KnownCarProblems2002 Dodge Ram Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Ram, most often about the transmission (15% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Ram model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2002 Dodge Ram problems
Transmission
17 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
: the contact stated the driver exited the vehicle after putting it in park with the engine running. The vehicle began to roll backwards and a bystander got in and put the vehicle in park. There was minor damage done to the driver side door. The vehicle was not inspected by a mechanic. There is a NHTSA recall, #…
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…
Suspension
16 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: front, rear.
While traveling between 45 to 65 MPH, when vehicle drives over uneven pavement the vehicle rears off to the right. Dealer contacted. Please provide additional information. Ts
Left front control arm were not replaced, only the brake pads. Dealership claimed this would fix the problem. However, there was still a clanking noise at front left and right wheel area. Consumer's inspection revealed that on both sides the pivot arms were loose and had rotated several times hitting the suspension…
Air bags
15 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: frontal.
While traveling at 50 the right front tire slightly touched the gravel on an uneven parkway, and caused the driver to lose control of vehicle, the vehicle flipped and crashed. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The passenger was killed. When the tire left the road the consumer turned the wheel back to the…
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving at 45 MPH. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. The entire front end of vehicle was severely damaged. Driver sustained shoulder, leg, angle and knee injuries, and was having headaches.
Body and structure
15 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 82,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram. While the vehicle was stationery, the exterior body paint exposed a white spot the size of a softball. The defect was located on the driver's side door and the hood. In addition, there was bubbling on the exterior paint near the driver's side fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an…
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…
Engine
14 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
While driving 30 MPH, the engine stalled due to "engine sludge". The consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.
The vehicle stalled while driving at 55 MPH. The consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause has yet to be determined.
Brakes
13 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
While driving vehicle approximately 55 MPH vehicle started to shake severely. Have taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic indicated that the problem was worn disc rotors, which needed to be replaced.
Front rotors keep warping on this truck it has happened about every 10,000 miles. The dealership keeps replacing the rotors under warrenty the pads have never needed replacing and my tires are in great condition. There responce is to change my driving habits. I drive 50 miles one way on the hiway everyday with little…
Visibility and wipers
11 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: rearview mirrors/devices, glass, side/rear, power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Steering
8 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: rack and pinion, gear box, steering wheel/handle bar, column.
I brought my truck to the dealer because it pulled to the right and shuddered at 75mph. I had already had 3 alignments on it since I bought it. Dealer said it was due to the tire wear. Tires wore out at 27,000 miles. Dealer was shocked; it?s a new truck the tires should have lasted 40,000 miles. I got new tires but…
: the contact stated while parked, there was a puddle under the front end of the vehicle. An independent repair shop determined there was a leak in the steering rack. The steering rack needs to be replaced. Updated 03/28/06.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Dodge Ram recalls
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: axle assembly
Risk: During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.
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.
Full defect summary
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Rear axle failure
Summary
See attached report.
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Ram
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Ram?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (17 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); suspension (16 complaints); air bags (15 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Ram have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 12, 2004 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Dodge Ram?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Ram model year since 2000, with 116 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.