2002 Dodge RAM VAN recalls and problems

1 recall and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM VAN.

1
recalls
14
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
2
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 VAN recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 07V555000 · reported December 4, 2007 · CHRYSLER LLC · 576,418 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
The fix
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.

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.

Feb 10, 2015 · Structure · 165,000 miles

TOOK VAN IN FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME HAD RUST ISSUES. WAS TOLD THE FRONT FRAME WAS SO BAD I SHOULD JUST PARK IT AS THAT ANYTHING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE ENGINE COULD JUST FALL OUT WITH ONE GOOD JOLT. DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AS WITH THE…

Aug 28, 2014 · Structure · 110,000 miles

ON 8/8/14, A LOUD BANGING SOUND OCCURRED WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. AT THAT TIME, STOPPED DRIVING VAN UNTIL WERE ABLE TO TAKE IT TO BETTENHAUSEN CHRYSLER JEEP IN TINLEY PARK, IL. ON 8/14/14. ON THE SAME DATE, WE WERE INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE AREA AROUND THE…

Jun 22, 2011 · Steering · 140,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 2500 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH THE STEERING MOUNT BROKE FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A FAULTY WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FRAME AND NOTICE EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER…

Apr 24, 2011 · Structure · 140,000 miles

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, BASICALLY THEY DON'T…

May 10, 2010 · Electrical system · 88,000 miles

ALL POWER STOPS TO VEHICLE, SHUTTING ENTIRE ENGINE, POWER BRAKES, STEERING OFF. IT OCCURS DAILY, WHIL EDRIVING ON ROADS/FREEWAYS, CREATING A SERIOUSLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE POWER CONTROL MODULE. PROBLEM RECENTLY STARTED AGAIN. DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE PCM AGAIN AT HUGE COST, BUT CANNOT…

RAM VAN model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 02945
2001 13315
2002 11412
2003 01612

Across all years, the 2001 RAM VAN has the most complaints (33). All Dodge RAM VAN years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM VAN have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Dodge RAM VAN, the most recent reported on December 4, 2007 (Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM VAN?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (4 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2002 Dodge RAM VAN complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 14 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 10, 2015.