FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Jeep Wrangler problems

Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 33 worst.

C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Jeep Wrangler.

How this is worked out

The numbers

139

Complaints

22

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

18

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

62,792 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

40%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 10 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 68 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Jeep Wrangler. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
33.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Jeep Wrangler

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 26 18.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 92,000 mi

Suspension 19 13.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 131,622 mi

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Airbags 13 9.4%

10 crashes, 1 fires · median 29,165 mi

Steering 10 7.2%

Median failure at 47,500 miles

Other & Unspecified 8 5.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 71,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 8 5.8%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 124,000 mi

Brakes 7 5.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 108,317 mi

Electrical System 7 5.0%

Median failure at 24,000 miles

Tires 6 4.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 995 mi

Seat Belts 5 3.6%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,400 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 2.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 1,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 4 2.9%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 53,846 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 4 2.9%

Median failure at 182,640 miles

Wheels 2 1.4%

Median failure at 98,894 miles

Seats 1 0.7%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

Lights 1 0.7%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 22 47.8%
Frontal 10 21.7%
Front 3 6.5%
Underbody Shields 3 6.5%
Manual Transmission 3 6.5%
Switch 2 4.3%
Front 2 4.3%
Antilock 1 2.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 6.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 7 6.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 19 17.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 14 13.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 9.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 11 10.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 22 20.4%
150,000+ miles 18 16.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2002 peak 10 Feb 2022

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 123,000 miles Holland, MI Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2002 JEEP WRANGLER TJ X, FRAME RAILS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT ON BOTH THE SIDES AND REAR CURVE UP OF THE FRAME. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REALIZE THAT IT WAS ROTTING BECAUSE IT ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHILE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME LOOKS PERFECTLY FINE AND PAINT WAS STILL WELL COATED, IT WAS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE. THE PROBLEM DID NOT DISCLOSE ITSELF UNTIL THE BRACKET GOT THE SPRING ARE THE AXLE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF WHEN THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WHEN IT BROKE OFF, IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH. THERE WAS NO FORETELLING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE WAS INVISIBLE AND NOT ABLE TO BE DETECTED. MYSELF I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG ENOUGH FLAW THAT SHOULD BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. MY JEEP WAS TREATED LIKE MY BABY. I TOOK EXTREMELY WELL GOOD CARE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. INSPECTING THE FRAME AND BODY EVERY YEAR IN THE SPRING TO MAKE SURE IT ALL PAINT WAS TOUCHED UP AND FRAME PARTS WERE KEPT COATED WITH PAINT. NOWADAYS PRETTY MUCH UNHEARD OF FOR ONLY A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. WHEN PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2002 AT A COST OF $21,000, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT ONLY TO LAST FOR 12 YEARS IS A HIGH PRICE TO PAY. I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST THAT A RECALL RULING BE MADE FOR ALL 2002 AND OTHER YEARS THAT HAS THE INTERNAL ROTTING OF THE FRAME RAIL. EITHER NEW PATCH FRAME RAILS BE INSTALLED, OR A NOMINAL AMOUNT A MONEY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF A ENTIRE NEW FRAME, FOR THOSE WISHING TO REPLACE THE FRAME ENTIRELY. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE NHTSA FAILS TO MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, COULD INCUR FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO DETECT THE ROTTING OF THE RAIL FROM THE INSIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11242713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Holland, MI Crash

