9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,500
Average Mileage:
110,300 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace the engine (5 reports)
2002 Jeep Liberty engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Jeep Liberty Owner Comments

problem #5

Sep 082013

Liberty Cherokee 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,652 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

oil sludge resulting in engine failure oil sludge resulting in engine failure oil sludge resulting in engine failure

I’m so very f*g upset with Jeep just want to stop all further sale of the Jeep Liberty 3.7 v6!!

My Jeep left me and my wife in the middle of nowhere in the bush (South Africa) with a loud knocking noise from the engine and kilometers from home. We had to wait 6 ours for tractor to get us to the nearest road so that we can wait 4 hours for a tow truck. Eventually got home still not knowing what had happened as there were no warning lights or oil problems, it just broke down !!!!!

I would like an explanation why Jeep has not pulled the model back or did a recall to fix this problem.

It will cost me R45000.00 to replace the engine. Where the hell on this earth must I get this kind of money? I just want to say f you Jeep. This car was my dream car since was a kid! Now it’s an f**king red ornament!!!!

- Jean K., Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

problem #4

Mar 012012

Liberty Limited 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 187,500 miles

Got oil changed religously since taking ownership at 75,000 now has 187,000. Vehicle builds engine oil sludge if not noticed. It has resulted in engine failure, vehicle still runs hard to start at first once started fine. Misfiring on 3rd and 6th firing ports just had a tune up about 10,000 miles ago. Chrysler needs to own up to the engine problem of oil sludge build up just like their Intrepid and help consumers out since they are posting record sales in the last quarter

- onye7088, Irmo, SC, US

problem #3

Jan 222006

Liberty Limited 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

I have had this Liberty sitting in my driveway for 3 years now. Was hoping to replace the engine, but when you can find one, it's $3000...and that's the engine, without install. And what do I expect to happen if I pay the complete $5-6000 for engine and install? I expect it to do the same thing again, Jeep knows this engine was awful, why did they change it the very next year? I had this paid off, and 4 days later, it was dead...sludge...the same problem all the other 2002 liberty's have had. I work right next door to an oil change business and had my oil changed ever 3-4 months even tho mileage was low. Used recommended oil. Jeep should take responsibility for this and issue all 2002 liberty owners a reconfigured engine and flip the bill on it!

- A S., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #2

Apr 152008

Liberty Sport 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

This is the second time this engine has blown on me. I replaced it before and got about 60,000 miles out of the last one. It is a defect in the engine. It happened to me twice now and more than likely it will happen again.

- kasundra, Lancaster, KY, US

problem #1

Dec 212007

Liberty Sport 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,211 miles

Dealer and Chrysler determined cause of problem is engine sludge resulting from lack of oil changes and/or cheap gasoline. Oil has been changed according to manufacturer's recommendation. Lost some maintenance receipts but did have records of regular oil changes after 38000 miles. Very seldom was cheap gasoline used. It is my opinion the vehicle engine is defective. Currently awaiting a Cam Shaft which is on backorder with no ETA which is an indication other vehicles throughout the country are experiencing the same problems. My problem is not due to neglect and the Dealer and Chrysler is covering up the fact that this is a common problem similar to what was experienced with its Dodge Intrepid.

- Clarence W., Richmond, VA, US

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