“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the frame around the steering box disconnected from the steering due to excessive rust. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 9, 2018 at 65,000 miles
“A few years after the vehicle was purchased, the dash began to develop cracks and holes. This has gotten worse and worse to the point where a dash cover had to be purchased to avoid things falling down behind the instrument cluster. Currently, there is more missing than still in place in the vehicle.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 5, 2018 at 30,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2002 Ram 1500 peaked in 2003, with 94 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 32% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Aug 23, 201034,604 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation
Defect. FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Filed Dec 10, 2003214 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. 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."
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 10, 2003195,500 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.
Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT REARWARD FIELD OF VISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 10, 2003287,725 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2002 Ram 1500.
Opened Dec 26, 2002Closed May 15, 2003transmission
See attached report.
Technical service bulletins
22 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Ram 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
body and frame 7equipment 6engine 4transmission 2electrical system 2wheels 1
23-015-20Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 30, 2020body and frame
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
31-006-19Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-005-19Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100319Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9002828Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 3, 2014body and frame
Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. Note: Insulator color is not relevant for service
Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the body and frame, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2026TN
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 help me and there’s a whole lot more people with same issue and it’s a very bad problem with the windshield keeps fogging up can not see the road or traffic
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 2024NC
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.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 12, 2024IN
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2023MI
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
Suspension
Filed Jul 13, 2023GA
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 road and potentially cause an accident.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 15, 202350,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to turn on the heat in the vehicle, the HVAC system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Tires
Filed May 29, 2022OH
I was driving on the highway at about 65mph and at first I noticed that it felt like my tie rod ends were going bad. And then all of a sudden I felt an explosion and my truck made a sharp right dive into the right hand lane and caused the car in that lane to swerve right. I was then able to gain back control and gradually came to a stop on the right hand berm of the highway. The right rear tire appeared just as it does in the attached photos. The tire size is p264/70R17 no authorities were notified and the tire has not been inspected by anyone.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 12, 2021FL
While traveling at normal speeds approximately 40 mph a car ran a stop sign I t-boned them on their passenger side with my front end I hit them at approximately 40 mph my airbags did not deploy my face and chest hit the steering wheel and dash
Power Train
Filed Oct 11, 2021NV
Pinion nut became loose. It was caught before it totally fell off, however if it did fall off the rear axle could possible seize up and cause loss of control of the vehicle. This is a 2002 Dodge Ram with the 9.25" rear axle and they appear to still have issues to this day with that axle model. The recall Dodge had in 2009/10 does not even begin to cover the number of Dodge Ram/Dakota vehicles with this issue. The axle in this vehicle was replaced in 2009 for another issue with an axle retainer clip falling off and causing the internal assembly to grind on the boss for the axle. So as the original owner, and with only 137,140 miles on the vehicle in 19 years, it has had multiple problems fixed under warranty, including total axle replacement and now it will have rebuilt again. There should be a real safety concern for all Dodge pickups with the 9.25" rear axle and a recall for every one of them, not just 2009/10. This has been happening for 20 years. When will NHTSA step up and hold Dodge to task for this issue. Regards, [XXX] Minden, NV INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 30, 2021FL
The brakes failed due to corrosion of the brake line from the master cyl. to the LH front brake flex hose. The brake fluid simply came out of the line. There was insifficient fluid pressure to do any wheel braking. Luckily, I had just moved off from a stop and was applying the brakes to slow down on a bend. The corrosion occured under a plastic clip that is there to keep adjacent brake lines from vibrating against each other. The corrosion occured in an area that is not inspectable unless the front wheel and wheel arch cover is first removed.
Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2021163,000 milesCA
2002 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 5.9L WAS DRIVING DOW HEY 10 WHEN MY BACK TRIES LOCKED UP COULDN'T GET IT IN GEAR OR OUT ALMOST CRASH WHEN GOT IT ON TO SIDE OF ROAD AND STOPPED WHEN IT FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GO IN A GEAR IT WAS REVERSES AND IT WOULD JUST MAKE THIS GOD AWFUL GRINDING NOSE TRUCK WAS TOWED BACK HOME
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2020150,000 milesME
THE BEAM UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK IS BREAKING APART. NO OTHER PART UNDER THE TRUCK HAD THIS PROB. NO CORROSION ANY OTHER PLACE BUT THE BEAM OF THE TRUCK
Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 2019194,000 milesAL
WHILE DRIVING ALL OF THE GAUGES HAVE QUIT WORKING HEADLIGHTS STAY ON WILL NOT TURN OFF.