SUSPENSION

MY 2002 JEEP WRANGLER TJ X, FRAME RAILS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT ON BOTH THE SIDES AND REAR CURVE UP OF THE FRAME. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REALIZE THAT IT WAS ROTTING BECAUSE IT ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHILE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME LOOKS PERFECTLY FINE AND PAINT WAS STILL WELL COATED, IT WAS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE. THE PROBLEM DID NOT DISCLOSE ITSELF UNTIL THE BRACKET GOT THE SPRING ARE THE AXLE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF WHEN THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WHEN IT BROKE OFF, IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH. THERE WAS NO FORETELLING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE WAS INVISIBLE AND NOT ABLE TO BE DETECTED. MYSELF I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG ENOUGH FLAW THAT SHOULD BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. MY JEEP WAS TREATED LIKE MY BABY. I TOOK EXTREMELY WELL GOOD CARE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. INSPECTING THE FRAME AND BODY EVERY YEAR IN THE SPRING TO MAKE SURE IT ALL PAINT WAS TOUCHED UP AND FRAME PARTS WERE KEPT COATED WITH PAINT. NOWADAYS PRETTY MUCH UNHEARD OF FOR ONLY A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. WHEN PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2002 AT A COST OF $21,000, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT ONLY TO LAST FOR 12 YEARS IS A HIGH PRICE TO PAY. I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST THAT A RECALL RULING BE MADE FOR ALL 2002 AND OTHER YEARS THAT HAS THE INTERNAL ROTTING OF THE FRAME RAIL. EITHER NEW PATCH FRAME RAILS BE INSTALLED, OR A NOMINAL AMOUNT A MONEY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF A ENTIRE NEW FRAME, FOR THOSE WISHING TO REPLACE THE FRAME ENTIRELY. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE NHTSA FAILS TO MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, COULD INCUR FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO DETECT THE ROTTING OF THE RAIL FROM THE INSIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11242713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Dumfries, VA Crash Fire 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

TAKATA RECALL- DRIVING DOWN A DARK COUNTY ROAD- LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT OFF ROAD AND HIT A TREE- UPON IMPACT THE JEEP BURST INTO FLAMES- THE DRIVER WAS PULLED OUT BECAUSE SHE WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE BURNING JEEP- THE JEEP WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE FIRE

NHTSA complaint #10816487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,000 miles Buford, GA Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND SMOKED STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE BY LIFTING THE HOOD, IT ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 173,000.

NHTSA complaint #10464792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,846 miles Mcmurray, PA Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE 2002 JEEP WRANGLER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I270 AROUND ST LOUIS AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES. COMPLETE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FIRE. R.A. BOTT, SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR FOR JEEP, CLAIMED NO MALFUNCTION BY JEEP. THIS WAS A FUEL LINE EXPLOSION IN THAT THE FUEL LINE ENDED UP WITH A PIN HOLE LEAK AND SPRAYED FUEL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE WRANGLER CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW UP MINUTES AFTER I GOT OFF THE ROAD. THANK YOU TO A VEHICLE THAT ALERTED ME TO THE FIRE COMING OUT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AS I WAS DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10462215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140 miles Manchester, NH Fire 2 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE EXITING THE OFFRAMP FROM A HIGHWAY, I DOWNSHIFTED MY JEEP WRANGLER. THE CLUTCH WENT ON ME, AND I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. BEFORE I COULD STOP THE VEHICLE, AN EXTREMELY QUICK FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE ENGINE, AND SPREAD TO THE CAB, COMPLETELY PLACING MYSELF AND GIRLFRIEND IN A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION. WITHIN MINUTES, THE ENTIRE JEEP WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WITH US BARELY ESCAPING. HAVE HAD NO COOPERATION FROM THE DEALER, OR CHRYSLER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT RUNNING CONDITION, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL ERROR. CHRYSLER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, TOLD ME THAT IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT, BUT HAS YET TO EXPLAIN WHAT ACTUALLY WAS THE CAUSE.

NHTSA complaint #10244884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Long Valley, NJ

SUSPENSION

Frame is rotted out. Vehicle is well maintained and it is upsetting. After spending good money for a reputable brand, the frame did not last. It is not drivable and is unsafe to be on the road. It is not safe to travel with my family. Everyone I know that has these years wrangler TJ model has this problem. Lower and upper control arms need to be welded back because they rotted off.

NHTSA complaint #11454402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Valley, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame is rotted out. Vehicle is well maintained and it is upsetting. After spending good money for a reputable brand, the frame did not last. It is not drivable and is unsafe to be on the road. It is not safe to travel with my family. Everyone I know that has these years wrangler TJ model has this problem. Lower and upper control arms need to be welded back because they rotted off.

