Jeep

Liberty (1st)

2002-2007 · Midsize SUV · 8 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
7,443 NHTSA Complaints
28 Recalls
129 Fire Reports
531 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

L18

8.1L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Suburban (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Silverado HD (2001-2006)GMC Savana (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Sierra (2003-2003)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014) +44 more

L26

3.8L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)SATURN Sc (2002-2002)BUICK Lucerne (2006-2011) +21 more

IZZ-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 126 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)TOYOTA Corolla (2014-2018)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)TOYOTA 4Runner (2000-2002) +22 more

LLR

3.7L 5-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)GMC Acadia (2007-2016)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)HUMMER H2 4-Dr W/Sab (2008-2008)ISUZU I-370 (2007-2007) +10 more

High Output MPI

4.7L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)DODGE Dakota (2005-2011)

DOHC 16V Turbo

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo / 160 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)JEEP Commander (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)JEEP Cherokee (2000-2000)

DOHC 16 V Dual VVT

2.4L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.1)
4 complaints 4.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2
suspension
1
fuel system
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)JEEP Liberty (2008-2012)ACURA MDX (2001-2006)

L36

3.8L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
3 complaints 1.5 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
1
wheels tires
1
steering
1
engine
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)GMC L Series (2003-2003)FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007) +63 more

Recalls (28)

18V278000Jan 4, 2018serious
Suspension

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The rear suspension lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion, causing a loss of vehicle control.

15V046000Jan 27, 2015serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

15V673000Oct 18, 2015serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured March 29, 2003, to July 3, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 27, 2003, to May 20, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

15V222000Apr 14, 2015serious
Powertrain

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.

13V252000Jun 18, 2013serious
Fuel System

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.

12E047000Oct 21, 2012serious
Suspension

Timken is recalling certain non-formed, front wheel hubs, part number HA599467, which were sold to retail and automotive distributors in the automobile aftermarket as front wheel hub replacements designed only for use on certain 2002 through 2005, 4X4, non-ABS, Jeep Liberty vehicles. These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4X2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.

12V527000Aug 10, 2012serious
Air Bags

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

12V085000May 2, 2012serious
Suspension

IN JUNE 2012, CHRYSLER EXPANDED THIS RECALL TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES, REPRESENTING AN ADDITIONAL 137,176 VEHICLES. THIS RECALL NOW CONCERNS CERTAIN MY 2004-2007 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES. THE TOTAL NUMBER VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 346,900. THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 3, 2003 THROUGH JUNE 29, 2007. THE RECALL ADDRESSES THOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS THAT CAN EXPERIENCE A REAR SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION DUE TO APPLICATION OF ROAD SALTS DURING WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS.

09E039000Jun 18, 2009serious
Suspension

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.

09V119000Sep 3, 2009serious
Suspension

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 42,469 MY 2002-2003 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR, AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

07V089000Sep 2, 2007serious
Electrical System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VALEO HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC), THE BLOWER MOTOR MAY OVERHEAT.

06V493000Dec 28, 2006serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E065000Jul 16, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E022000Mar 12, 2006serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

06V072000Sep 2, 2006serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." AN INCORRECT RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCH REINFORCEMENT PLATE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY DOOR LATCH TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

06V036000Sep 1, 2006serious
Electrical System

ON CERTAIN TWO WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7 LITER ENGINES, THE LEFT OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST PIPE.

06V341000Jul 8, 2006serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.

06V288000Mar 7, 2006serious
Suspension

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE CONSTANT TENSION FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE CONTAMINATION. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE WEAR AND LOOSENESS.

05V460000Jun 9, 2005serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

04V337000Aug 6, 2004serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES ONLY, TWO VALVE COVER STUDS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESSES.

04V111000Apr 2, 2004cosmetic
Latches/Locks/Linkages

ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CERTAIN REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) INPUT MAY CAUSE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SOFTWARE TO ACTUATE THE DOOR LOCK MOTORS CONTINUOUSLY.

04V048000Mar 1, 2004cosmetic
Equipment

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A RECENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL.

03V460000Oct 10, 2003serious
Suspension

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS CAN EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION THAT CAN LEAD TO CORROSION, ACCELERATED WEAR, AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.

01V373000May 11, 2001serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONTAL OFFSET COLLISION, SHARP EDGES ON THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE BRACKET COULD CUT THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR WIRING INSULATION CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING.

01V311000Apr 9, 2001serious
Unknown Or Other

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE BLOCKER TRIM PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN DISENGAGE, FALL, AND STARTLE THE OPERATOR.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty problems?

The 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty has accumulated 7,443 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Body/Trim, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Jeep Liberty engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty a good used car?

The 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 7,443 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty have?

The 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty has 7,443 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty?

There are 28 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Jeep Liberty?

Before buying a used Jeep Liberty, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Body/Trim, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 7,443 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver