Problems with 2002 Jeep Liberty ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The 2002 jeep liberty we bought for my wife back in 2010 from we thought was a very good honest car dealer will not name this person, but i ended up placing a brand new water pump within days of buying, then a new radio part from the dealer not cheap either, then the hood supports one was bad and the hood fell on my head so i bought 2 more not cheap all the oem- parts, not long after that had new suv tires the type it used, had to buy the book that goes with the jeep from dealer almost $100 just for the book. we still kept the jeep it was paid for, then i placed new brakes pads and turned the front rotors too, bought new chrome lug nuts the tire people messed up several of my lug nuts, had chrome lug nuts placed, then we-started getting these safety recalls in the mail hard for us to do without a way of going, but the drive shaft dropped out while my brother - in- law was test driving it to find out what was making a bad roaring sound from under the jeep, when he turned the jeep around to go back to his shop the drive-shaft dropped out on the ground, i was shocked as well as him too. and my wife what else is going to happen with that jeep.i never heard of so many recalls for one 2002 jeep liberty i have never seen or heard of what is next.? my wife now drives the jeep without the drive shaft that came loose and dropped out. now it's just a 2 wheel drive jeep not 4x4.i'm very upset with all that has go wrong with this jeep, we've had it almost 5 years and haven't put maybe 10 to 13,000 miles on the jeep during that time, she drives back and to - to work,please help us tell us what to do? if this drive-shaft would have came out while my wife was driving around 55mph it could have either killed or even caused very bad bodily harm to her, in the affected parts will not allow to place the part that you should look at_ front drive_shaft!!) *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle overheated and the engine coolant spilled out. the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously. the vehicle stalled, but restarted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new water pump and radiator. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 110,000.

2002 jeep liberty. consumer writes in regards to air bag system failure in vehicle and seeks reimbursement. *smd the consumer stated he experienced an air bag failure in the summer of 2012, and had it repaired by his mechanic. the consumer submitted the invoice to chrysler for reimbursement. on march 12th, he received a letter from a person with no last name, and a number to call. he received an automated message, to leave his information. on march 26, the automated message had been changed to say there were no representatives to answer calls, and to call back later. on march 28th, the consumer wrote another letter, requesting reimbursement. as of today, there has been no response and no reimbursement. updated 06/20/13*lj also, the o2 sensor was replaced. updated 06/24/13

Email from congressman latta's office re constituent complaints about her chrysler 2002 jeep liberty (119000 mileage) with a knocking engine due to manufacturers problem. *smd the consumer stated she was diligent about checking the oil. however, one day when she checked the oil, due to an engine knock, she discovered the oil was three quarts low and a warning signal never alerted her. when the vehicle was taken to a repair shop, she was informed a new engine was needed at a cost of $4,500. the consumer was informed, there was a known oil delivery issue with the 2002-2003 3.7 liter engines.

I bought my 2002 jeep liberty used with 99000 miles at 105000 the engine blew with no warning. i wish i would have looked into the complaints first never would have bought a jeep. obviously there is a problem with as many complaints that are the same. the 3.7l engine is junk come on jeep do something to help with this $4000 cost of replacing an engine. *tr

Engine failed blowing a cylinder and a half during normal use of the vehicle and i was told by my mechanic it would cost $5,000.00 for a new one. bought the car used and have 84,000 miles on it. *tr

Without warning, the jeep stalled and has catastrophic engine failure. the engine is not salvageable and has to be replaced. there were no warning signs, no check engine lights or oil pressure warnings. the oil is changed regularly and the vehicle has been well maintained. *tr

August 08, bought my 02 liberty. took about 1.5 years to drive it because of an accident - that's why i bought the liberty. about 1 year later the idle air control valve went out, had to replace it. there's been other, minor things, like when accelerating, feels like someone bumped into me. sometimes are worse than others. often feel a "vibration." within months of being 1 year of replacing the iav, began to get extremely bad gas mileage - about 187m to a tank. not sure why. replaced the spark plugs, did a lof, inspection, etc.. almost exactly 1 year from replacing the iav, check engine light came on. was on for 1-1.5 days. i decided not use it until i could get it to the mechanic. next morning, was going to the store & the light was off! but when i pulled into a parking space, it died. this sort of things happened before, db cluster being "faulty." other things [vacuum seal leak, etc] never prompted the lights on. had to replace the iav again & it ran fine. recently, been getting that "kicking" feeling & like my car is running "rough". today, i noticed the airbag light was stuck on. checked the manual, it said to have the airbag system checked. i was nervous about driving - had an odd feeling the airbag would deploy - moved my seat back just in case. since the accident, i get anxiety over these things. luckily, no deployment. got it home, turned it off, waited, turned it on, waited a few seconds and the light turned off this time. went straight to my computer only to find these recalls and investigations - one being the steering - last week had a nerve-wracking experience, my car began to swerve turning left onto the freeway, it was raining, so, i slowly merged. wasn't until it straightened out that it began to swerve, almost like losing control, didn't feel like a "slip." but i just assumed it was. also, the seat belts don't seem to stay click in at times. *tr

