VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has 44 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 4% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

44

Steering complaints

4%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Related recalls

03V078000SteeringMarch 10, 2003 · 287,725 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN CONTAINS AN UNDER-SIZED TERMINAL FOR THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CIRCUIT. LOCALIZED HEATING FROM CURRENT FLOW WITH THE BLOWER SPEED SET ON HIGH MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL CONTACTS TO RELAX AND LOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA has 44 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 steering — 4% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 03V078000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.