VehicleVerdict

2002 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 152 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median Ram year — the 2002 model ranks #9 of 33 Ram years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 23 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (19), suspension (16), and body & structure (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

152

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

23

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ram years?

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1913%
Suspension1611%
Body & Structure1510%
Airbags1510%
Engine149%
Brakes139%
Visibility & Wipers117%
Other107%
Steering107%
Electrical System64%
Tires & Wheels64%
Seat Belts43%
Seats43%
Speed Control43%
Latches & Locks21%
Lighting21%
Trailer Hitch11%

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

09E009000Visibility & WipersMarch 13, 2009 · 1,364 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

Consequence

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

Defect

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

04V185000BrakesApril 12, 2004 · 44,588 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

02V159000TransmissionJune 13, 2002 · 46,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.

Consequence

DURING ROTATION, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CALIPER RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LOSS IN THE REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REAR BRAKE CALIPER REINFORCEMENTS ON THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 9, 2002. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TRANSFER CASE IS LEAKING, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES ALREADY FOR TRANSFER CASE LEAK, BUT SOLUTIONS DO NOT WORK. *AKCONSUMER RECEIVED NO HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIP. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE. ALSO THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 26, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME OFF, AND LEFT REAR OF VEHICLE COLLAPSED. REAR OF VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING ALONG THE GROUND WHEN IT HIT A MEDIAN AND WAS STOPPED. DRIVER SUFFERED NECK INJURY. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE AS "CUSTOMER NEGLECT." *NOTE:…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 11, 2001 · crash

VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM LEFT SIDE PUSHING VEHICLE INTO CONCRETE BARRIER HEAD-ON AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED SOME INJURIES.*AK CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHRYSLER STATING THAT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE VEHICLE NEVER REACHED THE LEVEL OF DECELERATION…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 23, 2002 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM MODEL R35. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM THE HOOD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE INTO A DITCH BUT THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN DURING THE FAILURE SO THE CONTACT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 29, 2011 · fire

THE FACTORY UNDERCOATING WAS PUT SO HEAVY AND SLOPPY THAT WHEN THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM HEATS UP THE UNDERCOATING DRIPS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST PIPE "FLASHING" CAUSING HAZARDOUS FUMES TO ENTER THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE THRU THE AIR CONDITION DUCTS. I REQUESTED A "MATERIAL SAFETY DATA…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2001 · fire

2002 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 2002 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 152 complaints put the 2002 model at #9 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (19 complaints), suspension (16 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints).

Does the 2002 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Dodge Ram. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.

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.