VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 is among the quieter years of the Ram 3500 on NHTSA's books: 59 complaints (63% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (9), fuel system (9), and steering (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

59

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted502 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 182 complaints1997: 153 complaints1998: 134 complaints1999: 146 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 330 complaints2004: 276 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 349 complaints2007: 284 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 130 complaints2010: 214 complaints2011: 293 complaints2012: 502 complaints
Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System915%
Body & Structure915%
Steering814%
Airbags58%
Suspension58%
Transmission58%
Brakes47%
Other35%
Engine35%
Electrical System23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Seat Belts12%
Trailer Hitch12%
Latches & Locks12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2002 DODGE DIESEL TURBO CHARGED: WHILE PULLING UP A HILL IN 95 DEGREE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE, TOWING A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER, AND ACTS LIKE THE TURBO CHARGER CUT OUT WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN WITHOUT POWER. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IN COOLER TEMPERATURE OR WHILE NOT TOWING. THIS IS A DANGER THAT CAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 25, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH BOARD HAD DEVELOPED A CRACK AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES UNDERNEATH WAS EXPOSED TO THE VIEW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 3, 2006

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN DIVIDER, SLID AND THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER MEDIAN DIVIDER BEFORE FINALLY LANDING IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 7, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND AND WOULD NOT TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 13, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND AND WOULD NOT TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 13, 2004 · crash

2002 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 59 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 3500 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (9 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints), steering (8 complaints).

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 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.