I have a 2002 jeep liberty. change oil every 3000 miles. valve seat shattered. zero compression in #2 cylinder. i checked on line and there is a lot of other people with the same problem. what are you going to do about it? i loved my jeep so much we were going to buy another one. now i'm having second thoughts about buying your vehicles. *tr

Cause: seat got loose got jammed in the valve and busted the piston, effect: engine chokes out. wont idle. misfires. pulled no codes. i have found this and broken valve springs are an extremely common flaw in jeeps 2002-5. in 2006 chrysler changed the intake parts for it and never notified the public as to the reason. the replacement parts are listed as being able to be bought rebuilt or new, however you cannot find any rebuilt ones. reason being you would have the same problem because its defective. this should have been recalled. no deaths=no recall -[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the engine rucker arm had detached from the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty limited. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop who diagnosed that the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 130,000.

When vehicle was started that morning check engine light came on. no apparent problems oil and other fluids ok. the power steering at one point that day seemed to go out for a brief moment but problem was not recurring. driving down the highway that afternoon and the vehicle just died smoke was pouring from under the hood. i pulled onto the side of the road, liquid was leaking all over the ground. called a mechanic he stated it was antifreeze leaking. could not restart vehicle, had it towed to mechanic. upon inspection i found out the long block was cracked. i bought the jeep a year ago used, currently 140,000 miles. i am still paying on it monthly. it needs a new engine and is currently sitting in my driveway. i am still paying on it monthly. after talking to a few mechanics i found out this is a common problem with this make/model/year. the research i have done confirms it. i am paying to every month to have a brokendown vehicle in my driveway that i can't drive and can't afford to fix. this is a problem with the manufacturing of the engine who is going to take responsibility. *tr

I have a 2002 jeep liberty. i had a new transmission put in january 2011. the jeep has about 202000 miles. now i am told that i need a new engine. i have always done the oil changes as noted. the jeep is not even worth the cost of a rebuilt engine. now am reading that chrysler knows about this problem but are denying the engine sludge. i will be a pare of any class action suit against them. this is crazy. *tr

I have contacted jeep about the noise problem before after having a recall notice worked on and said it sounded like a piece of junk after being worked on and something was grinding. they told me nothing was wrong. well, obviously there was because now it needs a new engine at 157,000 miles!!!! i had the oil changed regularly also. it is now parked in our drive needing a new engine!!!!! we have been dodge and jeep buyers all our lives but now we went and bought a kia!! we lost all trust in jeep since they wouldn't stand good tp problems they knew they had. i called jeep and the representative just told me to drive slow! i could not believe i had that kind of a response! *tr

Car overheated, check engine light came on and steam poured out from under the hood on the highway. mechanic used a scan tool and determined that there was a cylinder 2 misfire. coolant was found in the cylinder and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. when the head was removed the gasket was ok but it was determined that the engine (long block) needed to be replaced. i have found other owners online who have had this same issue with the 2002 and 2003 jeep liberty's. i am over the 7 year 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. car was always maintained and regular oil changes were performed. no off-roading or towing done with this vehicle. *tr

Needs new engine. *tr

Engine was running great. started to loose power, skipped and then blew up.. new engine was $5000.00 from the dealer... it started to skip again.. i took it back for $3000.00 dollars more work... now its skipping again... *js

