2002 Dodge RAM 3500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 70 |
| 1995 | 108 |
| 1996 | 124 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2003 | 286 |
| 2004 | 214 |
| 2005 | 196 |
| 2006 | 257 |
| 2007 | 210 |
| 2008 | 173 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 225 |
| 2012 | 365 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
20% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
18% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN DIVIDER, SLID AND THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER MEDIAN DIVIDER BEFORE FINALLY LANDING IN A DITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121023
WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE STARTS TO HAVE A DEATH WOBBLE I CANT CONTROL IT I TRY TO STOP ON A HIGHWAY ALMOST WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER AND OTHER VEHICLES EACH TIME I HAVE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190422
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND AND WOULD NOT TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150602
Also filed under AIR BAGS
11% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing upper ball joint and front.
9% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Installed transfer fuel tank in back of my pickup truck, two weeks ago after putting 45 gals of fuel in tank, next morning tank was empty.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230217
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.