“I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4, very well maintained and was never abused. About 8 months ago I noticed a crack on the dashboard on the passenger side. Within several months one crack had grown to 6 cracks. Then about 1 month ago the air would not flow through the dash vents anymore. In order to find out the problem I had to remove the dash board to get the heat and air system.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 21, 2010 at 88,470 miles
“I own a 2002 dodge 1500 4x4 quad cab pickup & the front doors gasket seals are leaking at higher speeds. It get so bad that the door start to shake at the hinge side of door. I spoke with dodge about this; I was told this is not the only unit doing this, that it was a simple fix of re-bending the hinges at a body shop.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 14, 2004 at 26,131 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 peaked in 2003, with 62 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 24% of the complaints. In 2021 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
Risk. WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products
Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module04V185000
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Jun 13, 200246,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.
Risk. DURING ROTATION, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CALIPER RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LOSS IN THE REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
Remedy. 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.
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.
Opened Dec 26, 2002Closed May 15, 2003transmission
See attached report.
Technical service bulletins
80 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Ram. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 19equipment 11body and frame 9transmission 8electrical system 6fuel system 4visibility 4steering 3
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.
3100619Service 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.
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.
2300602AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 12, 2002body and frame
A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE WATER LEAKS AT THE GRAB HANDLE. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the body and frame, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.
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★★★★★
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New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
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 engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the flames. No police report was made. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Damages were to the wire harness, ABS module, and connecting rod. The failure mileage was approximate 220,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 26, 2019180,000 milesAR
THE PLASTICS USED IN THE 2002 DODGE RAM INTERIOR ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS WIDESPREAD EVIDENCE ACROSS THE INTERNET SHOWING THE DASH BREAKING APART LIKE MINE. IT IS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND DODGE SHOULD FIND A SAFE SOLUTION. IF I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT SHARP SHARDS OF DASH FLYING AROUND IS MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE INJURY THAN THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH.
Power Train
Filed Jun 2, 2019180,000 milesOK
BOUGHT TRUCK IN 2009. DRIVE A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. TRANSMISSION HAS WENT OUT 5 TIMES NOW INCLUDING THIS MORNING. WAS TOLD BY A COWORKER THAT THERES AB ISSUE WITH THE DODGERS NOT CIRCULATING FLUID WHEN IDLING IN GEAR.??? EITHER WAY THIS WILL BE THE 5TH TIME IN 10 YEARS TAKING IT TO GET REBUILT!!!! WHICH HAS BEEN 2,500.00 TO 4,000.00 EACH TIME!!! REALLY BOUT TO GIVE UP ON DODGE
Power Train
Filed May 27, 2018203,695 milesVA
REAR END LOCKED UP GOING DOWN HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SENT ME SLIDING INTO THE SLOW LANE AND THEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY INTO A DRIVEWAY COMING TO A HALTING STOP WITH MY TAILGATE WAS STILL PARTIALLY IN A HEAVILY TRAVELED HIGHWAY. THE DRIVESHAFT ALSO DROPPED DOWN AND EVENTUALLY CAME COMPLETELY OFF AND I HAD TO CALL A ROLL BACK TO COME GET TRUCK. I HAVE HAD THIS 2002 TRUCK FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED BY DODAGE THAT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR ISSUE. ALL IN ALL IT HAS BEEN A GOOD TRUCK. THIS INCIDENT REALLY SCARED ME, AS I WORK OUT OF THIS TRUCK WITH MY BUSINESS AND NOW I HAVE TO SUFFER A LOSS FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK UNTIL I SPEND A GOOD SOME OF MONEY TO FIX THIS ISSUE SO I AM ABLE TO USE IT AGAIN.
