VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Ram Van problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2002 Dodge Ram Van — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ram Van years?

Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted56 complaints1989: 1 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 17 complaints1996: 36 complaints1997: 26 complaints1998: 38 complaints1999: 56 complaints2000: 35 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 22 complaints
Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram Van years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram Van problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure425%
Steering319%
Electrical System319%
Fuel System16%
Seats16%
Airbags16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Brakes16%
Engine16%

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V555000TransmissionDecember 4, 2007 · 576,418 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

Consequence

EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SEVERE FRAME ROT, WHICH LED TO THE DETACHMENT OF THE STEERING MOUNTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT A SLOW SPEED, AT THAT POINT HAD TO BE TOWED. HAD JUST EXITED HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. I INFORMED DODGE OF THIS PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 15, 2011

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM VAN 3500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE STEERING WIRES BROKE IN HALF AND THE STEERING BOX SNAPPED OFF. HE ATTEMPTED TO FILE A CLAIM WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS DENIED; HOWEVER, A SUPERVISOR ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE STEERING BOX DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. HE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 20, 2009

“THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VAN WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT A JOBSITE WHERE HE WAS WORKING. HE CALLED 911 AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 28, 2005 · fire

“ON 11/07/05 I WAS DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON WESTERN AVE AT APPROX 4:30 PM,TRAVELING AT 40 MPH APPROACHING A RED LIGHT IN THE RIGHT LANE WITH 4 CARS IN FRONT OF ME ALL READY STOPPED,UPON MY DE PRESSING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS NO BRAKES, I TRIED AGAIN ,I DOWN SHIFTED ,AT THE LAST SECOND I SWERVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 7, 2005 · crash

“WINDOWS FOG OVER DANGEROUSLY, OBSTRUCTING VISION. DEALER REPORTS THAT AIR BLEND DOOR OF HEATER/DEFROSTER IS RUSTED SOLID PREVENTING THE ADMISSION OF FRESH AIR TO THE CABIN, AND THUS THE DEFROSTERS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE DOOR IS RUSTED SOLID IN THE RECIRCULATE POSITION. I SUPPOSE THIS COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 3, 2005

2002 Dodge Ram Van — common questions

Is the 2002 Dodge Ram Van reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 Ram Van problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

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

Is the 2002 Dodge Ram Van under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram Van years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Van years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 1998, 1996, 2000. The cleanest record among Ram Van 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.