NHTSA complaint #11454402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,868 miles Ofallon, MO

STEERING

PURCHASED A 2002 JEEP FROM TWIN RIVERS AUTO SALES, I DID NOT RECEIVE A VEHICLE DISCLOSURE REPORT AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT WAS DAMAGED WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WHICH MAKES DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE IT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSE OTHER'AND MYSELF EXTREME HARM OR DEATH. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF ANY PROBLEM WITH FRAME, AFTER PURCHASE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO ZIEBART AND IT WOULD BE UNDERCOATED FOR FREE, THEY TRIED TO COVER UP WITH THE UNDERCOATING WHERE THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ALONG WITH OTHER DEFECTS IN THE FRAME I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE THE JEEP FROM DEALERSHIP TO ZIEBARTS FOR THE UNDERCOATING AND THEN HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO MY HOUSE DUE TO THE STABILIZER LINK BREAKING BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BREAKING AWAY FROM FRAME DUE TO RUST, . I'VE TRIED CALL THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES WITH NO REPLY. I AM THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED OR DEAD IF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY, THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS 6700.00 AND THEN ADDITIONAL 5 NEW TIRES 600.00 AND TWO LEAKING AND BENT RIMS AT 75.00 FOR A TOTAL OF 7375.00 ON A UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH THE DEALERSHIP NEW ABOUT . I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, AND FRUSTRATED WITH THIS SITUATION. I NEED HELP GETTING THIS RESOLVED BUT THEY WILL NOT RERUN MY CALLS AND HAVE HUNG UP ON ME I HAVE PHOTOS AND A INSPECTION SAYING THAT IT WAS SAFE WHEN FAR FROM BEING SAFE POINT BLANK THIS DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT WAS U SAFE FOR OTHERS AND MYSELF TO BE ON THE ROAD SO NOW I AM OUT ALL OF THIS MONEY AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION SO THAT THEY CAN NOT DUE BUSINESS IN THIS MANNER AND I CAN RESOLVE THIS WITH EITHER GIVING ME BACK MY COST OF THE JEEP AND TIRES AND RIMS . I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO OR WHO TO CONTACT IN TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK IT IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR A JEEP I CAN'T DRIVE

NHTSA complaint #11404830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,868 miles Ofallon, MO

SUSPENSION

PURCHASED A 2002 JEEP FROM TWIN RIVERS AUTO SALES, I DID NOT RECEIVE A VEHICLE DISCLOSURE REPORT AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT WAS DAMAGED WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WHICH MAKES DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE IT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSE OTHER'AND MYSELF EXTREME HARM OR DEATH. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF ANY PROBLEM WITH FRAME, AFTER PURCHASE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO ZIEBART AND IT WOULD BE UNDERCOATED FOR FREE, THEY TRIED TO COVER UP WITH THE UNDERCOATING WHERE THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ALONG WITH OTHER DEFECTS IN THE FRAME I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE THE JEEP FROM DEALERSHIP TO ZIEBARTS FOR THE UNDERCOATING AND THEN HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO MY HOUSE DUE TO THE STABILIZER LINK BREAKING BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BREAKING AWAY FROM FRAME DUE TO RUST, . I'VE TRIED CALL THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES WITH NO REPLY. I AM THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED OR DEAD IF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY, THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS 6700.00 AND THEN ADDITIONAL 5 NEW TIRES 600.00 AND TWO LEAKING AND BENT RIMS AT 75.00 FOR A TOTAL OF 7375.00 ON A UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH THE DEALERSHIP NEW ABOUT . I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, AND FRUSTRATED WITH THIS SITUATION. I NEED HELP GETTING THIS RESOLVED BUT THEY WILL NOT RERUN MY CALLS AND HAVE HUNG UP ON ME I HAVE PHOTOS AND A INSPECTION SAYING THAT IT WAS SAFE WHEN FAR FROM BEING SAFE POINT BLANK THIS DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT WAS U SAFE FOR OTHERS AND MYSELF TO BE ON THE ROAD SO NOW I AM OUT ALL OF THIS MONEY AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION SO THAT THEY CAN NOT DUE BUSINESS IN THIS MANNER AND I CAN RESOLVE THIS WITH EITHER GIVING ME BACK MY COST OF THE JEEP AND TIRES AND RIMS . I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO OR WHO TO CONTACT IN TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK IT IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR A JEEP I CAN'T DRIVE