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 201889,000 milesCA
CRAKED DASH, SHARP METAL AND SHARP BROKEN CHUNKS OF PLASTIC THAT USED TO BE A DASHBOARD. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS WAY! THE PARTS IF AVAILABLE ARE EXSPENSIVE, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED REPLACING USING BETTER SAFER PRODUCTS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 13, 201827,536 milesCA
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 P/U TRUCK. I'M AWARE THAT IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. I PLAN TO KEEP THIS TRUCK UNTIL I DIE. THE DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I NOW HAVE A DASH COVER OVER IT. AND IT'S SEEM TO BE FALLING IN AS WELL. PLEASE CONSIDER REPLACING MY DASH SINCE IT'S THE WRONG MATERIAL ON ALL 3RD GENS WERE MADE OUT OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE. AS TIME PASSES THEY DRY OUT AND CRACK. CAUSING PIECES TO FALL INSIDE CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE BLOWER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I PLAN TO TRAVEL FROM SAN DIEGO CA TO CHICAGO ILL. IN AUGUST IN MY TRUCK, I CAN'T PUT ANYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD WITHOUT THE FEAR OF DAMAGE OR MALFUNCTION TO THE ELECTRONICS OR OTHER PARTS UNDERNEATH.WITH LIQUIDS OR MORE PLASTICS FALLING INSIDE OR PASSING THOUGH THE THE DASH COVER ITS NOT WATER PROOF OR WATER RESISTANT PLEASE HELP... PLEASE HELP SAVE MY TRUCK, PLEASE AND KEEP ME SAFE ON THE ROAD.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 24, 2018208,000 milesSC
BLOWS HEAT ONLY ON PASSENGER SIDE VENTS. BLOWS COOL AIR ON DRIVERS SIDE.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 12, 2017103,000 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED ALONG THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER VENT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY BECAUSE OF THE FRACTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER VENT WERE INOPERABLE ON THE LOWER SETTINGS DUE TO OBSTRUCTION FROM PIECES OF FRACTURED DEBRIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING SYSTEM WOULD ONLY FUNCTION ON A HIGH SETTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2015CA
MICHELIN LATITUDE TIRES P265/70 R17 BOUGHT SEPT. 2011 FROM COSTCO IN INGLEWOOD CALIF. THE TREAD SURFACE IS PEELING FROM THE TIRE. THERE ARE SMALL CRATER LIKE AREAS WHERE THE TREAD HAS CRUMBLED AWAY. THE LATITUDE TIRE WAS ADVERTISED AS; "LATITUDE TOUR TIRES USE A SILICA-BASED TREAD COMPOUND MOLDED INTO A SYMMETRIC TREAD DESIGN". I WENT TO COSTCO TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WARRANTY THE TIRE. AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE DETERIORATION OF THE TIRE THREAD WAS DUE TO THE SURFACE THAT I DROVE ON. AFTER I ASSURED THE COSTCO SERVICE TECH THAT I DRIVE ON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAY, NOT OFF ROAD, HE SAID HE WOULD ONLY PRORATE THE TIRE VALUE BASED ON THE THREAD USE. THAT TURNED OUT TO BE 50 PERCENT OF ON A NEW SET OF TIRES. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 8, 2014124,000 milesPA
ALL THE SUDDEN ALL REAR LIGHTS WENT OFF TOOK TO GARAGE THEY COULDN'T TELL WHAT WAS WRONG AFTER PAYING TO FIND OUT NOTHING AND THEY HAVING TRUCK FOR 2 DAYS AND DEAD BATTERY FROM TRYING A BUNCH OF [XXX], I BROUGHT IT HOME AND STARTED TO TRY FOR MYSELF IT WAS THE FUSE BOX OF ALL THINGS I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HEARD OF HAVING TO REPLACE FUSE BOX ABOUT 500.00 , AND DASH IS CRACKED ALL OVER THE PLACE PRICED TO REPLACE COST ABOUT 700.00 I WILL WAIT TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT ALREADY HAD TO GET DEFROSTER VENT FIXED FROM STUFF FALLING IN THERE ,I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THESE THINGS GOING WRONG BUT I THOUGHT ONE MORE MY MAKE A DIFFERENCE . I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS IS RECALLED BEFORE SOME ONE GETS INJURED AND ALL SO THE BACK DOOR WIRING ON BOTH SIDES WENT BAD HAD TO REPAIR THEY I WOULD THING THAT IS A FIRE ISSUE BUT WHO AM I THE CONSUMER WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING THAT'S WHY I A WOMEN FIX MY OWN TRUCK. HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 24, 2014156,000 milesIL
KNOCK ON MY DOOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, SAID MY TRUCK BURNED UP. IT WAS NOT DRIVEN THAT DAY. ANY ELECTRICAL RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE? *TR
Structure
Filed Apr 24, 2013102,000 milesMA
I HAVE 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH A CRACKED DASH WHICH IS BAD THE CRACKS STARTED OUT SMALL AND NOW THERE ARE SEVERAL. IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WHAT IS TO STOP THIS DASH FROM SEPARATING AND CAUSING LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. DODGE NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR
