2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 4%of 815 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, 4% of the 815 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 RAM 1500 has problems holding the idle it fluctuates up and down. When I first bought it the idle was so low it cut off once. They made a computer adjustment then that worked for a little while. I have had to hold the brake down harder than normal at a stop. This happens all the time. I have cleaned the throttle body replaced air filter. Seems like another computer problem to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10245480, filed 2008-10, 101,000 miles“The front brakes shudder violently when I try to stop. I had the brakes fixed but they are doing it again. You don't have to be a genius to know that the rotors are inferior!!! The dealer said this is not covered by warranty. I am the only driver of this truck so I know that I do not over brake... This is potentially dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10155281, filed 2006-04, 20,000 miles“Oil pan was replaced due to rust. Covered by warranty, with $100 deductible. Apparently chrysler can't build a pan that will last a full five years. Also, on third set of brakes at 81k miles. Apparently, as soon as I traded my toyota, I started driving like an old lady. Either that, or the brakes on the truck are substandard. Emergency brake handle broke in less than 1 year. Etc..........”
NHTSA complaint #10193000, filed 2007-06, 81,000 miles“There was an electrical failure in the wiring system from the fuse block this is known to be a common problem with the Dodge rams the ABS light, brake light and airbag light as well as the engine light all come on also the odometer and speedometer also stop working. This stops the ABS system from working as well as the airbags I have had to change the fuse block as well as the rear speed sensor, and the dash cluster because of this over a three year period now, the first time all of my lights stopped working as well as the dash gauges and door locks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10519767, filed 2013-06, 117,320 miles“2002 Dodge RAM 1500 I just bought has a shke or shimmy at braking and highway speeds. On the interstate when driving 50mph truck shakes. Go 70mph truck is worse. So going 50 to 70 mphs truck shakes. The faster I go the more violently it shakes. This is a real distraction while driving. Tires are new, they show no wear. I have bought it with 23500 miles on it. It's al;so a certified truck. When stopping soon as you apply brakes it shimmies or shakes violently.”
NHTSA complaint #10021177, filed 2003-06, 24,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 51 | 7% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 16 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 21 | 4% |
| 2006 | 39 | 5% |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% |
| 2004 | 53 | 5% |
| 2003 | 73 | 6% |
| 2002 | 36 | 4% |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 6% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 64 | 12% |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% |
| 1996 | 46 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 11 | 9% |
| 1993 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500
278 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsSuspension
71 complaintsOther or unknown
62 complaintsEngine cooling
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsExterior lighting
35 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology