CarRecallDB

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 815 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500.

3
recalls
815
owner complaints
55
complaints mentioning a crash
14
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls

Tires

NHTSA campaign 03V504000 · reported December 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 214 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
The fix
Dealers will provide replacement p245/75r16 tires to meet the load carrying capacity specified on the vehicle certification label and accommodate the addition of a commercially available snow plow and hardware. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices, exterior

NHTSA campaign 03V077000 · reported March 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 195,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.
The risk
This could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a mirror detent retainer kit to correct this condition. Owner notification began on april 10, 2003. 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.

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 03V078000 · reported March 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 287,725 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an under-sized terminal for the hvac blower motor circuit. Localized heating from current flow with the blower speed set on high may cause the terminal contacts to relax and lose electrical contact. This can cause the hvac blower motor to become inoperative.
The risk
This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a wiring harness overlay to correct this condition. Owner notification began april 15, 2003. 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 24, 2026 · Engine

I bought this truck new I still own problem is the cooling system does not function properly I have put new radiator and all heat and cooling in it the heat and air does not operate properly I have talked with crysler several times and they will help with issue it’s been like this about as long as I have had it please…

Nov 13, 2024 · Service brakes

Dodge Ram 2002 ABS brake module failure. No recourse for repairs. Dodge has rendered this part obsolete and although they have the technology to repair or replace it they neglect to help thousands of vehicle owners.

Jun 12, 2024 · Exterior lighting

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the external lights and turn signal lights were not functioning properly. The lamp out warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic…

Nov 5, 2023 · Electrical system

The heat stopped working so i replaced the blower motor and blower relay the heater switch and still have no heat. The wire gets hot to the touch. The heater only use to work on high then all of a sudden it just stopped all the way around

Jul 13, 2023 · Suspension

To put it as simple as I can describe it is a death wobble. that occurs every time you hit a bump in the road, hole, or pot hole. This truck has always had this death wobble from factory. The reason why this is a safety issue is because it causes the steering wheel to go out of balance and go into other lanes in the…

RAM 1500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2513378
2001 21,1126535
2002 38155514
2003 11,1717612
2004 51,0998429
2005 41,17310916

Across all years, the 2005 RAM 1500 has the most complaints (1,173). All Dodge RAM 1500 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, the most recent reported on December 10, 2003 (Tires). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners have filed 815 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (278 complaints), followed by power train (99).
How many 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
55 of 815 complaints report a crash and 14 a fire; 62 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 24, 2026.