Jeep Liberty 2002–2007
1st generation (KJ)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20269,715 complaints, 6,239 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 6,239
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Suspension (20.7%)
- Recalls
- 7
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 39,000 and 110,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Jeep Liberty 2002–2007 · 6,239 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 321 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 132 complaints (2.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 110,000
- 90%
- 150,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 321 | 5.1% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 140 | 2.2% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 146 | 2.3% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 138 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 173 | 2.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 182 | 2.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 224 | 3.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 273 | 4.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 292 | 4.7% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 241 | 3.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 294 | 4.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 195 | 3.1% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 281 | 4.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 214 | 3.4% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 211 | 3.4% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 206 | 3.3% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 232 | 3.7% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 156 | 2.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 191 | 3.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 184 | 2.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 201 | 3.2% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 145 | 2.3% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 138 | 2.2% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 97 | 1.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 161 | 2.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 123 | 2.0% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 134 | 2.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 96 | 1.5% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 116 | 1.9% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 69 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 116 | 1.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 50 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 81 | 1.3% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 57 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 64 | 1.0% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 45 | 0.7% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 49 | 0.8% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 35 | 0.6% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 24 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 132 | 2.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 9,715 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty, and 6,239 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 39,000 and 110,000 miles. The median is 70,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the suspension (20.7% of complaints, typically around 68,000 miles), the airbag system (11.1% of complaints, typically around 110,000 miles), visibility equipment (10.1% of complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
7 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles — figures drawn from 6,239 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
132 reports (2.1%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Liberty reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2002–2007 Liberty: the 3-minute check
Generated from 6,239 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check suspension/steering on 2002–2003 cars. Front lower control arm ball joint wear and separation. NHTSA recalls covered vehicles built 2 Jan 2001 - 4 Oct 2002 (modified ball joint assemblies plus heat shields) and 5 Oct 2002 - 26 Mar 2003 (inspect/replace as…
- Check body/electrical on 2002–2007 cars. Window regulator failure — the regulator binds, tips the glass forward, chatters, and the window drops into the door, often suddenly. Subject of a US class action alleging the defect spans the whole generation and…
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 39,000 and 110,000 miles, with a median of 70,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the suspension and the airbag system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The suspension in particular shows a median failure mileage of 68,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Jeep Liberty 2002–2007
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Visibility equipment978 reports49,00032,000–70,000Visibility equipment: 978 reports, median 49,000 miles, middle half 32,000 to 70,000 miles.
- Fuel system746 reports60,00040,000–90,000Fuel system: 746 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Suspension2,015 reports68,00040,000–110,000Suspension: 2,015 reports, median 68,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 110,000 miles.
- Electrical system555 reports77,00043,000–112,000Electrical system: 555 reports, median 77,000 miles, middle half 43,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system721 reports90,00060,000–125,000Fuel and propulsion system: 721 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 125,000 miles.
- Body structure729 reports94,00063,000–127,000Body structure: 729 reports, median 94,000 miles, middle half 63,000 to 127,000 miles.
- Airbag system1,077 reports110,00070,000–150,000Airbag system: 1,077 reports, median 110,000 miles, middle half 70,000 to 150,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2,015 | 20.7% | 68,000 | 40,000–110,000 |
| Airbag system | 1,077 | 11.1% | 110,000 | 70,000–150,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 978 | 10.1% | 49,000 | 32,000–70,000 |
| Fuel system | 746 | 7.7% | 60,000 | 40,000–90,000 |
| Body structure | 729 | 7.5% | 94,000 | 63,000–127,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 721 | 7.4% | 90,000 | 60,000–125,000 |
| Electrical system | 555 | 5.7% | 77,000 | 43,000–112,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 426 | 4.4% | 42,000 | 15,000–85,000 |
| Steering | 315 | 3.2% | 86,000 | 42,000–132,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 250 | 2.6% | 50,000 | 16,000–84,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Jeep Liberty 2002–2007 · 6,239 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 42% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 63% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 98%: the remaining 2.1% of reports (132) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
42% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Suspension — middle half 40,000–110,000 mi
- Visibility equipment — middle half 32,000–70,000 mi
- Fuel system — middle half 40,000–90,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 60,000–125,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 43,000–112,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Airbag system — middle half 70,000–150,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 63,000–127,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
63% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Visibility equipment — median 49,000 mi
- Fuel system — median 60,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Suspension — middle half 40,000–110,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 70,000–150,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 63,000–127,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 60,000–125,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 43,000–112,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
78% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Suspension — median 68,000 mi
- Visibility equipment — median 49,000 mi
- Fuel system — median 60,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 77,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Airbag system — middle half 70,000–150,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 63,000–127,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 60,000–125,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 70,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The suspension accounts for 20.7% of complaints (2,015 reports, 1,405 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 68,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 110,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 11.1% of complaints (1,077 reports, 574 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 110,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 70,000 and 150,000 miles.
