On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Sell your 2002 Jeep Wrangler for cash
The 2002 Jeep Wrangler is a SUV that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl engines. At 24 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2002 Wrangler in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
JeepWRANGLER2002
2002 Jeep Wrangler at a glance
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 3-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 13–16 city / 16–19 highway / 14–17 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,950–$4,800 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 523–635 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations |
| Age | 24 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 24 years old, most of a 2002 Wrangler's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Wrangler. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 130,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2002 Jeep Wrangler recalls
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2002 Jeep Wrangler. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Common 2002 Wrangler problems
Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2002 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA. 15 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 17 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Structure130,000 mi
- Suspension147,000 mi
- Air Bags28,000 mi
- Unknown or Other123,000 mi
- Power Train85,000 mi
- Steering75,000 mi
2002 Jeep Wrangler crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | — |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
2002 Jeep Wrangler service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 43 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2002 Jeep Wrangler. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Plate - Planetary
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 2002 Wrangler: questions
How much is a 2002 Jeep Wrangler worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2002 Wrangler that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2002 Wranglers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2002 Wrangler with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2002 Wrangler?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2002 Wrangler today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.