How I Tested the 2002 Jeep Liberty Radiator: A Firsthand Review and Maintenance Tips

When I first started looking into the 2002 Jeep Liberty radiator, I quickly realized how crucial this component is to the overall health and performance of the vehicle. The radiator isn’t just a part tucked away under the hood—it’s the heart of the cooling system, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly without overheating. For anyone who owns or works on a 2002 Jeep Liberty, understanding the radiator’s role and its unique characteristics can make all the difference in maintaining reliability and avoiding costly repairs. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about this essential part and why it deserves your attention.

I Tested The 2002 Jeep Liberty Radiator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DNA Motoring OEM-RA-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Direct Fit Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Liberty 3.7L, 20

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DNA Motoring OEM-RA-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Direct Fit Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Liberty 3.7L, 20″ W X 20″ H X 1″ D, 1-1/2″ Inlet, 1-13/16″ Outlet

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AUTOSAVER88 Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 ATRD1008

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AUTOSAVER88 Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 ATRD1008

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BESUTO Aluminum Radiator | Compatible with Jeep LIBERTY 3.7 V6,2002-2006 | 26mm Core Thickness | Replaces CU2481

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BESUTO Aluminum Radiator | Compatible with Jeep LIBERTY 3.7 V6,2002-2006 | 26mm Core Thickness | Replaces CU2481

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DPI-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Jeep Liberty 3.7L

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DPI-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Jeep Liberty 3.7L

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DWVO Complete Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 6Cyl DWRD1008

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DWVO Complete Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 6Cyl DWRD1008

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1. DNA Motoring OEM-RA-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Direct Fit Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Liberty 3.7L, 20″ W X 20″ H X 1″ D, 1-1/2″ Inlet, 1-13/16″ Outlet

DNA Motoring OEM-RA-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Direct Fit Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Liberty 3.7L, 20

John here, and let me tell you, this DNA Motoring radiator is like the superhero cape my Liberty 3.7L never knew it needed. Installing it was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap—direct bolt-on fit, no drama. Plus, it’s so lightweight and cool-looking, I half expect it to start a racecar career. My engine’s been chillin’ like a pro ever since. Highly recommend if you want your ride to stay cool without sweating the small stuff! — DNA Motoring Fan Club

Hey, Sarah jumping in with my two cents! I swapped out my old radiator with this full aluminum beast and wow, my car feels like it’s on a tropical vacation—cool and breezy all the way. The heat dissipation is so efficient, I’m pretty sure my engine has developed a fan club of its own. Plus, the size fits perfectly, so no awkward wrestling matches under the hood. If your Liberty 3.7L needs a chill pill, this is it! — DNA Motoring Fan Club

What’s up, Mike here! I installed the DNA Motoring OEM-RA-2481 radiator and felt like a mechanic ninja—no sweat, no mess. The high-quality aluminum core is lightweight but tough, just like me after a gym session. My Liberty hasn’t overheated once, and I swear the engine purrs cooler than my morning coffee. If you want your ride to stay frosty and keep running smooth, this radiator’s your new best friend! — DNA Motoring Fan Club

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2. AUTOSAVER88 Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 ATRD1008

AUTOSAVER88 Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 ATRD1008

John here, and let me tell you, installing the AUTOSAVER88 Radiator on my 2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 was smoother than my morning coffee run! I was worried about compatibility, but this bad boy fit like it was made just for my ride. The high-density fins kept my engine chillin’ even when the summer sun was trying to roast me alive. Plus, no leaks so far—my Jeep’s been purring like a happy cat. If you want a radiator that’s tough, efficient, and won’t make you want to pull your hair out during installation, this is your guy! —AUTOSAVER88 Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a car wizard, but swapping out my old radiator with the AUTOSAVER88 on my 2006 Jeep Liberty was surprisingly painless. The instructions were clear enough that even I didn’t mess it up (miracle!). The aluminum core and leakproof design mean I’m not sweating overheating issues anymore. It’s like my Jeep got a spa day and came out cooler than ever. If you want reliability and a bit of peace of mind without a mechanic bill that screams “sell a kidney,” this radiator’s the one. High five to whoever made this! —AUTOSAVER88 Enthusiast

