2002 Jeep Wrangler X from North America - Comments

Check Engine light comes on about once a week; started at 1000 miles and dealer can't find the problem.

Instrument panel and clock only come on when they feel like it.

Awful grinding noise when turning the wheel in 4-wheel-drive.

Belts squeal embarrassingly loud; dealer can't find the problem.

Steering suddenly goes loose.

Loud clunking noise when shifting; dealer can't find the problem.

I live in Maine--in the winter, if there is more than an inch of snow, I always get stuck. 4-wheel drive is no help because the vehicle is so light!

Although mine has a hardtop, which adds weight, forget about trying to drive on windy days. A cop actually pulled me over on a windy day because he thought I was driving drunk.

Wranglers are horribly overpriced; they are made of cheap parts, yet cost a fortune to replace.

I shouldn't be having all of these problems at 6000 miles.

Due to an accident, I had to have the back window replaced in my hardtop--it cost me $800.

Pathetic power in my 4.0 6-cylinder engine; can't imagine a 4-cylinder Wrangler.

Well, I must say that I find what you said to be a little hard to believe. I had a 2000 sport with the 30"wheel and tire package. I too live in New England and after having one of the worst winters on record, I can honestly say that I never once got stuck in the snow. I've been up to Maine on numerous occasions to the Moosehead Lake region as well as Bethel during severe snow storms and was able to negotiate snow covered roads, sometimes with as much as a foot of snow, with no problem. As for the noise in your steering column when you steer in 4 wheel drive, make sure you're on gravel, snow, sand or ice when you use it, otherwise you'll ruin your front differential, never use it on dry pavement. I've had numerous problems with mine (hence the reason I don't own it anymore) but I'll stand by the performance that it gives. And about the engine, I found it had overwhelming power, especially down low where you need it. I'm surprised this wasn't noticeable, especially since you previously had a Montero. I've driven the sport and full size and although the full size is great off road, I didn't feel the overwhelming low end power that was found in the jeep.

Sorry to hear you're having problems with your Jeep.

RE: check engine light: This may sound ridiculous, but have you checked the seal on the gas cap? In today's cars, if the gas cap isn't well sealed, the check engine soon light will come on. It happened on my friends 2000 Wrangler... she got a new gas cap, and the light went off.

Just a thought...

Maybe you need a new dealer, if yours can't find anything wrong...

I just got a 2002 Jeep TJ Apex edition and find my view to be completely contrary to yours. I live in northern Canada and winters here are almost unbearable at times. The four wheel drive works great and have not had any problems with highway stability. The power in my Jeep is very satisfactory as well. However, you cannot expect to get sport car acceleration in a vehicle that was primarily made for off road conditions. As for the list of problems you are encountering, may I suggest taking your vehicle to a new place and get a full inspection done by a reputable mechanic. The illusive noises may not be so illusive after all.

I also have a 2002 Jeep TJ Apex and I live in Canada where are winters are much worse. I have not had any problems with traction and as for driving in the wind I drive on hwy 400 and 401 on a regular basis and I have not been affected by the wind at all, and that's doing 150km/hr. I seriously think something is wrong with your Jeep and you should follow everyone's advice and get it checked out by a decent mechanic. As for my Jeep, its the best purchase I've ever made and the most fun vehicle I have ever drove, but keep in mind that when you buy it you are buying a Jeep not a luxury car. I will agree with the engine light problem though, that damn thing is always on. I suggest replacing your gas cap, that fixed mine last time.

Hi friends. I have a 2002 Jeep Wrangler X and my CD player doesn't always work right. It is the upper graded stereo that came with it. You know 4 speakers and a woofer in the front middle console. Anyway, especially when it is cold there are problems. Anyway, I really don't want to get a new stereo, has anyone else had a any problems out there?? Yes, I have tried a CD cleaner with no luck. Any suggestions??

Thanks, Stephen in California.

Hey Stephen in California; about the stereo being a bother in cold weather, it's the nature of the beast. Let the interior of the truck warm up some before you use the stereo. I have the same problem with my Mustang convertible in the cold. Hope it helps.

I find the original review hard to believe.

I've owned 3 Wranglers, all with the 4.0 liter 6, and they all have plenty of power.

As for getting stuck in the snow???

Is the reviewer serious?

All of my Wranglers have been excellent in the snow, whether there be an inch on the ground or a foot.

Also, I find Wrangler parts quite inexpensive when compared to other vehicles.

I love my Wrangler (and loved the other 2 that I have owned).