Structure
Filed Dec 11, 201225,000 milesLA
AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 ON MY VEHICLE, IN THE YEAR OF 2004, I NOTICED SMALL CRACKS STARTING TO FORM ON THE DASHBOARD THIS PROGRESSED INTO MUCH LARGER CRACKS, COMPLETELY DESTROYING THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD OVER THE YEARS. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE SMALL SEGMENTS OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL FELL INTO THE BACK OF THE DASHBOARD CAUSING FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS, DEFROSTER, AND ILLUMINATION OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED BASED ON THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS BY DISSATISFIED OWNERS. CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS AGREED TO REPAIR THE DASHBOARD, BUT ONLY IF I AGREE TO A $500 DEDUCTIBLE, IN WHICH I HAVE NOT AGREED TO, SIMPLY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICE, OF THE DASHBOARD. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. THANK YOU. ..UPDATED 01/17/2013 *BF
Structure
Filed Apr 24, 201260,000 milesAZ
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 ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jan 20, 201260,000 milesGA
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 PLASTIC ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. MAKE DODGE RECALL THIS PRODUCT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? YOU ALREADY HAVE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM! *TT
Engine and Engine CoolingFire1 injured
Filed Nov 4, 201150,000 milesNY
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 SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE POWER DISRUPTION CAUGHT FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 21, 201180,000 milesTX
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 DAMAGE THAT MIGHT EFFECT MY ABILITY TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Sep 26, 2011FL
DASH IS CRACKING IN SEVERAL PLACES DROPPING PARTS OF DASHBOARD INTO FAN MOTOR TO OVERHEAT CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Sep 13, 201190,000 milesCA
REAR DOOR WIRING FAILURE CAUSING THE WIRES TO SHORT OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPEEDOMETER, DOOR LOCKS, POWER WINDOWS, DOOM LIGHTING. THE WIRING FAILURE IS DUE TO A POOR DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE READ DOORS WIRING SYSTEM BETWEEN THE B PILLAR CONNECTOR AND THE DOOR. THIS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY REMOVING THE BLACK RUBBER BOOTH. *TR
Structure
Filed Aug 29, 2011AR
THE DASH WAS FINE NO EVENTS UNTIL SEPT.2008. OPENED THE TRUCK UP ONE DAY TO REVEAL A HUGE CRACK IN THE DASH. THE DASH IS CRACKING IN THE RATE OF 2 CRACKS IN 2008 AND ONE IN 2009 ,ONE IN 2010. WE ARE UP TO 4 CRACKS NOW. HASN'T BEEN FIXED. I AM HEARING HORROR STORIES OF THIS CAUSING SERIOUS PROBLEMS. I DO NOT LET MY KIDS RIDE IN IT.THE MORE IT CRACKS THE LESS SAFE WE FEEL DRIVING IT. *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 28, 201190,000 milesSC
I HAVE 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH A CRACKED DASH WHICH IS BAD THE CRACKS STARTED OUT SMALL AND NOW THERE SO MANY THAT THE BROKEN PIECE HAVE STARTED TO FALL THROUGH INTO THE FLOOR AND DOWN THROUGH THE DEFROST .WHAT THESE DASHES ARE MADE OF YOU WOULD THING THAT THEY WOULD NOT CRACK BUT HAS SOME OF THESE PIECES COULD BECOME AIRBORNE IF YOU HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN CAUSING ACCIDENT IF IT WERE TO HIT YOU IN THE FACE. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM FLYING PLASTIC. *TT
Structure
Filed Aug 23, 201135,000 milesSC
THE TOP OF THE DASH ON MY 2002 DODGE RAM IS SEVERELY CRACKED. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2004 AND IS NOW STARTING TO WORK IT'S WAY TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH. I THOUGHT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BECAUSE IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE, BUT I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY (IF NOT MOST) DODGE RAMS. I ALSO DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE WAS A PLACE TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS YEARS AGO. *TR
Structure
Filed Aug 16, 2011100,000 milesFL
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4 AND MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND LOOKING LIKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE. IT STARTED WITH ONE CRACK AT THE WINDOW AREA AND NOW THEY ARE ALL OVER THE DASH. I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST CRACKS AND KEEPS CRACKING. *KB
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 10, 201161,000 milesRI
FRAME RAILS ARE CORRODING. DRIVER'S SIDE HAS A 3' 6" SECTION OF BADLY CORRODED FRAME. THERE ARE HOLES LARGE ENOUGH TO PUT THREE FINGERS THROUGH. PASSENGER'S SIDE IS BEGINNING TO CORRODE. FRAME HAS NOT FAILED YET. *TR
Structure
Filed Jul 26, 201175,000 milesOH
I OWN A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE DASH IS CRACKING. SEARCHING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND ONLY HAS 76,000 MILE ON IT. I THINK THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO WITH A RECALL SINCE I SEE SO MANY PROBLEMS OBSERVED ONLINE WITH THIS YEAR OF TRUCK. I AM AFRAID THAT WITH WIRING UNDER THE DASH IT MIGHT POSE A SAFETY PROBLEM. MY AIRBAG LIGHT DID NOT START GOING ON AND OFF UNTIL I NOTICED BY DASH CRACKED. *TR
Structure
Filed Jul 18, 2011SC
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK. THE DASHBOARD HAS SEVERAL CRACKS IN IT FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER. I SAW ON THE NEWS THAT OTHER RAM TRUCK OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM *KB
Structure
Filed Jul 18, 201180,000 milesSC
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUARD CAB TRUCK. THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKS FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER.FROM THE FRONT OF THE DASH TO THE BACK OF IT. *KB
Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 201190,000 milesCA
2009 THE REAR DOOR WIRING SHORTED DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN, AND SHORTED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INSTRUMENTS READINGS, INSTRUMENTS LIGHTS OR A WAY TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. CURRENTLY THE BACK DOORS ACCESSORIES POWER DOORS LOCKS AND WINDOWS DON'T WORK AS THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE THE WIRING OF THE BACK DOORS WITH THIS FEATURE. THE WIRING BEGAN TO RUB AGAINST EACH OTHER EXPOSING WIRES THUS CREATING A SHORT TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND LIGHTING SYSTEM. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 9, 2011120,000 milesCA
SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE INTER AND OUTER TIE RODS, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN USE AS A WORK TRUCK, DRIVEN ON DIRT ROADS AND CURRENTLY HAS 120,000 HIGHWAY MILES. RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING OIL, AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IS COMING A PART. *TR
Structure
Filed Feb 22, 201196,500 milesMO
I JUST PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE 1500 QUAD CAB AND ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE DASH HAS CRACKED IN 3 DIFFERENT PLACES FROM WINDSHIELD TO FRONT OF DASH. I WAS CLEANING THE DASH AND DID NOT SEE ONE OF THE CRACKS AND CUT MY HAND ON IT. THEY HAVE VERY SHARP EDGES ON THEM. AT THIS TIME I HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT. *TR
Structure
Filed Feb 9, 201195,000 milesTX
DASH CRACKING ON 2002 DODGE RAM QUADCAB; NOT THE FIRST VEHICLE TO BE EXPERIENCING THIS. MANY FORUMS AND COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MATTER. FORMAL COMPLAINT ON DODGE TO NHTSA. VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 95K WHEN FIRST APPEARED; PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, BECOMING A DRIVING HAZARD. *TR
Structure
Filed Jan 22, 2011FL
THE DASH ON OUR 2002 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB IS CRACKED FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE OUTSIDE MOLDING. IF I WAS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT THE PIECES WOULD FLY OFF AND PASSENGERS AND DRIVER WOULD SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I CAN'T BELIEVE CHRYSLER CORP HAS NOT FIXED THIS KNOW PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MAKE THEM FIX IT. *TR
Equipment
Filed Jan 16, 201162,000 milesTX
DASHBOARD (BADLY CRACKED). AT THIS POINT THE DASH ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN BREAKING OFF LIKE A WAFER COOKIE AND EXPOSING THE COMPONENTS UNDERNEATH A/C ,ELECTRICAL,STEERING COMPONENTS. *LN
Structure
Filed Jan 7, 201175,000 milesCA
THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT FOR CRACKING/CRUMBLING DASHBOARDS ON 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. FIRST COMPLAINT WAS MADE FEB. 2009 WITH FAILURE DATE OF JULY 28, 2008, ODI ID NUMBER : 10259545. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY INVESTIGATION REPORTS ONLY CLIMBING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN NO PROGRESS. MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN SOON. *TR