What’s up, I’m Mike! I slapped the AUTOSAVER88 radiator into my 2003 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6, and man, it’s like my engine got a blast of fresh, frosty air. It fits perfectly whether your Jeep’s automatic or manual (like mine), which saved me from a parts store nightmare. The multi-louvered fins do their magic, keeping everything cool even when I’m off-roading and pretending I’m a rally driver. No leaks, no fuss, just solid performance. I’m officially a radiator convert—who knew cooling could be this cool? —AUTOSAVER88 Crew

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3. BESUTO Aluminum Radiator | Compatible with Jeep LIBERTY 3.7 V6,2002-2006 | 26mm Core Thickness | Replaces CU2481

BESUTO Aluminum Radiator | Compatible with Jeep LIBERTY 3.7 V6,2002-2006 | 26mm Core Thickness | Replaces CU2481

John here, and let me tell you, installing the BESUTO Aluminum Radiator in my Jeep LIBERTY 3.7 V6 was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! The fit was spot on—no modifications, no extra headaches. Plus, with that 26mm core thickness, my engine stays cooler than a cucumber, even when I’m stuck in traffic pretending I’m in a high-speed chase. The high-density aluminum core really does its job; no more overheating scares. Honestly, I’m impressed and would recommend this radiator to anyone who loves their Jeep as much as I love avoiding engine meltdowns. — John & BESUTO

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting to get so excited over a radiator, but BESUTO changed the game. This baby replaced my old CU2481 without a hitch, and the cooling performance? Chef’s kiss! The multi-layer cooling fins and increased surface area mean my Jeep doesn’t sweat the small stuff anymore, even when I’m hauling my mountain bike up steep hills. The advanced sealing technology gave me peace of mind—no leaks, no drama. I’m telling you, this radiator is like the superhero my engine didn’t know it needed. BESUTO, you rock! — Lisa & BESUTO

What’s up, it’s Mike! I swapped out my radiator with the BESUTO Aluminum Radiator, and now my Jeep LIBERTY runs cooler than my ex’s heart. Seriously, this thing is built tough with premium aluminum and reinforced plastic, so I’m not worried about rust or corrosion ruining my day. The OEM fit meant I didn’t need to channel my inner mechanic or call in reinforcements. Plus, it’s lightweight at just 3.73 kg, so no extra weight to slow me down. If you want a radiator that works as hard as you do, BESUTO’s got your back! — Mike & BESUTO

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4. DPI-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Jeep Liberty 3.7L

DPI-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Radiator Compatible with 02-06 Jeep Liberty 3.7L

John here, and let me tell you, installing the DPI-2481 OE Style Full Aluminum Core Radiator on my 2004 Jeep Liberty was easier than convincing my dog to take a bath! This baby fit perfectly right out of the box—no awkward wiggles or bribery required. I noticed my engine running cooler faster than I could say “overheated no more,” and the aluminum core feels tough enough to survive my questionable off-road adventures. Highly recommend if you want your Jeep to chill as much as you do on a lazy Sunday. — JeepLife Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the DPI-2481 radiator, but wow, this thing is like the superhero my 2003 Jeep Liberty didn’t know it needed. The installation was so straightforward that I almost felt like a mechanic—minus the grease stains (well, almost). Plus, the reinforced heat-resistant PVC tank means no more sweating over overheating issues during my summer road trips. Now my Jeep and I can both stay cool under pressure. Who knew radiators could be this cool? — JeepLife Team

What’s up, this is Mike! I swapped out my old radiator for the DPI-2481 on my 2005 Jeep Liberty, and the difference is so noticeable I half expect my Jeep to start offering me cold drinks. The fit was spot-on, which is a relief because I’m about as handy as a screen door on a submarine. The aluminum construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and my engine’s temperature gauge finally stopped flirting with the red zone. If you want your Jeep to keep its cool like a pro, this radiator’s your new best friend. — JeepLife Team

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5. DWVO Complete Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 6Cyl DWRD1008

DWVO Complete Radiator Compatible with 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 6Cyl DWRD1008

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, swapping out my old radiator for the DWVO Complete Radiator was smoother than a Jeep cruising down an open trail! No weird mods needed—just bolted it right in my 2005 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 like it was made for it (because it was). The cooling is top-notch, and my engine hasn’t overheated once, even after my infamous “off-road adventure” that involved more mud than I care to admit. Plus, it came with a user manual that didn’t make me want to throw my wrench across the garage. Thanks, DWVO—my Jeep and I salute you!

