2002 Dodge RAM recalls and problems

The 2002 Dodge RAM has 2 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

116

Crashes / fires

14 / 3

Injuries / deaths

15 / 1

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

2002 Dodge RAM recalls

Recall 04V-185: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 12, 2004 · 44,588 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (Abs), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.

Risk: This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-159: Power Train

Reported Jun 13, 2002 · 46,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.

Risk: During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.

Fix: Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began december 9, 2002. 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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	19
Suspension	16
Air Bags	15
Structure	15
Engine and Engine Cooling	14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	13
Visibility	11
Steering	10
Equipment	6
Electrical System	5
Unknown or Other	5
Seats	4

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 11
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 6
Suspension › Rear — 3
Suspension › Front — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,827 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 complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 220,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the…

Structure · at 60,000 miles · reported Apr 24, 2012

The dashboard started cracking around 60,000 miles. It has continued to crack and all of the plastic vent covers have fallen apart into the vents. I have now found out that the insulation in the dash is dry rotting and falling into the A/C vents and causing problems with the A/C motor. This could potentially cause an electrical problem.

Power Train · at 60,000 miles · reported Jan 20, 2012

1) electrical problems. Lights kept going in and out 2) dash cracking and crumbling. Pieces falling into air vents and preventing windshield from defrosting! Dangerous! Could cause an accident. Dash is in such bad shape that if passenger air bag were to be deployed it could kill someone due to flying pieces of hard plastic all over the vehicle. Make dodge recall this product! What are you waiting for? You already have thousands of complaints for this problem!

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 50,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2011

The contact owns a 2002 dodge ram model r35. The contact was driving 5 MPH when smoke emitted inside of the vehicle and flames were visible from the hood. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch but there was no crash. The doors failed to open during the failure so the contact escaped by punching and shattering the windshield. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where the mechanic confirmed that the power disruption caught fire. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and the current mileages were 50,000.

Structure · at 80,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2011

The dash in my 2002 dodge ram quad cab pickup began to crack and has now completely shattered. There are pieces that have broken off and are now effecting my heating and cooling system. I AM concerned that if I hit a bump to hard that a piece might actually dislodge and harm someone. Or cause even more severe internal damage that might effect my ability to operate the vehicle.

Other Dodge RAM years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Dodge RAM years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM: 04V-185 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02V-159 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report power train problems most often (19 reports), followed by suspension (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,827 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.