2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 265 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Ram Quad Cab year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 3 Ram Quad Cab years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 68 reports (26% of the total).
265
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Ram Quad Cab years?
What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 68 | 26% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 25 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 23 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 22 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 21 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 20 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 17 | 6% | — flat |
| Other | 14 | 5% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 9 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | new |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 0% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEVELOPED A TOTAL OF FOUR SEPERATE CRACKS WITHIN A 6 WEEK TIME FRAME. THE CRACKS RUN FROM THE WINDSHIELD IN THE TOP SECTION DOWN INTO THE SECTION THAT CONTAINS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. 3 OF THE CRACKS ARE IN THE TOP SECTION WHILE THE…”
“ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE DASH OR UNDER HOOD. BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT KEPT FLASHING AND A/C FAN ONLY WORKED ON HIGH GAUGES BEGAN TO ACT DEFECTIVE AND FIRE ABRUPTED FROM THE DASH. *NM”
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN A TRUCK RAN HIS STOP SIGN AND STOPPED IN THE INTERSECTION (IT IS NOT A 4 STOP). IT WAS LIGHTLY RAINING. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES THE ABS DIDN'T WORK AND I THEN LOST CONTROL SLAMMING INTO THE DITCH EMBANKMENT. MISSING THE TRUCK. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35-40 MPH WHEN I…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE PRESENT. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, NO LEAKS WERE DETECTED. THE CONTACT ALERTED THE DEALER WHO INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO START THE ENGINE AND UPON DOING SO, FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE…”
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN A TRUCK RAN HIS STOP SIGN AND STOPPED IN THE INTERSECTION (IT IS NOT A 4 STOP). IT WAS LIGHTLY RAINING. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES THE ABS DIDN'T WORK AND I THEN LOST CONTROL SLAMMING INTO THE DITCH EMBANKMENT. MISSING THE TRUCK. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35-40 MPH WHEN I…”
2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab — common questions
Is the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 265 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 3 Ram Quad Cab years. It is one of the Ram Quad Cab years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Ram Quad Cab problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (68 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), steering (23 complaints).
Does the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
Is the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Dodge Ram Quad Cab years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Quad Cab years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Ram Quad Cab years belongs to 2001.
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.