While driving my 2002 jeep liberty at an estimated 45-50 mph, the engine suddenly stalled and then shut off without warning. the engine roared as if accelerating and rpms fluctuated from high to low without increasing actual vehicle speed and lost control of steering and coasted until car stopped. the dashboard lit up for battery, check engine light, and oil and all other power stayed on, including radio and headlights and emergency lights. when car came to a stop, i put the car in park and turned it off and restarted it. dashboard indicators turned off and car started normally to only repeat the same engine stall less than a mile away at a slower speed. car then required several more attempts to start engine. at this time, the car had a 1/2 tank of gas. the next day i changed all fluids including oil, antifreeze, coolant and added a fuel injection cleaner and filled car to a full tank and was able to drive back home without issue. next time car was used same engine stall happened as car was in reverse and without the rpm fluctuation or dashboard indicators lighting up. new battery installed and hooked up to computer for data codes which revealed no error codes. car currently in shop for 7 days with over $500 in costs that did not solve problem. car maintenance in great shape at 103700 miles and full car tuneup done just last year by jeep dealership. i have been told by the mechanic of several different problems it could be or not be, and invest money in repairs that may not even solve the problem. total engines failures/stalls in one week averaged 2 times each time the car was driven. given the traffic and traveling speed of the car, i was lucky to have avoided collision but do not feel safe or trust to use my car especially after reading complaints of others experiencing same engine failure without a solution provided that solved the problem. *tr

2 jeep liberty's- both engine making loud knocking noise, within a month of each other. took them in for repair. told both need new engines. this will be the 3rd time the engine has been replaced in one jeep; 2 2 times under extended warranty and now 1 engine replaced at $3,500.00. the other jeep first engine needs to be replaced. both jeeps around 130,000 miles. based on internet traffic complaints, discussions with repair mechanics, and the pricing on replacement engines, there is a evident problem and a recall is in order from jeep. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would violently jerk and the engine would make a knocking sound. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure the first two times it was taken in. when the vehicle was taken in for a third time, the dealer stated that the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired.the failure mileage was unknown and current mileage was 71,996.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while turning into the driveway the vehicle stalled, the engine was on but the vehicle would not move forward. the failure occurred forty three times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed her to purchase another without inspecting her vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed her that the vehicle was not fit to drive and it would cost $2000 for the repairs. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.

Stopped to get gas. shut off engine. engine did not work any more. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. the contact stated that the engine exhibited an abnormally loud noise when first starting. upon further inspection, the contact stated that parts of the engine began fracturing and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer advised that the engine would need to be taken apart to determine the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and advised they were unable to assist because they were not aware of the failure. the contact was advised by a local mechanic that the replacement engine could malfunction in the same manner as the original. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 140,000.

I am experiencing a rattling sound when driving uphill or downhill through driveway, traveling 5-20 miles an hour. i took my jeep 2002 liberty 2wd to get serviced and received recommended repairs: prosteer control arm with ball joint upper center, remove and install propeller shaft to replace universal joints on both ends, rear wheel bearings, tail pipe is welded to muffler, muffler does not meet design specifications and should be replaced due to exhaust leak as well, remove rack and pinion, complete rack as does not meet design specifications and is leaking. i was driving about 25 mph and my rear right side tire was smoking profusely. i pulled over and noticed the gray smoke from my tire. i took the car to check the rear breaks. they were fine but was told that i had a leak from the exhaust pipe which dripped on to that area. the car has 75,806 miles. i was told that i could loose control of vehicle and entire area can collapse during traffic due to these issues. aside from these issues, i am experiencing a whistling sound, problems with rear drivers side passenger power window regulator which produces grind-like sound. the window came off and i was told that i needed a new regulator for the window. i'm also experiencing a red stain in engine oil drippage on ground. finally, strange odor from car -odor continues to be present whether i wash the carpets and seats (smells like mold/mildew or skunk). *tr

2002 jeep liberty limited edition valve spring problem. all of sudden loosing power steering and with luck pulled over. *tr

No warning of the failure. valve spring broke due to non clearance in the valve guide causing the valve to hang and get smacked by the piston causing severe damage to the engine. needs engine replaced at a cost of $5 thousand dollars. *tr

It was explained to me by the mechanic that a valve slipped out of the head cylinder. when i was driving the car on the highway in the middle of the highway the car just shut-off without warning. the car behind me almost hit me. i had to call a relative to push the car home. the mechanic explained, after they took apart the engine that a valve slipped out of the cylinder head and got into the engine, which cause the engine to fail. i have a warranty but not a factory warranty so they don't want to cover it. and i still have to make payments! *tr

