2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 7%of 815 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of the 815 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway at about 55 miles an hour when the engine blew causing me to almost get hit in traffic. The engine blew, however there is a TSB in regards to the oil pressure stating that is not an issue. The only way to correct this problem is to replace the engine. There is numerous complaints on the web stating the same results as mine. Dodge states that I caused this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10280775, filed 2009-08, 110,000 miles“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“Oil pan was replaced due to rust. Covered by warranty, with $100 deductible. Apparently chrysler can't build a pan that will last a full five years. Also, on third set of brakes at 81k miles. Apparently, as soon as I traded my toyota, I started driving like an old lady. Either that, or the brakes on the truck are substandard. Emergency brake handle broke in less than 1 year. Etc..........”
NHTSA complaint #10193000, filed 2007-06, 81,000 miles“Front axle, I have replaced the front axles of my 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 on both sides at 100,000 miles and the axle on the right side is now gone out again, 1.5 years later. The oil pump has gone out along with all the tensioners, rear axle is going out, truck overheats and no one can find the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10203573, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles“2002 Dodge RAM 1500 rack and pinion going out only 60,000 miles....also, they replaced A/C fan motor once...I paid several times...about to go out again (low humming noise is indicator - as noise increases, motor fails). I am so disappointed; as a special needs teacher I depend on this vehicle to transport me safely to and from my work....cannot depend on it. I hate it...it's been a pain since first problem with 18 miles on it!!! Please, hold Dodge accountable for their mistakes....”
NHTSA complaint #10312304, filed 2010-02, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500
278 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsSuspension
71 complaintsOther or unknown
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsBrakes
36 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 27, 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