the Jeep was in 4-wheel drive causing the transmission to overheat, leak transmission fluid, and start the fire. First of all, getting the Jeep in 4-wheel drive requires some effort to engage, so I would have noticed had I done that. Secondly, I wouldn't have done something so stupid. I have towed the Jeep the two previous years the same way with no problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving at any speed, the speedometer malfunctioned and failed to display the actual speed of the vehicle. The vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring for the sensor that was connected to the transmission became fractured when the emergency brake was applied. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty ltd edition. The contact stated that the driver was on a dirt road driving approximately 15 MPH when she crossed over a creek. The vehicle came to a complete stop; however, the engine was still on. There were 3 people in the vehicle and one of the passengers in the back seat noticed that sparks were coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire and was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 78,000. Updated 02/07/11 updated 02/11/11
2002 Jeep Liberty was being towed behind motor home, alerted by passing motorists I pulled over and got out of the rv. Smoke was poring out of the Liberty fire trucks arrived just as flames were shooting out of engine compartment..they managed to free the Jeep from the motor home and used fire hoses on the Jeep..Jeep is a total loss..as yet no explanation for cause of fire.
Vehicle's front passenger side axle broke causing 2002 Liberty Jeep to roll over. The vehicle rolled over two or three times. Fortunately the driver and her passenger were wearing seat belts and their injuries were not life threatening. The manufacturer has refused to accept any responsibility for this accident.
Tl* - the contact received recall 06V288000 for the 2002 Jeep Liberty concerning lower ball joints. The contact complained about the effect that the ball joint had on the tires. The contact stated that no matter what speed she was driving at, but usually at about 15 MPH she felt and heard the suspension in the car shifting whenever she hit a bump. The contacts complaint was that after one and a half years the tires were completely bald. The contact stated that this was directly related to the safety recalls on the ball joints. Also, the contact stated that on 11/2005 she lost control of the vehicle after making a turn. After taking the vehicle for service, the contact learned from the dealer that all of the steering fluid leaked out, and the power steering belt split in half. The contact would like to have the tires replaced under the recall as well. …
I was driving on the interstate at 55 MPH in the right lane. I accelerated to pass the vehicle in front of me who was driving approximately 40 MPH. When I accelerated, there was an extremely loud band that came from my car. I moved into the right lane and pulled over, off the road and stopped the car. The loud bang frightened and startled me for a moment and I could have lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Up until then, I had no problems. When I drove the car home, I drove slowly and carefully. The car kept stopping, as if someone turned the engine off. I took it to the Jeep dealer and was told I needed to replace the solenoid pack and fluid, had a broken clutch, and internal damage (transmission). After that incident, other issues started such as no hydraulic under front hood (have to hold hood up with one hand while using other). …
Transmission complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Jeep Liberty, 5% of the model year's 1,808 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Jeep Liberty transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 4 fires and 11 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.