JeepLiberty20023.7L/jeep/liberty/2002/3-7l/
KJ platform

2002 Jeep Liberty — 3.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Liberty 3.7L.

Body SUVEngine 3.7LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2002 Jeep Liberty is a KJ-platform SUV powered by a 3.7L engine and an automatic 4-spd transmission, carrying an EPA rating of 15/19/16 mpg. It generated 1,807 owner complaints and 14 recalls, making it the highest-reported year across the 2000–2012 model span and eclipsing the generation’s low of just 6 complaints filed for 2000. With air bags standing out as the top complaint area, that concentration of documented feedback establishes the 2002 model as the primary benchmark for researchers assessing this generation’s reliability profile.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-110 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy15/19/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 86 · 525 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04105409AE. Note the factory fuel filter and serpentine belt are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 86 · 525 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-75R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04105409AE alt 04781452BF
Engine air filter05018777AC alt 05019443AA
Fuel filter52100402AH discontinued
Spark plugSPZFR6F11G alt 68307021AA
BatteryBB34F101AA
Front wiper blades05066973AC alt 05066974AA
Serpentine belt05135745AA discontinued · alt 53013352AD
Thermostat68174083AA alt 53010552AC

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length166.1 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height70.9 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight4116 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined15 / 19 / 16 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

8.8–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.80 sec — 2002 Limited Edition
210 hpHorsepower (as tested)
235 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2002Limited Edition 3.7L V68.80 sec16.70 sec210 hp4x4
2002Limited Edition 3.7L V610.00 sec17.50 sec210 hp4x4
2004Limited 3.7L V69.60 sec16.89 sec210 hp4x4
2006Renegade 3.7L V69.40 sec16.90 sec210 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API engine oil, Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-110 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-5-4-3-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilFront: 80W-; Rear: 198RB
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.8 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5 qt w/ filter
Power Steering FluidATF +4

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-110 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-5-4-3-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.60-.90 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6000-9000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.042 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Ignition TimingTDC, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeSP-10
Oil Capacity8.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number86
Standard BCI Cranking Performance525 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test16 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)47-51 psi
Engine Compression170-225 PSI. 25 Maximum variation PSI.
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 10.00 inch DRUMS / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket11 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle100 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.030 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Brake ApplicationWITH 10.00 inch DRUMS / WITH STANDARD
Drum Nominal Diameter10 in / 9 in
Drum Maximum Machining10.06 in / 9.06 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Lubricate bolt threads with clean engine oil · M8 bolts 9-12, coat bolt heads with lock and seal adhesive

1bolts 1-820 ft. lbs
2bolts 1-820 ft. lbs
2bolts 9-1210 ft. lbs
3bolts 1-890 degrees
4bolts 1-890 degrees
4bolts 9-1219 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
2Tighten bolts 1A - 1J to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
3Tighten bolts 1 - 8 to 5 ft. lbs.5 ft. lbs
4Turn bolts 1 - 8 an additional 90 degrees.90 degrees
5Tighten bolts A - E 20 to 20 ft. lbs.20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miBody Fasteners (torque) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 22,500 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 miBands (adjust) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Transmission Filter (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2002 Jeep Liberty marks a dramatic spike in federal complaints, recalls, and investigations compared to its predecessor years (2000–2001), with 1,807 complaints—nearly 180 times the 2001 total—and 14 recalls, the highest in the generation. This year sits at the peak of a reliability crisis, driven largely by airbag (447 complaints) and suspension (414 complaints) issues, alongside elevated crash (174) and fire (21) reports, suggesting systemic quality-control shortcomings early in the model’s lifecycle. While subsequent years (2003–2006) show slightly reduced but still elevated complaint volumes, the 2002’s recall count remains unmatched, indicating unresolved defects that persisted into later production. The data implies this year was disproportionately affected by launch-related flaws, with recalls and TSBs (94) attempting to address widespread problems. Given the concentration of safety-related complaints and the sheer volume of corrective actions, the 2002 Liberty represents the riskiest year in the generation to purchase—unless comprehensive service records confirm all recalls and TSBs were addressed.

14
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
94
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
10
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,807
Owner complaints
174 involved a crash · 21 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,807 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags447
Suspension414
Seat Belts81
Engine & Engine Cooling64
Engine51
Power Train49
Visibility46
Electrical System45

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V046000Air Bags:FrontalReported 28/01/2015

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… Remedy: 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…

09V119000Suspension:Front:Control ArmReported 09/04/2009

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… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 94 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
23-015-202020-04-30EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-202020-04-22Electrical SystemCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
DOR-J8B5R-062020-03-18EquipmentThis SKU is a Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Liberty. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2002 Liberty 3.7L take?

5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2002 Liberty have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg.