2002 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2002 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
116 complaints14 involved a crash3 involved a fire15 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
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…
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
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
- Electrical system · Power train · Unknown or other
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…
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 cooling · Structure › Body
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…
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
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
- Structure
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
- Structure
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 › Body
Tl*the 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…
Tl*the 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 authorized dealer and they stated that the exterior body paint defect would eventually rust from the inner to the outer surface. the authorized dealer advised that the vehicle be brought in when it begins to rust and possibly repaired at no cost. as of july 24, 2008, the vehicle has not been repaired. the contact took the vehicle to an auto body shop for a second opinion. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 89,000.
- Structure
After owning this vehicle for 6 years< the paint IS starting to peel, and it IS rusting from the inside out. Although this IS not a safety issue I am hoping you can point in the right direction. thank you. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Equipment
1. Replaced fuse (original equipment) on my 2002 dodge RAM pickup for the left rear trailer lights with storehouse fuse bought at harbor freight store. 2. fuse did not "blow" as it should and "welded" itself into fuse block. I cannot remove the remnants of the fuse. 3. this may necessitate complete replacement of the fuse block at considerable cost. possible hundreds of dollars. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Email concerned that the airbags in his 2002 dodge RAM truck failed to deploy in a 25 to 30 mph accident. *kb
- Structure
Dash on our 2002 dodge RAM IS cracking. *Jb
- Structure
Consumer IS complaining about cracks in the dashboard. customer states that vehicle has about 10 cracks in the dashboard. The customer would like to know why dodge IS not doing anything about this problem. *kb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
2002 dodge RAM front passenger side wheel came off the vehicle. *kb (ohio traffic crash report) *jb
- Unknown or other
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge RAM. the dashboard has cracked in several places. the vehicle IS occasionally parked in direct sunlight and has not been inspected by a dealer. the current mileage IS 60,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.
- Equipment · Structure
The board 2002 dodge RAM 1500 quad cab dashboard IS all cracked and breaking apart. Read about this problem in my local action line section where other dodge owners of different models between the years 2000 and newer were having the same problem. The dashboard started cracking near the vents and…
The board 2002 dodge RAM 1500 quad cab dashboard IS all cracked and breaking apart. Read about this problem in my local action line section where other dodge owners of different models between the years 2000 and newer were having the same problem. The dashboard started cracking near the vents and has proceeded to break in other places along the entire dashboard, about less than a month after the warranty expired. I' have asked around to people related in the industry, and have been informed that was a very costly repair. several hundred dollars worth. also, I have a friend who experienced the same problem on a 2000 dodge 1500 . please help, thank you. *ak
- Structure
Cracked dashboard. *ak
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge RAM 3500. the contact stated that there IS a crack on the vehicle's dashboard which caused the lights to malfunction. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. there have been no failures to date. the current mileage IS 98,700 and the failure mileage was unknown.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt*: 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.…
Dt*: 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, # 05v462000, regarding the automatic transmission; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 7/25/2006 - *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
Dt*: 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. *Jb
- Equipment · Trailer hitches
Dt: the contact owns a 1992 haul right 60 boat trailer manufactured by b and m. While traveling 60 mph the tongue broke where it hooks on the truck, causing the boat and the trailer to fall down and hit the pavement. When the boat trailer was inspected it showed additional weakness in the tongue.…
Dt: the contact owns a 1992 haul right 60 boat trailer manufactured by b and m. While traveling 60 mph the tongue broke where it hooks on the truck, causing the boat and the trailer to fall down and hit the pavement. When the boat trailer was inspected it showed additional weakness in the tongue. The consumer product safety commission told the contact to contact nhtsa because the trailer had brake lights. She has tried to contact the boat manufacturer, and could not contact them by phone or letter. They have not gotten a response, and the dealership was out of business. *Ak
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Dt: the contact heard a rattling noise in the back of the truck. He was making a trip to los vegas, was walking around the truck on and looked under the wheel and he noticed a clamp that held a spring in place broke. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving vehicle will experienced sudden acceleration. However, when applying the accelerator pedal vehicle idled quietly, and then suddenly accelerated. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
When engaging the cruise control it would intermittently cause the vehicle to shift and advance to a higher speed. dealer was notified via phone. The dealer or a repair shop made no inspection at this time.*ak the vehicle has accelerated suddenly a number of times in the past 3 years. the cruise control was recently fixed but that was because it didn't work at all. *bf *nm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The windshield and side windows would fog up when the heater and defroster were on, which was making it difficult to see the road. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for testing, but the cause was undetermined. *ak *sc *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear axle failure
See attached report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10024083Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10021687Trailer towing mirror - new mirror glass locking tab - new removal procedure.
- 10021239Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10020139Rear suspension vibration while driving at highway speeds.
- 10019529Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures.
- 10015075New water pump for 3.7L engine - no longer common with 4.7L. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10013996Minimun rear rotor thickness.
- 10013994Stabilizer bar link nut torque specs changed.
- 10013993Maintenance schedule information.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10009241Steering column service. Information. Service information tuneups.
- 10009238Correct fuse number and capacity for the 2002 instrument cluster. Service information tuneups.
- 10006453Vacuum pump service.
- 10006146Engine undershoots idle when the vehicle IS stopped, in gear.*mr
- 10004540Engine idle fluctuation.
- 10004538Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03a dated 10/17/03. To also include 2005 RAM truck.
- 10003809Procedure for removal of the power steering pulley.
- 10003805Procedures for servicing the seat belt latch plate cinch bar.
- 10003544Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure.
- 10003414Intermittent locking/unlocking of doors without activating the power door lock switch.
- 10002292Electro mechanical instrument cluster - erroneous indicator lamps.
- 10002047Vibration at highway speeds.
- 10000903Condenser fan inoperative due to open fuse.
- 10000321Weak am radio reception.
- 10000310Fuel cap difficult to remove.
- 10000308Engine knock or rattle sound when climbing a long grade and towing a heavy trailer.
- 635734Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engines.
- 635732Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engine.
- 635730Information on the use of synthetic rear axle lubricant.
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 635693A condition may exist where water leaks from the rear window (back light).
- 635691Information on additional plastic retainers to secure the grille guard plastic cover to the vertical bar.
- 635690A condition may exist where water leaks at the grab handle.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634138Subject regarding crankshaft position sensor signal, vehicles equipped with the 3.7 l engine, also refer to 02003. *Slc
- 634112Revision of flash process for new engine control module (ecm) from cummins. *Slc this bulletin supersedes bulletin 18-019-02 dated june 17, 2002.
- 634090Subject regarding fuel cap difficult to remove. *Slc
- 634087Subject regarding remote keyless entry programming procedures. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
Every Dodge RAM model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.