EngineFire2 injured
Filed Jun 18, 2019140 milesMO
HELLO, I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY DODGE RAM THE FUEL LINE SYSTEM JUST CRACKED AND CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE AND BLOW UP WHILE MYSELF IN MY 7 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED SINCE DAY ONE WHEN I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW NEVER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT OTHER THAN YOUR WILL WELLS WERE NEVER DRILLED OUT TO DRAIN THE WATER IN THE BACK I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE HAD OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE ON THE SAME INCIDENT. MYSELF IN MY GRANDDAUGHTER INHALE VERY TOXIC FUMES BEFORE WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT THE TRUCK AS IT WAS ON FIRE AND INCHES AWAY WHEN IT EXPLODED.PICS AND REPORT WONT DOWNLOAD THANK YOU
Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2019200,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. AN INDEPENDENT TOWING COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRE HARNESS CONVERTIBLE BOX HAD A LOT OF CORROSION AROUND IT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A COLLISION SHOP WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 21, 201986,402 milesTX
VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. STUCK IN DRIVEWAY CANNOT MOVE NEEDS TO BE TOWED IN FOR REPAIR. HE WILL TURN BUT VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK.
Electrical System
Filed May 16, 2019110,000 milesFL
TRIED TO GET THE TRUCK STARTED AND COULD NOT GET IT TO WORK. TOOK THE KEYS OUT AND THROW THEM UP ON THE DASH AND THE TRUCK STARTED AND ALL ELECTRONICAL STUFF IN TRUCK CAME ON. THEN WHEN DRIVING HOME IT WOULD REV UP AND DOWN AND WOULD TRY TO SHUT OFF WHEN I HAD TO STOP
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Apr 26, 2019262,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED AND CAUSED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO SEIZE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED SOUTHERN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP AT 936-634-7793 (LOCATED AT 2711 S MEDFORD DR, LUFKIN, TX 75901) AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 262,000.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 20191,355,000 milesTX
TURNED ON THE A/C AND DASH CRACKED AND WHITE POWDER WAS COMING OUT OF MY VENTS AND NOW MY HEATER IS NOT WORKING THAT HAPPENED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, I THINK THE AIRBAG CAME OPEN BUT DID NOT DEPLOY?
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor
Filed Dec 18, 2018170,000 milesAK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING WAS DAMAGED IN THE VEHICLE AND FAILED TO PRODUCE HEAT IN COLD WEATHER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED ANCHORAGE CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP (2601 EAST 5TH AVENUE, ANCHORAGE, AL 99501, 855-269-2609), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Wheels
Filed Dec 6, 2018107,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 29, 201875,000 milesMN
TAKATA RECALL. NO HEAT FROM DRIVERS SIDE HVAC, THIS CAUSES VISIBILITY PROBLEMS CAUSE POOR WINDOW DEFROSTING. WIFE IS DISABLED WITH NO INCOME CAN'T AFFORD THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR SERVICE OR AFFORD A NEWER VEHICLE. NEVER HAD HEAT PROBLEMS IN ANY OF MY OLDER VEHICLES LIKE THIS. BEEN THIS WAY FOR 4 YEARS NOW.
