Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 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.
I am experiencing a rattling sound when driving uphill or downhill through driveway, traveling 5-20 miles an hour. I took my Jeep 2002 Liberty 2wd to get serviced and received recommended repairs: prosteer control arm with ball joint upper center, remove and install propeller shaft to replace universal joints on both ends, rear wheel bearings, tail pipe is welded to muffler, muffler does not meet design specifications and should be replaced due to exhaust leak as well, remove rack and pinion, complete rack as does not meet design specifications and is leaking. I was driving about 25 mph and my rear right side tire was smoking profusely. I pulled over and noticed the gray smoke from my tire. I took the car to check the rear breaks. They were fine but was told that I had a leak from the exhaust pipe which dripped on to that area. The car has 75,806 miles. I was told that I could loose control of vehicle and entire area can collapse during traffic due to these issues. Aside from these issues, I am experiencing a whistling sound, problems with rear drivers side passenger power window regulator which produces grind-like sound. The window came off and I was told that I needed a new regulator for the window. I'm also experiencing a red stain in engine oil drippage on ground. Finally, strange odor from car -odor continues to be present whether I wash the carpets and seats (smells like mold/mildew or skunk).
While driving check engine light illuminated. Vehicle completely shut down. The odometer stopped working. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told the o-2 sensor had to be replaced, and they replaced them, which did not fix the problem. Consumer took the vehicle back, dealer then replaced the computer. However, the problem recurred.
While driving at 45-50 mph consumer noticed cooling steam coming from the hood. Consumer was able to pull over to the gas station. Vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that there was an over flow of cooling which spilled into the engine. However, problem still occurred. Consumer took the vehicle to a private mechanic, who determined that head gasket needed to be replaced.