Two problems related to automatic transmission gear indicator have been reported for the 2002 Jeep Liberty. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Jeep Liberty based on all problems reported for the 2002 Liberty.
Ignition key will not turn once it is in the ignition. Because of this the car cannot be started. The gear shifter cannot be moved into neutral. The key, rocking the car, turning the steering wheel, working the gear shifter, changing the tilt of the steering column, have no affect on the situation. Will not release the steering column. There have been variations of this happening over the last year and after a few jiggles it worked just fine, but now the ignition will not turn.
I was towing a 2002 Jeep Liberty using the blue ox tow system. I followed the manufacturers directions and put the car in neutral. The Jeep engine caught fire and totaled the car. My insurance company adjusters said the Jeep was in 4-wheel drive causing the transmission to overheat, leak transmission fluid, and start the fire. First of all, getting the Jeep in 4-wheel drive requires some effort to engage, so I would have noticed had I done that. Secondly, I wouldn't have done something so stupid. I have towed the Jeep the two previous years the same way with no problems.