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 201827,697 milesMN
4.7L ENGINE HAS A SLUDGE BUILD UP PROBLEM WHICH IN TURN CAUSES ENGINE TOTAL FAILURE. I'VE HAD ENGINE REPLACED 3 TIMES WITH BRAND NEW REMAND FROM CHRYSLER CORP. AND ALL ENGINES WERE INSTALLED AT ASE CERTIFIED SHOP AND ALL HAVE BLOWN UP ALSO DUE TO THIS SLUDGE BUILD UP PROBLEM THAT CHRYSLER CORP IS AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO ADMIT ITS ENGINE FACTORY DEFECT AND ALL MY ENGINES FAILED AT 1,200 MILES/ 1,468 MILES/27,497 MILES ON LAST ENGINE AND ALL FAILED OF SAME CAUSE SLUDGE BUILD UP.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 9, 201865,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRAME AROUND THE STEERING BOX DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 5, 201830,000 milesAL
A FEW YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE DASH BEGAN TO DEVELOP CRACKS AND HOLES. THIS HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE A DASH COVER HAD TO BE PURCHASED TO AVOID THINGS FALLING DOWN BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. CURRENTLY, THERE IS MORE MISSING THAN STILL IN PLACE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS GENERATION, AND DODGE HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT, OTHER THAN TO CLAIM IT IS STRICTLY COSMETIC. THE PLASTIC PIECES ARE EXTREMELY SHARP, AND HAVE RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF SUPERFICIAL CUTS WHEN WORKING ON THE DEFROST VENTS, OR WHEN ADJUSTING THE CARPETED DASH COVER. OTHER PIECES HAVE FALLEN INTO THE VENTS AND THEN BEEN EJECTED INTO BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S FACES WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER ARE TURNED ON. PIECES OF PLASTIC RATTLE BEHIND THE DASH, AND HAVE FALLEN INTO THE AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLS AND RADIO HARNESS, POSSIBLY BEING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE FRONT SPEAKERS (BUT NOT VERIFIED) IF THEY HAVE CUT THE WIRES. IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THE PERDON IN THE SEAT IS LIKELY TO BE BLINDED OR DISFIGURED FROM THE AMOUNT OF DANGEROUSLY SHARP SHRAPNEL, ASSUMING IT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN CUT AND RENDERED USELESS. REPLACEMENT DASHES FROM DODGE ARE PRICED AT NEARLY $1,000, WHICH IS A RIDICULOUSLY EXORBITANT AMOUNT TO EXPECT CUSTOMERS TO PAY IN ORDER TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT INSTALLED BY THE COMPANY. OVERLAYS OF DECENT QUALITY COST NEARLY A THIRD OF THAT.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 201898,000 milesVA
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. TURN LEFT SIGNAL ON, AND FLASH THEN RIGHT SIGNAL WILL OCCASIONALLY FLASH. SOMETIMES LEFT AND RIGHT WILL ALTERNATE. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS EMERGENCY FLASHERS WHERE BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS DANGEROUS, I'M IN A LEFT TURN LANE WITH MY LEFT BLINKER ON BUT MY TRUCK IS TELLING OTHER DRIVERS THAT I WANT TO TURN RIGHT. THE FAILURE, ERRATIC BEHAVIOR IS RANDOM AND INTERMITTENT.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 28, 2018140,000 milesKS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE INJURED AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. **TR UPDATED 11/8/18*JB
Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2018236,000 milesAZ
DRIVESHAFT SEPARATED FROM REAR AXLE AND WHEELS LOCKED.VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Power Train
Filed May 25, 2018195,000 milesFL
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF AND REAREND LOCKED UP
Suspension
Filed Apr 25, 2018118,000 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES ALONG THE ENTIRE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS DETACHING DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Apr 12, 2018161,000 milesTX
THE FCM AND PDC ARE EXTREMELY BAD ON THE 2002 DODGE. THEY CORRODE CAUSING YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS, BLINKERS, HEADLIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHER NOT TO WORK. DODGE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MANDATED TO RECALL AND REPLACE BOTH PARTS ON EVERY TRUCK. THE CORROSION IS DO TO THE POOR DESIGN OF THE PDC "FUSE BOX" WITH HOLES IN THE BOTTOM ALLOWING WATER AND MOISTURE TO ENTER THE PDC AND START TO CORRODE. THIS IN TURN CAUSING THE FCM " FRONT CONTROL MODULE" TO SHORT OUT. THIS IS A SEVERE DANGER TO THE TRUCK OWNER AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED IN TO AND FIXED. I HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE THIS AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT SEVERAL TIMES BY MOTORISTS BEHIND ME DO TO THE FACT MY TAILLIGHTS QUIT WORKING AND MY BLINKERS DID AS WELL. I HAVE REPLACED MY FCM AND PDC 4 TIMES ALREADY AND EACH ONE SHORTS OUT AFTER A YEAR. THAT'S $600-$1200 EACH TIME. DODGE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Power Train
Filed Mar 19, 2018197,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE PINION BOLT LOOSENED AND FELL OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO FRACTURE AND ALSO DETACH. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SEIZE. ROBERT GREEN CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP IN MONTICELLO, NEW YORK WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 6, 2018AZ
MY TRUCK IS A 2002 DOGE RAM 1500. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WHENT TO THE DEALER SHIP IT SEEMS THAT THEY DONT MAKE THE MAUGEL NO MORE. SO HOW CAN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE IF THE AIR BAGS DONT WORK. NEED HELP PARTS, IS DESCANTINUE.
