2002 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and problems

The 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 has 3 safety recalls and 815 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

815

Crashes / fires

55 / 14

Injuries / deaths

62 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls

Recall 03V-504: Tires

Reported Dec 10, 2003 · 214 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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."

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-078: Steering

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 287,725 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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: This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-077: Visibility

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 195,500 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.

Risk: This could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	279
Power Train	100
Electrical System	94
Suspension	76
Unknown or Other	62
Engine and Engine Cooling	59
Visibility	53
Air Bags	48
Steering	44
Exterior Lighting	41
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	31
Vehicle Speed Control	22

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 38
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 22
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
Air Bags › Frontal — 14
Suspension › Front — 14
Suspension › Rear — 13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 13
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 11

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Mar 24, 2026

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 itâs been like this about as long as I have had it please help me and thereâs a whole lot more people with same issue and itâs a very bad problem with the windshield keeps fogging up can not see the road or traffic

Service Brakes · reported Nov 13, 2024

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 · reported Jun 12, 2024

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 · reported Nov 5, 2023

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 · reported Jul 13, 2023

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.

Other Dodge RAM 1500 years

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Dodge RAM 1500 years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500: 03V-504 (tires), 03V-078 (steering), 03V-077 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500?

Owners report structure problems most often (279 reports), followed by power train (100). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.