VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 is among the quieter years of the Ram 2500 on NHTSA's books: 210 complaints (42% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (41), fuel system (26), and steering (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

210

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted903 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 55 complaints1994: 210 complaints1995: 354 complaints1996: 365 complaints1997: 275 complaints1998: 310 complaints1999: 422 complaints2000: 269 complaints2001: 561 complaints2002: 210 complaints2003: 866 complaints2004: 755 complaints2005: 541 complaints2006: 903 complaints2007: 506 complaints2008: 405 complaints2009: 261 complaints2010: 309 complaints2011: 389 complaints2012: 385 complaints
Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure4120%
Fuel System2612%
Steering2311%
Transmission2110%
Suspension168%
Brakes147%
Tires & Wheels147%
Other136%
Engine105%
Speed Control63%
Airbags63%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Electrical System42%
Seats31%
Seat Belts31%
Lighting31%
Trailer Hitch21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E104000Visibility & WipersDecember 11, 2007 · 1,657 units

Defect

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy

SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKING, BREAKING, AND FALLING APART. HE NOTICED CHUNKS OF THE DASHBOARD FALLING TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A REPAIR ESTIMATE. HE WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 2, 2009

“CONSUMER CONCERNED ABOUT THE 2002 2500 DODGE RAM ENGINE. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP AND THE FUEL LIFT PUMP. THEY ARE COVERED BY WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILES, BUT AFTER THAT, THE PUMP COULD COST AROUND $2500 TO $3000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. THE FUEL INJECTION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 1901

“DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB DIESEL. WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE STEERING SHAFT BROKE. PRIOR TO THIS SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, BUT THEY NEVER COULD DETECT WHERE THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED. THE VEHICLE IS CUFRRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 3, 2005 · crash

“DROVE IN DRIVEWAY PUT IN PARK, WENT INSIDE TO GET SOMETHING QUICK CAME OUT AND CRASH.. CAME OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE WENT ACROSS STREET HIT CURB TURNED RIGHT AND DOWN IN FRONT OF NEIGHBORS HOUSE AND REAR END THEN HIT CENTER OF LIGHT POLE FOR $5,000 DAMAGE ALSO ALL PLASTIC DASH, CUP HOLDER, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2007 · crash

“A 20002 DODGE TRUCK WITH 48000 NEEDED UPPER BALL JOINTS, THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF. THE CONSUMER FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS A WAS LOOSE LUG NUT BUT UPON INSPECTION THE NUTS WERE TIGHT, BUT THE BALL JOINT WAS WORN AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 7, 2005

2002 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 210 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 2500 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (41 complaints), fuel system (26 complaints), steering (23 complaints).

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 2500 years to avoid are 2006, 2003, 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 2500 years belongs to 1991.

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.