2002 Dodge RAM 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 1500 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Dodge RAM 1500. 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 1500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
815 complaints55 involved a crash14 involved a fire62 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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 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
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
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…
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
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 · Unknown or other
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
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…
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
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…
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 bags · Unknown or other
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
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.…
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
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…
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 · Power train · Vehicle speed control
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
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 · Engine · Exterior lighting
While driving all of the gauges have quit working headlights stay on will not turn off.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
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…
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 · Engine
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.…
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
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
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
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…
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
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
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…
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.
- Suspension › Rear · Wheels
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
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
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…
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.
- Steering · Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
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…
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.
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.
- 11010205Plate - Planetary
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10224768Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10139595Part 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
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 10136906Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions.
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10015075New water pump for 3.7L engine - no longer common with 4.7L. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10005515Final fitment of this suspension kit has revealed a potential interference between the supplied tie rod end and the factory wheel which does not allow the o.e. Wheels to be re-used. Rancho IS recommending 17 x 18 inch wheel with 5 inches of back spacing (with up to a 35 inch tire).
Every Dodge RAM 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.