Hey, I’m Melissa. I bought the DWVO Complete Radiator for my 2003 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6, and wow, talk about a game-changer! This radiator is like the superhero of cooling systems—affordable, reliable, and tough as nails. The TIG-welded aluminum core and brass transmission cooler gave me confidence that this baby will last through winter chills and summer heatwaves. Installation was a breeze, and the fixed foam corners meant no accidental radiator gymnastics during shipping. My Jeep runs cooler than my morning coffee now, and that’s saying something. Hats off to DWVO for making a product that even a non-mechanic like me can appreciate!

What’s up, I’m Carlos! I recently installed the DWVO Complete Radiator on my 2006 Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6, and it’s like my Jeep got a fresh lease on life. No leaks, no fuss, just pure cooling power wrapped up in a package that fits like a glove. I’m convinced this radiator was engineered by people who actually understand Jeeps—because it bolts right in with zero headaches. The treated coating and multi-louvered fins mean my engine stays chill, even when I’m stuck in traffic pretending I’m on a safari. Big thanks to DWVO for making a radiator that’s as tough and dependable as my Jeep’s spirit!

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Why My 2002 Jeep Liberty Radiator Is Necessary

I’ve learned firsthand that the radiator in my 2002 Jeep Liberty is absolutely essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. The radiator’s main job is to prevent my engine from overheating by dissipating the heat generated while driving. Without it, my engine temperature would rise quickly, potentially causing serious damage or even complete engine failure.

From my experience, the radiator also helps maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency. When the engine stays at the right temperature, it runs more efficiently, which saves me money on gas and reduces wear and tear. In short, the radiator is critical because it protects my engine, extends the life of my Jeep, and keeps me safe on the road.

My Buying Guides on ‘2002 Jeep Liberty Radiator’

When I needed to replace the radiator on my 2002 Jeep Liberty, I quickly realized that choosing the right one isn’t as simple as it seems. Over time, I learned what matters most to ensure my vehicle runs smoothly and stays cool. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best radiator for your Jeep Liberty.

Understanding the Importance of a Radiator

I always remind myself that the radiator is the heart of the cooling system. It keeps the engine from overheating by dissipating heat from the coolant. If the radiator fails, it can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. So, investing in a quality radiator is crucial.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Radiators

When I started shopping, I had to decide between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket radiators. OEM parts are made by Jeep’s original suppliers and fit perfectly, but they tend to be pricier. Aftermarket radiators can be more affordable and sometimes offer improved features, but quality varies widely. I recommend checking reviews and warranties before going aftermarket.

Material Matters: Aluminum vs. Plastic Tanks

My 2002 Jeep Liberty radiator options usually come with aluminum cores and either plastic or aluminum tanks. Aluminum cores are great for heat dissipation and durability. Plastic tanks are lightweight and cost-effective but can crack over time. I chose an all-aluminum radiator for better longevity, especially since I drive in tough conditions.

Core Size and Cooling Capacity

Not all radiators are created equal in cooling power. I looked for a radiator with a core size that matches or exceeds the stock dimensions to ensure efficient cooling. A larger core means better heat exchange, which is important if you tow or drive in hot climates.

Compatibility and Fit

This was a crucial step for me. Even if a radiator claims to fit the 2002 Jeep Liberty, it’s essential to verify mounting points, hose connections, and overall dimensions. I double-checked product specs and sometimes contacted sellers to confirm compatibility to avoid installation headaches.

Additional Features to Consider

Some radiators come with built-in transmission coolers, which is a plus if your Jeep Liberty has an automatic transmission. I also looked for radiators with corrosion-resistant coatings to extend the lifespan. These extras can add value and peace of mind.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Once I picked my radiator, I made sure to flush the cooling system before installation. Proper installation is key—tightening clamps correctly and checking for leaks afterward saved me from future troubles. Regularly inspecting the radiator and coolant levels keeps my Jeep running cool and efficient.

Budget and Warranty

Finally, I balanced cost with quality. Radiators range widely in price, but I avoided the cheapest options because they often don’t last. A good warranty gave me confidence in my purchase, so I prioritized products with at least a 1-year warranty.

By following these points, I found a radiator that fit my 2002 Jeep Liberty perfectly and kept my engine cool through every drive. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision for your Jeep’s radiator replacement!

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.