NHTSA complaint #11404830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,868 miles Ofallon, MO

STRUCTURE:BODY

PURCHASED A 2002 JEEP FROM TWIN RIVERS AUTO SALES, I DID NOT RECEIVE A VEHICLE DISCLOSURE REPORT AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT WAS DAMAGED WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WHICH MAKES DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE IT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSE OTHER'AND MYSELF EXTREME HARM OR DEATH. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF ANY PROBLEM WITH FRAME, AFTER PURCHASE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO ZIEBART AND IT WOULD BE UNDERCOATED FOR FREE, THEY TRIED TO COVER UP WITH THE UNDERCOATING WHERE THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ALONG WITH OTHER DEFECTS IN THE FRAME I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE THE JEEP FROM DEALERSHIP TO ZIEBARTS FOR THE UNDERCOATING AND THEN HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO MY HOUSE DUE TO THE STABILIZER LINK BREAKING BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET BREAKING AWAY FROM FRAME DUE TO RUST, . I'VE TRIED CALL THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES WITH NO REPLY. I AM THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED OR DEAD IF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY, THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS 6700.00 AND THEN ADDITIONAL 5 NEW TIRES 600.00 AND TWO LEAKING AND BENT RIMS AT 75.00 FOR A TOTAL OF 7375.00 ON A UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH THE DEALERSHIP NEW ABOUT . I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, AND FRUSTRATED WITH THIS SITUATION. I NEED HELP GETTING THIS RESOLVED BUT THEY WILL NOT RERUN MY CALLS AND HAVE HUNG UP ON ME I HAVE PHOTOS AND A INSPECTION SAYING THAT IT WAS SAFE WHEN FAR FROM BEING SAFE POINT BLANK THIS DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A VEHICLE THAT WAS U SAFE FOR OTHERS AND MYSELF TO BE ON THE ROAD SO NOW I AM OUT ALL OF THIS MONEY AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION SO THAT THEY CAN NOT DUE BUSINESS IN THIS MANNER AND I CAN RESOLVE THIS WITH EITHER GIVING ME BACK MY COST OF THE JEEP AND TIRES AND RIMS . I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO OR WHO TO CONTACT IN TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK IT IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR A JEEP I CAN'T DRIVE

NHTSA complaint #11404830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Summer Shade, KY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED SEVERE RUST FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LEAF SPRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED A 60% FRACTURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11309977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Summer Shade, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED SEVERE RUST FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LEAF SPRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED A 60% FRACTURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11309977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 186,000 miles Pontiac, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FOR A POPULAR ON AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE WHICH HAS A REPUTATION FOR STRENGTH AND DURABILITY, WHY WOULD THE FRAME, THE VERY FOUNDATION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, BE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUSTING OUT AND MAKING SAID VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOT COOL , JEEP, NOT COOL.

NHTSA complaint #11291532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 186,000 miles Pontiac, MI

SUSPENSION

FOR A POPULAR ON AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE WHICH HAS A REPUTATION FOR STRENGTH AND DURABILITY, WHY WOULD THE FRAME, THE VERY FOUNDATION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, BE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUSTING OUT AND MAKING SAID VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOT COOL , JEEP, NOT COOL.

NHTSA complaint #11291532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 186,000 miles Pontiac, MI

ENGINE

FOR A POPULAR ON AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE WHICH HAS A REPUTATION FOR STRENGTH AND DURABILITY, WHY WOULD THE FRAME, THE VERY FOUNDATION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, BE SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUSTING OUT AND MAKING SAID VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOT COOL , JEEP, NOT COOL.