Engine had almost 150,000 miles. parked vehicle and turned off. when i tried to start vehicle it shook and ran very rough only if i had my foot slightly on the gas pedal. mechanic said that the ring that holds the valve cover came off and went inside the cylinder and it couldn't fire correctly. i needed the engine rebuilt at a cost of over $4000. *tr

We own a 2002 jeep liberty. a coup[le of weeks ago while traveling the little piece of tail pipe fell of the end of the exhaust pipe. we didn't realize this had happen until we started smelling very strong fumes of plastic melting. we got out and checked and found the piece had fallen of and the heat from the exhaust had melted a hole through the rear bumper. we had to drive the rest of the way with all of the windows down so we didn't get over come by the fumes. the worst part of it all is the pipe is right beside the gas tank. we were worried the whole time the heat would ignite the gas. we have had this jeep liberty less than a year and we have bumper to bumper warranty on it. the dealership refuses to do anything about it. we want to know if this car has been recalled for this problem. it is a real safety hazard. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor of coolant. the temperature gauge displayed a high temperature. the vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and the vehicle was turned off. the contact allowed the vehicle to cool down for thirty minutes before restarting it. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the radiator, radiator fan, and cooling temperature sensor were replaced. the failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. the failure mileage was 195,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. whenever the vehicle is started, the engine compartment makes a loud clunking noise. the mechanic stated that there was an issue with the spark plugs. the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure was not corrected. the contact was informed that there was an issue with the valve system. through research, he has found numerous complaints on this same failure and believes it to be a manufacturer defect. he also believes that a recall should be issued. the current and failure mileages were 91,000.

Driving down interstate the oil light came on. checked oil was full. we live about 5 miles away so got off interstate heard a faint noise under the hood we put it in neutral and turned key off and coasted into a parking lot. checked oil and belts everything looked fine. turned the key and nothing happened. no warnings what so ever. the oil pump went bad an seized the engine. this is my transportation now i have nothing to drive until i can afford $7,000 plus for a new engine. this was out of warranty by less then 90 days. have almost 90,000 miles on it. i love my liberty but will never buy another jeep again. it has always been maintained and without warning the engine goes out. *tr

Air conditioning compressor fails to engage. i had to replace the compressor once already in 2007, service tech said the spring in the compressor must have broke. needed to replace the compressor. now 2009, and again having the same problem, the a/c compressor will not engage. going to have it repaired this week ! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while driving approximately 50 mph, the engine stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the engine would need to be replaced. the faulty engine was not included in the service warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

I own a 2002 jeep liberty and within the last year i have replaced the serpentine belt, spark plugs, temp, brakes,rotors, all fluids have been change yearly, thecoils to spark plugs, etc. alot of things have gone wrong. it has about 82,000 miles. it's overheating, shaking, my engine is burning all the coolant and oil as soon as it hits the engine i can hear it boiling under the hood now and it's not safe to drive anymore. i've had it towed to see what's going on,but i was told that my engine is shot and he has no explanation to why except that its burning all the fluids put in it everything else looks fine and is new thanks to me because i've been trying to figure out what is wrong with it and really to find out there is nothing i could do about it. so i called your jeep dealerships and they say its not common for that to happen so is this a safety issue or is this engine defective? please help me i've done everything i could do. *tr

Jeep liberty has problem with engine misfire resulting in a dangerous condition if you are driving. the engine will buck wildly. have taken to dealer 5 times. appears to fix problem, but returns without fail after a few thousand miles. i have seen many of the same complaints on various web sites (google "engine misfire jeep liberty 2002 3.7). codes from car computer are p0354 and p0304 indicating failure in coil and engine misfire. replace coil and spark plugs problem keeps returning. i have seen many others with same problem although the last digit of the odb codes could be different. i believe there is a serious defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle causing the problem. if you were in an accident avoidance situation, this problem could cause a crash and death. *tr