Power Train
Filed Feb 2, 2018TX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD OUT OF GEAR MORE THAN ONCE WHILE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STOPPED AND FORCE WAS APPLIED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (GILLMAN CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM, 10585 W SAM HOUSTON PKWY S, HOUSTON, TX 77099, (713) 776-4900) WAS NOTIFIED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 16, 2018NJ
MY DASHBOARD HAS HOLE IN IT. ITS BEEN CRACKING FOR A WHILE AND REALLY DIDN'T PAY ATT
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 201735,000 milesCA
ABOUT 3 YEARS AFTER BUYING MY NEW DODGE TRUCK THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO FALL APART, BECOME BRITTLE. ITS CURRENTLY IN COMPLETE PIECES. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN MOTION AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROTECTED FROM THE SUN. I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF CASES JUST LIKE MINE. PICTURES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
Power Train
Filed Dec 21, 2017124,000 milesNC
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 MPH AND NEXT THING WE KNOW WE HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG AND THEN MY REAR END LOCKED UP AND ABOUT CAUSED US TO HIT THE CAR BESIDE US ONCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY I GOT OUT AND FOUND MY DRIVESHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE REAR END SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE HAD INFORMED ME THAT MY PINION NUT HAD CAME LOOSE AND BACKED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT PROPERLY TORQUED I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CORPORATION OF RAM AND NEITHER WILL OWN UP TO IT EVEN THOUGH THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS A PENDING RECALL FOR MY YEAR MODEL FOR THAT PINION NUT AND THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT I DO HAVE THE SAME REAR END AS THE 05 MODEL THAT DID HAVE A RECALL ON THE PINION NUT WHICH IS THE 9.25' RING GEAR CHRYSLER REAR END BUT THEY SAID SINCE MINE IS A 2002 THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND THAT I AM STUCK WITH PAYING FOR REPAIRS FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD'VE NEVER HAPPENED ON A TRUCK WITH 124,000 MILES AND SOMETHING THAT COULD'VE INJURED MY WIFE AND I AND I'VE SEEN A LOT OF REPORTS OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE ATLEAST ONCE I DON'T SEE WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL BECAUSE I SEE IT AS A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 2017CA
DASH IS FALLING APART. EVERY DAY PIECES ARE COMING OFF. ALSO I NEED TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AND I'M AFRAID THE THAT THE DASH WILL COMPLETELY FALL APART.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 20, 20179,658 milesTN
THE DASH IS CRACKING AND PIECES FALL DOWN INTO THE VENT THEN WHEN I TURN ON HEAT OR AIR PIECES COME FLYING OUT HITTING MYSELF OR PASSINGERS IN EYES AND FACE
Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 2017183,569 milesOH
WHILE DRIVING HOME A NOISE STARTED TO OCCUR WHEN LETTING OFF GAS PEDAL, GOT LOUDER THE MORE I DROVE, I DRIVE 25 MILES TO AND FROM WORK, WELL AS I WAS COASTING TO SLOW TO ENTER MY DRIVEWAY (I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY) AND THE THEN BOOM AND NO POWER REAR END LOCKED RIGHT AT END OF MY DRIVE AND WOULD NOT MOVE, FOUND DRIVE SHAFT GONE AND PINION WAS PULLED INTO DIFFERENTIAL, STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF AS STATE ROUTE HAD TO DRAG TRUCK OFF OF ROAD REMOVED COVER AND FOUND REAR END CHEWED UP, MY QUESTION IS WHY IS DODGE ONLY COVING THIS REA END BACK TO 2005 AND NOT TO WHEN THEY STARTED USING IT IN 2002, GLAD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE SOMEONE ELSE WOULD HAVE
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2017140,000 milesAR
THE DASH AND DASH COMPONENTS ARE CRACKING AND OR BREAKING CAUSING SHARP EDGES AND FLAYING DEBRIS. I HAVE RESORTED TO USING GORILLA GLUE AND A DASH MAT TO MINIMIZE THESE ISSUES BUT IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT THIS IS NO LONGER SUFFICIENT. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO A DEALER AND I HAVE HAD THEM INSPECT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED.
Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 2017220,000 milesFL
TODAY AROUND 1AM COMING HOME FROM WORK, I WAS GOING 65 MPH AND I WAS COMING UP ON MY TURN.I SLOWED DOWN AND MY 2002 DODGE RAM QUAD CAP DID A NOSES DIVE FELT LIKE I WAS SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. TOOK THE TURN BRING IT BACK UP TO 40MPH TO SEE IF I CAN SEE WHAT IT WAS ( THINKING I HIT MY E BRAKE) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HURD A BIG BOOM AND MY TRUCK LOCK UP GOING AROUND A DIRT ROAD ALMOST GOING IN TO THE TREES, NOW MY TRUCK IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD SIDE WAYS.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 4, 2017CA
I'M CONCERNED THE CRACKED DASH WILL BECOME SHARP PLASTIC PROJECTILES IF THE AIRBAG EVER DEPLOYS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 27, 2017117,000 milesOH
WHILE HAVING THE EVAPORATOR REPLACED, THE DASH CAME APART IN PIECES. THE PIECES CAN NOT BE PUT BACK TOGETHER AND REINSTALLED SAFELY. THE DASH SHOULD NOT BE MADE OF A PLASTIC THAT COULD BREAK APART AND CAUSE DAMAGE IN AN ACCIDENT.
Suspension
Filed May 4, 2017150,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR AXLE TO CEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REBUILD AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, ONE MONTH LATER, THE PINION NUT DISCONNECTED AND DAMAGED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 13, 2017200,000 milesCA
CAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLES BACK CAB HYDROPLANED AND FISHTAILED OUT OF CONTROL AT LESS THEN 25MPH AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND DRIVER WAS HURT.
Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2017180,000 milesMT
ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. HEAD OR HEAD GASKET AS IT IS BURNING LOTS OF WATER. FLOWS OUT OF TAILPIPES. SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS MOTOR IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AS THERE IS NO CHEAP FIX. FROM SLUDGE TO OVERHEATING PROBLEMS THAT RUIN THE MOTOR THERE ARE FEW OPTIONS TO REPLACE OTHER THAN A REBUILT THAT HAS BEEN ALTERED TO CORRECT ALL SAID PROBLEMS. FAIRLY HIGH PRICED I MIGHT ADD. DODGE SHOULD CLAIM SOME RESPONSIBILITY AND HELP OUT RATHER THAN IGNORING THIS ISSUE. THIS ENGINE HAS FAILED TOO MANY TIMES THE SAME WAY TO BE COINCIDENCE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 18, 2017TX
DASH IS FALLING APART CAUSING THE DEFROSTER TO NOT BLOW AIR ACROSS WINDSHIELD PROPERLY, SO THAT THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT DEFOG. THIS CAUSES VISIBILITY ISSUES AND A HAZARD.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 4, 2017TX
DASHBOARD OF MY RAM 1500 2002 HAS BEEN BREAKING INTO PIECES IN THE FIRST 3 YEARS. STARTED SLOW BUT EVENTUALLY IT'S EVERYWHERE. I HAVE ASKED AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT THEY ARE AWARE BUT DON'T OFFER A SOLUTION OR EVEN A GOOD REPLACEMENT. ONLY TO BUY A NEW TRUCK MADE WITH A BETTER DASHBOARD BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT THEY SELL IS ONLY $900.00 BUT MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIALS. WILL BE BACK AT THE SAME PLACE WITH PIECES OF DASHBOARDS HITTING OUR EYES,MOUTH OR FACE. IT IS A DANGER TO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AND A SHAME THAT A COMPANY CAN BE ALLOWED TO USE SUCH LOW GRADE MATERIAL THAT IS SOLD TO HARD WORKING INDIVIDUALS. I CAN ACCEPT IF A FEW DASHBOARDS ENDED THE SAME WAY BUT I'VE HEARD OF TOO MANY BEING THE SAME AND THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE HAVING SOMEONE GO BLIND OR DIE IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT.
Power Train
Filed Feb 21, 2017187,656 milesGA
WHILE IN MOTION PINION NUT CAME LOOSE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF VEHICLE REAR AXLE LOCKED UP I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AVOID CRASH AND INJURY TO OTHERS, THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WHERE I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO PINION BEARING AND NUT COMING LOOSE, DODGE TOOK CARE OF THIS ISSUE ON 11/09/10 AT 150,768 AND THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ON 2/17/17 AT 187,568 VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 36,000 AND HAS FAILED AGAIN I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THE 05,09,10 RAM MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR BUT DODGE CONTINUES TO DENY.
Complaints 1-50 of 815, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Ram 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 815 complaints, against about 610 for a typical Ram 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (32%).
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?
The body and frame: 257 of the 815 complaints (32%) are about it. The typical report comes at 75,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 23, 2010. The largest, 03V078000, covered 287,725 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 75,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?
Yes, once. PE02096 ("REAR AXLE FAILURE") was opened Dec 26, 2002 and closed May 15, 2003.
Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?
The manufacturer filed 22 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (7), the engine (4) and the transmission (2). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 23, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.