2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability - MyCarSpecs United States (2023)

FAQs

What are the problems with a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee? ›

Regardless of model, it's a good general rule to avoid model years with many customer complaints, mechanical difficulties, and expensive upkeep, just like any other product you buy. Grand Cherokee model years 2011, 2014, and 2015 are the most likely to have mechanical flaws and, therefore, some of the worst to buy.

We know the answer to, “How many miles can a Jeep Grand Cherokee last?” is around 200,000 miles.

Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY). THE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS COULD OVERHEAT.

When looking at the worst-performing models of the Jeep Wrangler, 2012 took the win. Among the issues it had, there have been 9 recalls, making it the worst for Jeep. The 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers are not too far from that, as they have 10 and 9 recalls, respectively.

Your best bet, avoid earlier models from 2014 and 2015 and be cautious of those from 2016, 2017, and 2019. For the best experience, stick with the final year before the facelift, 2018, or the second year after, 2020. Regardless of the year, be sure to check the VIN to ensure all recalls have been performed.

Most Reliable Years For The Grand Cherokee

Four cars stand out as the best for this vehicle. According to fourwheeltrends.com, here are the most reliable years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Grand Cherokee is $666, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

What is the main problem with Jeep? ›

Transmission issues, steering problems, and issues that can lead to engine stalling are commonly-reported issues for Jeep drivers.

Some have put it down to the fact that their infotainment system is slow and has glitches that you simply don't see in competitor vehicles in the same class. Other issues include poor handling and limited comfort and though neither of these has much to do with dependability they have a bearing on overall satisfaction.

Jeep Cherokee Transmission Problems

According to reports, when a driver shifts the car into park, the transmission doesn't act accordingly, which has increased the risk of the car rolling away and crashing. The Jeep Cherokees that were included in the recall included the 2014 – 2017 models.

Fuel injectors may become dirty over time and not be able to provide as much fuel to the cylinder as is needed. Dirty fuel injectors may cause the engine to run lean which will in turn, cause hesitation when accelerating.

Compared to other used SUVs near you, the average lifespan of a Jeep is much higher. If well-maintained, most Jeeps can exceed 200,000 miles, and some people have even been able to maintain their Jeeps for up to 20 years.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Reliable Road Beast, but Hitting 150,000 Miles of Longevity May Be a Challenge. There are Jeep Grand Cherokees with 150,000 or more miles. But they are rare. It is much more likely to find other types of cars with high mileage.

According to many Wrangler enthusiasts, it typically reaches 280,000 miles, with a few models reaching up to 400,000 miles and 20 years of service.

Is there an expiration date for vehicle recalls? No, there is no recall expiration date. Even if the vehicle is out of warranty, FCA US LLC will repair issues related to an outstanding recall.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z71.

What is the Jeep Cherokee transmission lawsuit? ›

FCA, alleges the manufacturer sold their 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee, 2015 Chrysler 200 and 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles knowing they contained defective ZF 9HP automatic transmissions. Plaintiffs allege the transmissions jumped, lurched, shook, or caused rough shifting or loud noises while shifting.

Some current Wranglers lack durability and dependability, while the older generations are entirely reliable to this day. Well-cared-for Jeeps can last for ages and continually perform at a high level.

Time of year: You have the best chance of getting a deal if you buy a Wrangler near the end of the year. Specifically, try to buy between the 25th and 28th of October, November, or December. Sales people are aiming to meet monthly, quarterly, and yearly targets at this time.

Though some Cherokees have driven over 300,000 miles, most drivers should expect to see very serious problems begin to pile up at about 175,000 miles.

The Jeep model that is the most reliable and ranks the highest in its vehicle category is the Jeep Wrangler, which ranks 1 out of 24 Most Reliable Small SUVs. Following the Wrangler is the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. You can see the rest of the Jeep vehicles and their rankings below.

Rankings & Research. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee's #10 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category.

The Cherokee Limited is the right choice for you if you want access to a luxurious cabin and all the tech features this crossover has to offer. The cabin features leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a nine-speaker premium stereo.

The Jeep Cherokee comes in two trims: Altitude LUX and Trailhawk. Both models have four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Altitude LUX comes with a 180-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the Trailhawk has a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Of the two, we recommend the Trailhawk.

The average cost for Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Tune-Up is $426.

100000-120000 miles- The auto transmission fluid, engine coolant, differential fluid, timing belt and spark plugs all need to be replaced. If there's wear and tear, completely replace the tires, drive belts, brake linings, engine mount and suspension. Change the power transfer unit and the rear drive assembly fluid.