Structure
Filed Dec 27, 2010100,000 milesTN
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A POTHOLE. THE DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND PART OF THE VENT FELL DOWN. *TR
Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 6, 2010127,065 milesCO
MY 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 HAD A SEVERE FRONT END IMPACT , THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY., RESULTING IN MY NECK BREAKING AND MY WIFE BEING INJURED . THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE ON BOTH OF US. *TR
Structure1 injured
Filed Nov 4, 2010140,000 milesAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500 QUAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKING FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOLDING. THE CONTACT WAS CUT ON THE FINGER WHEN THE DASHBOARD CAVED IN AND HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL IT BACK OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD BE REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Structure
Filed Oct 21, 201088,470 milesGA
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4, VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS NEVER ABUSED. ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS ONE CRACK HAD GROWN TO 6 CRACKS. THEN ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO THE AIR WOULD NOT FLOW THROUGH THE DASH VENTS ANYMORE. IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM I HAD TO REMOVE THE DASH BOARD TO GET THE HEAT AND AIR SYSTEM. WHEN I REMOVED THE DASH BOARD IT CRUMBLED INTO ABOUT 20 PCS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE AIR PROBLEM I FOUND OUT THE BLEND DOOR THAT CONTROLS THE AIR TO THE DASH WAS BROKEN. SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM. I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD, FRONT AND REAR PC AND THE 4 BLEND DOORS IN THE AIR SYSTEM. WHILE REPLACING THE SHOCKS I NOTICED THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING EXTREMELY BAD WHICH HAS NEVER LEAKED BEFORE. NO NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, NO WARNING LIGHT TO ADVISE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure
Filed Sep 24, 201045,000 milesVA
2002 DODGE RAM QUADCAB PU- DASHBOARD FALLING APART. NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO IT EXCEPT FOR DAILY USE. IT IS CRUMBLING AS I TYPE. PIECES COULD LODGE IN DEFROSTER TO CAUSE FAILURE. SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. *TR
Structure
Filed Aug 28, 201078,000 milesFL
DASH CRACKING AND COLLAPSED IN 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 CREW CAB TRUCK. THE DAMAGE CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND NOW MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS IN JEOPARDY, ALONG WITH MY LACK OF PROTECTION THAT IS PROVIDED BY A SOLID DASH. *TR
Visibility
Filed Aug 27, 201084,000 milesTX
2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB PU. CRACKED DASHBOARD. SHARP EDGES COULD BE A SERIOUS ISSUE. ALSO, THE SUN VISORS FALL DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING TEMPORARY LIMITED VISIBILITY. *TR
Visibility
Filed Aug 23, 201085,000 milesSC
2002 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB HAS A SURGING PROBLEM AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND IT IS READ AS TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WAS REPLACED WITH A FACTORY SENSOR AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS IT DID IT AGAIN. AFTER 200 MILES THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND THE SURGING STOPPED ONLY TO START AND STOP REPEATEDLY UP TO THIS DATE, 8/23/2010. HOW CAN A SENSOR REPAIR ITSELF? IMPOSSIBLE! MILEAGE AT FIRST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LESS THAN 100,000. ALSO DASH IS CRACKED TO A COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL FOR THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND MILEAGE ON DASH AT 138,000 WITH CARE TAKEN TO KEEP IT CLEAN AND CONDITIONED. CRACKS BEGAN AT 85,000 MILES. WIPERS WHEN OPERATING ON HIGH WILL LOWER SPEED AND WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE FROM HIGH TO LOW INTERMITTENTLY UNLESS THEY ARE TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES. DO NOT CONSIDER THIS SAFE IN ANY WAY. INTERMITTENT WIPER USE WITH DELAY FEATURE SEEMS TO BE COMPLETELY OKAY. AIR CONDITIONER WILL ONLY BLOW COLD AIR ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND BLOWS WARM AIR ON PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER 45 MINUTES OF A/C USE, ROARING SOUND ISSUES FROM THE VENTS AND A GRADUAL DECREASE IN ALL AIR BEGINS UNTIL ONLY WISPS OF AIR ESCAPES FROM DRIVER SIDE VENTS.