NHTSA complaint #11291532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Ardmore, TN

POWER TRAIN

FRAME RUSTING OUT

NHTSA complaint #11291090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Ardmore, TN

SUSPENSION

FRAME RUSTING OUT

NHTSA complaint #11291090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Lawrenceburg, KY

SUSPENSION

FRAME IS ROTTEN. THIS HAS TOOK DRIVING IT SAFELY AWAY

NHTSA complaint #11290476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Lawrenceburg, KY

SUSPENSION

COMPLETE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND CANNOT BE DROVE SAFELY.

NHTSA complaint #11278889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winchester, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS FAULTY FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE WHERE WATER AND DIRT CAN ENTER THE FRAME BUT NO WAY TO EXIT THEREFORE BECOMING TRAPPED TO ALLOW RUST TO FORM FROM THE INSIDE OF FRAME. THIS NOT ONLY PROMOTES BUT ALLOWS THE LIFE OF THE FRAME TO BECOME DANGEROUSLY WEAK AND IF IN A ACCIDENT NOT TO WITH STAND A IMPACT AND CREATE A SITUATION WHERE LIFE OR HARM TO PERSONS INCREASE.

NHTSA complaint #11246518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Holland, MI Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2002 JEEP WRANGLER TJ X, FRAME RAILS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT ON BOTH THE SIDES AND REAR CURVE UP OF THE FRAME. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REALIZE THAT IT WAS ROTTING BECAUSE IT ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHILE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME LOOKS PERFECTLY FINE AND PAINT WAS STILL WELL COATED, IT WAS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE. THE PROBLEM DID NOT DISCLOSE ITSELF UNTIL THE BRACKET GOT THE SPRING ARE THE AXLE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF WHEN THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WHEN IT BROKE OFF, IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH. THERE WAS NO FORETELLING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE WAS INVISIBLE AND NOT ABLE TO BE DETECTED. MYSELF I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG ENOUGH FLAW THAT SHOULD BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. MY JEEP WAS TREATED LIKE MY BABY. I TOOK EXTREMELY WELL GOOD CARE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. INSPECTING THE FRAME AND BODY EVERY YEAR IN THE SPRING TO MAKE SURE IT ALL PAINT WAS TOUCHED UP AND FRAME PARTS WERE KEPT COATED WITH PAINT. NOWADAYS PRETTY MUCH UNHEARD OF FOR ONLY A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. WHEN PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2002 AT A COST OF $21,000, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT ONLY TO LAST FOR 12 YEARS IS A HIGH PRICE TO PAY. I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST THAT A RECALL RULING BE MADE FOR ALL 2002 AND OTHER YEARS THAT HAS THE INTERNAL ROTTING OF THE FRAME RAIL. EITHER NEW PATCH FRAME RAILS BE INSTALLED, OR A NOMINAL AMOUNT A MONEY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF A ENTIRE NEW FRAME, FOR THOSE WISHING TO REPLACE THE FRAME ENTIRELY. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE NHTSA FAILS TO MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, COULD INCUR FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO DETECT THE ROTTING OF THE RAIL FROM THE INSIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11242713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Holland, MI Crash

