What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM?

Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (17 complaints), followed by suspension (16).

How many 2002 Dodge RAM complaints mention a crash or fire?

14 of 116 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Dodge RAM recalls and problems

2 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM.

recalls

116

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 04V185000 · reported April 12, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 44,588 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The fix: 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.

Power train: axle assembly

NHTSA campaign 02V159000 · reported June 13, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 46,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
The risk: During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

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

Power train17
Suspension16
Air bags15
Structure15
Engine and engine cooling14
Service brakes, hydraulic13
Visibility11
Steering8
Electrical system5
Equipment5

What owners report

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

Aug 26, 2021 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 220,000 miles · fire reported
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the…

Apr 24, 2012 · Structure · 60,000 miles
THE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AROUND 60,000 MILES. IT HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND ALL OF THE PLASTIC VENT COVERS HAVE FALLEN APART INTO THE VENTS. I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT THE INSULATION IN THE DASH IS DRY ROTTING AND FALLING INTO THE A/C VENTS AND CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C MOTOR. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN…

Jan 20, 2012 · Power train · 60,000 miles
1) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. LIGHTS KEPT GOING IN AND OUT 2) DASH CRACKING AND CRUMBLING. PIECES FALLING INTO AIR VENTS AND PREVENTING WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING! DANGEROUS! COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DASH IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE THAT IF PASSENGER AIR BAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED IT COULD KILL SOMEONE DUE TO FLYING PIECES OF HARD…

Nov 4, 2011 · Engine and engine cooling · 50,000 miles · fire reported
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 ESCAPED BY PUNCHING AND…

Oct 21, 2011 · Structure · 80,000 miles
THE DASH IN MY 2002 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB PICKUP BEGAN TO CRACK AND HAS NOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THERE ARE PIECES THAT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND ARE NOW EFFECTING MY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF I HIT A BUMP TO HARD THAT A PIECE MIGHT ACTUALLY DISLODGE AND HARM SOMEONE. OR CAUSE EVEN MORE SEVERE INTERNAL…

RAM model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	6	147	31	6
2001	9	318	53	9
2002	2	116	14	3
2003	2	53	6	1
2004	1	58	9	0
2005	0	40	5	1

Across all years, the 2001 RAM has the most complaints (318). All Dodge RAM years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM, the most recent reported on April 12, 2004 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM?: Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (17 complaints), followed by suspension (16).
How many 2002 Dodge RAM complaints mention a crash or fire?: 14 of 116 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 26, 2021.