How much is a tune up for a Grand Cherokee? ›

This service typically includes an oil change, tire rotation, new spark plugs, and a thorough engine inspection. On average, Jeep tune-ups cost between $250 and $500.

In the Jeep Problem, the goal is to maximize the distance the jeep can penetrate into the desert using a given quantity of fuel. The jeep must not take all the fuel from the base at once. The jeep is allowed to go forward, unload some fuel, and then return to its base using the fuel remaining in its tank.

Jeep owners say the 2.4L Tigershark engine consumes a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This heavy oil consumption makes its engine inefficient, irritating, and expensive and can be dangerous if the oil indicator system doesn't even alert you when oil levels are low. The engine has an oil capacity of 5.5 quarts.

Jeep reliability ratings

If you're looking at a used Jeep for sale, you're probably interested in how reliable Jeep models are. According to the trusted non-profit Consumer Reports, Jeep ranked 19 among 26 brands, with a score of 41, just behind Chevrolet with a score of 42 and No. 17 ranking.

Consumer Reports is not a fan of the Jeep Wrangler

So why the hate? Trigger warning for Jeep fans: Consumer Reports' main gripes were with the Wrangler's stiff ride, poor fuel economy, “awkward access,” and “lots of wind noise.” The publication did name off-road ability and a “strong V6 powertrain” as high points.

Stalling and Misfiring

Early symptoms of car computer damage are stalling when idle and engine misfires. This happens when the ECU fails to maintain the fuel to air ratio in the engine. However, the stalling or misfire is not consistent. It will happen occasionally but should be a cause of concern.

How do I know if my transmission is going bad in my Jeep? ›

One of the clearest signs that there is something wrong with your transmission is hearing knocking sounds when you accelerate quickly, decelerate quickly, or change gears. Sometimes, knocking sounds are an indication that there is something wrong with the engine mount.

Jeep has issued a recall alert for about 69,000 Wrangler SUVs from model years 2018-2023 and Gladiator pickups from model years 2020-2023 equipped with manual transmissions. Their transmissions may have pressure plates that can overheat and fracture.

The transmission warning light illuminates when there is internal transmission issues. The issues could be a higher than normal temperature in the transmission fluid, gear issues, programming issues or another issue.

There are a few reasons why your car might hesitate when you press the gas pedal. It could be due to a problem with the mass air flow sensor, the oxygen sensor, the TPS, or the fuel filter. It could also be due to a clogged or dirty air filter.

Fuel injectors may become dirty over time and not be able to provide as much fuel to the cylinder as is needed. Dirty fuel injectors may cause the engine to run lean which will in turn, cause hesitation when accelerating.

This hesitation while accelerating can be the result of a number of issues, including something like a clogged fuel filter or even a broken fuel pump. Sometimes, something could also be wrong with the transmission.

Cherokees from 2014 and 2015 are the vehicle's worst years. These have many recalls and complaints, most regarding critical powertrain components. The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings.

There are plenty of years to choose from with this vehicle. However, if you're looking for the best year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, we recommend the 2015 model. This version offers luxuries and technologies found in more recent versions but provides them at a much lower price point.

Though some Cherokees have driven over 300,000 miles, most drivers should expect to see very serious problems begin to pile up at about 175,000 miles.

An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.

What year did Jeeps become unreliable? ›

The 2011 model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is right up there when it comes to being unreliable. Car Complaints have recorded over 2000 complaints on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As if that's not bad enough, the NHTSA has 1565 complaints logged against the 2011 Grand Cherokee with 5 investigations and 6 recall notices.

Edmunds thinks the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is the best bet for most people. It has the features that SUV buyers seek and provides access to some of the model's more appealing options.

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. , you'll find the best years are any models made after 2012. However, the 2015 and 2019 models are stand-outs in the Wrangler lineup. Jeep Wranglers made after 2012 come with the better 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Reliable Road Beast, but Hitting 150,000 Miles of Longevity May Be a Challenge. There are Jeep Grand Cherokees with 150,000 or more miles. But they are rare. It is much more likely to find other types of cars with high mileage.

One of the second most common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems is that the engine won't turn over. If the engine will not crank or start, RepairPal says the electronic lockup of the wireless control module (WCM) could be the problem. This is also called the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM).

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Grand Cherokee is $666, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

An indication that a vehicle is not receiving the right mixture of air and fuel is if the vehicle jerks or surges forward at high speed. Several components of the fuel or air intake system could cause this jerking or surging sensation to happen. Issues within these systems can also cause fuel economy to worsen.