MYRModel Year Report

2002 Dodge RAM 2500

▲ Better than typical
2002 Dodge RAM 2500
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:32:20.301Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 2500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2002: 155 complaints 2002 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 297 complaints 2012: 283 complaints 2012
2002: 155 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199116
199232
199339
1994168
1995267
1996291
1997213
1998225
1999313
2000211
2001469
2002155
2003661
2004581
2005422
2006668
2007361
2008317
2009214
2010236
2011297
2012283

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 26%

26% of complaints: structure — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE OSCILLATES VIOLENTLY ON CEMENT ROADS DUE TO STIFFNESS OF THE FRAME AND WRONG WHEEL BASE. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20020426

STEERING 15%

15% of complaints: steering — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIPS IN CALIFORNIA AND FIND THAT THEIR JOB IS TO RUFUSE TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH TRUCK. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020920

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE CONTACT'S CHILD HAPHAZARDLY MOVED THE GEAR SHIFTER, WHICH WAS LOCATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120720

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and upper ball joint.

Show complaint excerpts

THIS TRUCK HAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION BOUNCING OSILALTION ON THE FREEWAY. OTHER TRUCK DON'T DO THIS. THE DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM WITH IT AND THEY WONT DO ANYTHING. I COMPLAINED AFTER 1 MILE OF OWNERSHIP. THE TRUCK IS NOT SAFE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020322

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 13 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060420 — engine and engine cooling

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

R 20080115 — visibility

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (40 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 1993 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.