Structure
Filed Jul 13, 201089,000 milesAR
2002 DODGE QUAD CAB 1500 THE DASH IS FALLING APART. IT HAS SEVERAL CRACKS AND THE VENTS GRATES ARE FALLING CREATING JAGGED EDGES WHICH COULD EFFECT AIR BAG SAFETY AND POTENTIAL WIRING DAMAGE. *TR
Structure
Filed Jul 3, 2010107,000 milesTN
THE DASH ON MY 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THE TRUCK IS IN AN ACCIDENT, SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC COULD INJURY PEOPLE IN THE TRUCK AND INTERFERE WITH THE AIRBAGS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER REPORTS JUST LIKE MINE ON THE INTERNET BUT DODGE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT CHARGE THE CUSTOMER APPROXIMATELY $800.00 TO REPLACE IT. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 29, 201048,000 milesIN
TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHETHER THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS ON OF OFF AND THE KEY WAS IN THE RUN POSITION (STARTED OR NOT) AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD TURN OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I ABOUT HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WHEN I FOUND OUT THE WIPERS QUIT WORKING, IMAGINE THAT! TOOK MY 2002 DODGE RAM 4X4, 3.7L QUAD CAB SPORT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE PDC (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (FUSE BOX)) THAT THEY ARE PRONE TO CORROSION AND THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY OF THEM. WHY NO RECALL WHEN MANY LIVES ARE AT STAKE HERE AND SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THESE FOUND? COULD HAVE BEEN ME, AND I HAVE 3 CHILDREN THAT DEPEND ON ME, SO CHRYSLER OWN UP TO IT AND DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR
Structure
Filed Jun 28, 201054,000 milesAZ
2002 DODGE RAM 1500 . CRACKED DASHBOARD . DASH IS CRACKING SO BAD THAT IT IS STARTING TO GET HOLES . FALLING PLASTIC WITH JAGGED EDGES . EXPOSING WIRES THAT COULD POSSIBLE CAUSE SHORTS OR FIRES . *TR
Structure
Filed Jun 5, 2010150,241 milesSC
I OWN A '02 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB. DASH IS CRACKING WHILE DRIVING, ONCE I HIT A POT HOLE, A PIECE FLEW OFF AND HIT ME IN THE FACE. I WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS TRAVELING FROM THE OTHER DIRECTION. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A HEAD ON COLLISION BECAUSE I JERK THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT WHEN THE PIECE HIT ME UNDER MY RIGHT EYE. I AM CONCERN THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAN A COSMETIC PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A DASH COVER SO I WOULD NOT GET HIT AGAIN, BUT THE WEIGHT SEEMS TO HAVE ACCELERATED THE CRACKING. THE DASH PART COST OVER $700 AND IS MADE OF THE SAME MATERIAL AND THE PROCESS WILL REPEAT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, THANK YOU. *TR
Structure
Filed May 24, 2010MO
I HAVE A 2002 QUAD CAB 1500 AND THE DASH HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. I NOW HAS A CRACK ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE DASH.(WINDSHIELD TO THE GLOVE BOX) I OWN A 1973 DODGE DART AND THE DASH IS PERFECT. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY 2002 DODGE 1500? *TR
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Filed May 24, 201045,631 milesMO
I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SIDE MIRRORS BECAUSE OF THE INSIDE SUPPORT BROKE OFF. THEY BROKE ABOUT A MONTH APART. LEFT MIRROR FIRST AND THEN THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed May 24, 2010MO
I HAD TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND CONTROL ARMS ( BOTH SIDES) BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVEN. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS PICK-UP OFF ROAD! IF YOU LOOK AT THE LACK OF SIZE TO THE BALL JOINTS, IT IS AMAZING THEY LASTED 3 YEARS. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 322, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Ram years to avoid: owners filed 322 complaints, 2.0 times as many as a typical Ram year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (24%).
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Ram?
The body and frame: 76 of the 322 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (4%). The typical report comes at 78,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Ram have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 02V159000, covered 46,000 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 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 54,800 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 78,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Dodge Ram?
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?
The manufacturer filed 80 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (19), the body and frame (9) and the transmission (8). 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: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.