This is the letter i sent chrysler corporation. i have a major problem with the valve seat coming off and damaging my jeep liberty engine. we purchased the car new and have continually provided maintenance on the vehicle at your dealerships. in fact, we were one of the very first owners of the jeep liberty and was invited and participated in a focus group supporting this vehicle. what is upsetting is the lack of interest now from your customer relations department except for your local dealership who has been supportive, on what has occurred. this is a safety issue and this problem is a manufacturer defect . this incident could have caused my daughter to have an accident since she was driving this car as a high school senior. i will take every step possible and report this safety issue to all parties. i was told the engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced and chrysler customer relations won't help. this is not a isolated incident as other data has been discovered on other similar engines reported same resulting problems. i have photos and there is additional information revealing other valve seat problems resulted in damage to other engines. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. the contact's vehicle was repaired in 2007 according to nhtsa campaign id number 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). one year later, while attempting to make left turns, he heard a loud popping noise coming from the rear driver's side tire. he has not had the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the upper part of the radiator also produced a hairline crack, causing radiator fluid to leak from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who found the source of the leak at the radiator tube. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 81,000. updated 10/14/08. *lj the lower ball joint failed. updated 10/15/08 *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. while starting the vehicle, the electronic cooling fan blade separated and penetrated the shroud. a piece of the blade penetrated and stuck in the insulation of the hood. the dealer was notified and gave the contact the run-around. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number 06v199000 (engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan) for the 2002 jeep grand cherokee. the vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic or dealer at this time. the contact has pictures. the current and failure mileages were 113,000.

2 weeks ago we had an engine light come on and took it to a dealership to have it serviced. it came back after putting it on the analyzer that cylinder 6 had misfired so they just reset the light and said if it came back on to come in and they would replace the sparkplug. 2 weeks later the light came back on and the upper and lower seal blew. i was told by the service dept. that it would be 6 to 8 weeks to get the part and that we are number 60 on the list for the same parts. is there a recall problem that we don't know about? *tr

2002 jeep liberty ---plastic fan broke and took out the electric fan, all shrouds total cost was $1,236.19 [plastic fan what the ?!@#$% gives]. *tr

I was driving my 2002 jeep liberty when the oil light went on. within minutes i lost all steering of the car and the car died. luckily i had just gotten off the highway when this occured. *tr

3 rocker arms in engine has had to be replaced over a 1 yr time span with less than 56000 mile and 6 yrs old. rear window motors have been replace and now have to be replaced again under little to no use. this vehicle i feel is a lemon and needs to be looked at. contact to the dealer and manufacture has proven to be no use of help. the date i have listed is the recent occurrence and i feel this engine is going to lead to a crash if action is not taken. all services has been kept regularly. the night home from work was very scary in i didn't know if the car was going to blow up or lead to a crash. please help me check into whether there is more events of this nationwide that are similar. *tr

Jeep liberty 2002 has vibration in the steering wheel that makes controlling the jeep very difficult at speeds over 60 miles an hour. then i was on the freeway and i had a total loss off power all most causing accidents the dealership said that the engine needs to be torn apart and inspected and a recall of ball joints done the work took them over a year and the problem still continues their is no warranty and i was charged for the recall repair work i asked for the inspection report showing the work on the engine heads and recall work done when i picked up my jeep they gave me an invoice that showed battery and sparkplug for $2085.00 failing to present me with reports i asked for they said all work is warranted for 1yr 12,000 miles i drove the jeep liberty back to service dept after having another facility look at the engine to confirm if work had been done it had not been touched reported the mechanic and i am now scared to drive or own this vehicle . *tr

2002 jeep liberty engine problems due to sludge. consumer states that the engine light illuminated due to the engine having sludge in it from infrequent oil changes and/or weak gasoline. dealer stated the engine needed to be replaced but decided not to replace it, because of the circumstances which caused the engine to be in need of replacement. *kb the dealer replaced the cylinder heads and evaporation hose. the engine overheated, however the dealer stated everything checked out ok and was probably hard air. *jb

Check engine light came on and was told that the spark plugs were "fouled". replaced all spark plugs and within one day, check engine light was back on. returned to dealership and was told that the car needed a new engine gasket. gasket was replaced. within 10 months check engine light appeared again and i was told by the dealership that the car now needs a new engine cylinder. car has approx. 85,000 miles and is used only for transportation to and from work - no "off-roading" or "towing". *tr

Electric cooling fan blades disintegrated penetrating the fan shroud and damaging the radiator.

While leaving a parking lot, the electric cooling fan blades on my 2002 jeep liberty 4wd limited broke apart sending pieces through the shroud in several places. just hours before, i was checking the engine for an intermittent noise. i would have been severely injured if the fan disintegrated while checking the out the noise! i have an appointment with the dealer for repairs. i have been told that the repair is not covered under warranty or recall action. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep liberty. the contact stated that the blower motor connector failed intermittently. once he removed the plug from the blower motor, he found that the motor was corroded and sustained heat damage. the cables have all been burned. the current and failure mileages were 79,000.