Visibility equipment accounts for 10.1% of complaints (978 reports, 840 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 49,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 32,000 and 70,000 miles.
The fuel system accounts for 7.7% of complaints (746 reports, 274 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 60,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 90,000 miles.
Body structure accounts for 7.5% of complaints (729 reports, 198 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 94,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 63,000 and 127,000 miles.
The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 7.4% of complaints (721 reports, 266 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 125,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2002 model year drew the most — 2,330 complaints — while 2007 drew the fewest at 941. The median year sits at 1,596.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (3), the suspension (2), the transmission and driveline (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 9,715 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 718 (7.4%)
- Fires
- 170
- Injury reports
- 525
- Fatality reports
- 18
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Suspension/Steering 2002–2003
Front lower control arm ball joint wear and separation. NHTSA recalls covered vehicles built 2 Jan 2001 - 4 Oct 2002 (modified ball joint assemblies plus heat shields) and 5 Oct 2002 - 26 Mar 2003 (inspect/replace as necessary with heat shields). Heat from the exhaust degrading the joint boot was implicated.
Body/Electrical 2002–2007
Window regulator failure — the regulator binds, tips the glass forward, chatters, and the window drops into the door, often suddenly. Subject of a US class action alleging the defect spans the whole generation and cannot be permanently repaired.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2,330 | 1,331 |
| 2003 | 1,731 | 1,057 |
| 2004 | 1,440 | 965 |
| 2005 | 1,461 | 957 |
| 2006 | 1,812 | 1,301 |
| 2007 | 941 | 628 |
Recalls (7) — is your car included?
Jun 2018 · 2004–2007 · SuspensionA fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A fractured control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U38. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-085. Vehicles included in that campaign are not included in this recall.
May 2016 · 2003 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R60.
Dec 2015 · 2002–2003 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.
Aug 2015 · 2006 · Power TrainIf the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Aug 2014 · 2002–2007 · StructureA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The free fix. Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge
Sep 2013 · 2002–2003 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected Liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for affected Grand Cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Mar 2012 · 2004–2007 · SuspensionA fracture of the rear lower control arm may result in a loss of vehicle control and may lead to a vehicle…
The defect. 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,
What can happen. A fracture of the rear lower control arm may result in a loss of vehicle control and may lead to a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lower control arms on all affected vehicles originally sold in, 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, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 26, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners reported
The vehicle pulls to the right all the time. Returned it to the dealer 4 times, they aligned it but it still pulls to the right. I called customer service and was told to work with my local dealer. He claims there is no problem and it is aligned to specification. He claims the truck just follows the crown in the road.…
2002 · Suspension
Recall # 09v119000 recall date 04/09/2009 suspension: front: control arm and recall # 06v288000 recall date 08/03/06 suspension lower ball joint. Vehicle has had problems driving with speeds over 15mph. Heavy vibration and uneasy driving. Dealer made a repair on one lower ball joint to satisfy recall but the problem…
2002 · 3 miles · Suspension
2002 Jeep Liberty: since purchase at 6k miles and 6 months old the vehicle has had major issues and i feel unsafe driving it but cannot get a new car at this time. Tow bills topping $1000 since purchase in 2003. Between 2003-2004 the Jeep was at the dealer several times due to internal grinding, difficulty steering…
2002 · 35 miles · Steering
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…
2002 · 35 miles · Engine and its cooling system
Built from 6,239 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page