SUSPENSION

MY 2002 JEEP WRANGLER TJ X, FRAME RAILS ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT ON BOTH THE SIDES AND REAR CURVE UP OF THE FRAME. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REALIZE THAT IT WAS ROTTING BECAUSE IT ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHILE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME LOOKS PERFECTLY FINE AND PAINT WAS STILL WELL COATED, IT WAS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE. THE PROBLEM DID NOT DISCLOSE ITSELF UNTIL THE BRACKET GOT THE SPRING ARE THE AXLE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF WHEN THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WHEN IT BROKE OFF, IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH. THERE WAS NO FORETELLING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE ROT FROM THE INSIDE WAS INVISIBLE AND NOT ABLE TO BE DETECTED. MYSELF I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG ENOUGH FLAW THAT SHOULD BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. MY JEEP WAS TREATED LIKE MY BABY. I TOOK EXTREMELY WELL GOOD CARE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. INSPECTING THE FRAME AND BODY EVERY YEAR IN THE SPRING TO MAKE SURE IT ALL PAINT WAS TOUCHED UP AND FRAME PARTS WERE KEPT COATED WITH PAINT. NOWADAYS PRETTY MUCH UNHEARD OF FOR ONLY A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. WHEN PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2002 AT A COST OF $21,000, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT ONLY TO LAST FOR 12 YEARS IS A HIGH PRICE TO PAY. I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST THAT A RECALL RULING BE MADE FOR ALL 2002 AND OTHER YEARS THAT HAS THE INTERNAL ROTTING OF THE FRAME RAIL. EITHER NEW PATCH FRAME RAILS BE INSTALLED, OR A NOMINAL AMOUNT A MONEY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF A ENTIRE NEW FRAME, FOR THOSE WISHING TO REPLACE THE FRAME ENTIRELY. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE NHTSA FAILS TO MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, COULD INCUR FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO DETECT THE ROTTING OF THE RAIL FROM THE INSIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11242713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Earlington, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WATERMARK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (LOCATED AT 1055 CROSSING PL, MADISONVILLE, KY 42431, (270) 875-4432), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11242098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102 miles Crystal Lake, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAME IS ROTTING TERRIBLY AND THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ARE ABOUT TO CRACK OFF AND THE TRANS/SKID PLATE HAS ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE TRANSFER CASE AND TRANS TO FALL OFF OF THE FRAME, VEHICLE WAS CITY DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPEND

NHTSA complaint #11233297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102 miles Crystal Lake, IL

SUSPENSION

THE FRAME IS ROTTING TERRIBLY AND THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ARE ABOUT TO CRACK OFF AND THE TRANS/SKID PLATE HAS ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE TRANSFER CASE AND TRANS TO FALL OFF OF THE FRAME, VEHICLE WAS CITY DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPEND

NHTSA complaint #11233297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102 miles Crystal Lake, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME IS ROTTING TERRIBLY AND THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ARE ABOUT TO CRACK OFF AND THE TRANS/SKID PLATE HAS ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE TRANSFER CASE AND TRANS TO FALL OFF OF THE FRAME, VEHICLE WAS CITY DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPEND

NHTSA complaint #11233297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Niskayuna, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

EXCESSIVE FRAME ROT DUE TO POOR DESIGN BY MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #11185046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Houston, TX

WHEELS

DEATH WOBBLE EXPERIENCED DAILY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. I HIT A BUMP OR UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD AND DEATH WOBBLE BEGINS IT USUALLY STARTS AT 35- 40 MPH. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO SLOW ALL THE WAY TO 20 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. I HAVE REPLACED U JOINTS, REAR DRIVE SHAFT, BALL JOINTS, TIRES, STEERING STABILIZER, TIE RODS, GOTTEN WHEEL BALANCES MANY TIMES, REPLACED DRAG LINK AND ALL BUSHINGS. NOTHING HAS HELPED SO FAR.

NHTSA complaint #11152658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Houston, TX

STEERING

DEATH WOBBLE EXPERIENCED DAILY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. I HIT A BUMP OR UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD AND DEATH WOBBLE BEGINS IT USUALLY STARTS AT 35- 40 MPH. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO SLOW ALL THE WAY TO 20 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. I HAVE REPLACED U JOINTS, REAR DRIVE SHAFT, BALL JOINTS, TIRES, STEERING STABILIZER, TIE RODS, GOTTEN WHEEL BALANCES MANY TIMES, REPLACED DRAG LINK AND ALL BUSHINGS. NOTHING HAS HELPED SO FAR.

NHTSA complaint #11152658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Houston, TX

SUSPENSION

DEATH WOBBLE EXPERIENCED DAILY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. I HIT A BUMP OR UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD AND DEATH WOBBLE BEGINS IT USUALLY STARTS AT 35- 40 MPH. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO SLOW ALL THE WAY TO 20 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. I HAVE REPLACED U JOINTS, REAR DRIVE SHAFT, BALL JOINTS, TIRES, STEERING STABILIZER, TIE RODS, GOTTEN WHEEL BALANCES MANY TIMES, REPLACED DRAG LINK AND ALL BUSHINGS. NOTHING HAS HELPED SO FAR.

NHTSA complaint #11152658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.