2002 Dodge RAM 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 116 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 298 |
| 1997 | 361 |
| 1998 | 520 |
| 1999 | 610 |
| 2000 | 513 |
| 2001 | 1112 |
| 2002 | 815 |
| 2003 | 1169 |
| 2004 | 1094 |
| 2005 | 1165 |
| 2006 | 792 |
| 2007 | 517 |
| 2008 | 553 |
| 2009 | 670 |
| 2010 | 485 |
| 2011 | 687 |
| 2012 | 694 |
| 2014 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: structure — 232 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS REAR ENDED AT A RED LIGHT AND MY DASH BOARD SUSTAINED MULTIPLE FRACTURES. PART OF THE DASH BOARD FRACTURED AND BECAME AIRBORNE IN THE VEHICLE. IT WAS THE SIZE OF AN IPHONE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120730
THE DASH CAP IN MY DODGE RAM 1500 HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. THIS HAS CAUSED MANY VERY SHARP SHARDS OF PLASTIC THAT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN A COLLISION RESULTING IN UNNECESSARY INJURY TO ANY PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
8% of complaints: electrical system — 65 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180412
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20231105
5% of complaints: power train — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATH5% of complaints: structure — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY4% of complaints: suspension — 35 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
REAR AXLE FAILURE
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.
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 SERV
Campaign 03V077000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TH
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
Campaign 03V078000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 03V504000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PERFORMAN
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RA
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
Campaign 10E040000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (232 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V077000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V078000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V504000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E040000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.