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EquipmentPart report

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Equipment Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
1%of 815 total for the year
Median mileage
78,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the equipment of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, 1% of the 815 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I am now in the process of having the rack and pinion replaced for the second time. The first time the rack and pinion went out and this time was during driving the vehicle in four wheel drive in the snow. The first occurance was at 40,000 miles when we had 6 inches of snow and this time was at 114,000 miles in 8 inches of snow. This vehicle is how I make a living and is not used for recreational off roading. The damage to the rack and pinion occured during regular four wheel driving on city streets.”

NHTSA complaint #10105630, filed 2005-01, 114,000 miles

“(1) no events that LED to cracked dashboard. (2) dashboard has developed numerous cracks and small pieces from vents have started to fall. (3) brought to the attention of Dodge dealership during routine maintenance, service personnel said that there was nothing they could do, because truck was out of warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #10213591, filed 2008-01, 90,000 miles

“The 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 slt was bought in 2006. 2 months later, the rear end had to be replaced. No warranty. (2000.00 out of pocket). Six months later, the front end went out. (2083.00 out of pocket). No more problems until 6 months ago. Had to replace all wheel bearings and brakes ( 1500.00 out of pocket) now, my mechanic says that the brakes and front suspension has to be replaced(another 2300.00 out of pocket) this truck has never been taken off-road. It has been very well taken care of. Dodge has been notified,no response. …”

NHTSA complaint #10285310, filed 2009-09, 78,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 1500. In warm weather conditions, the air conditioner system becomes inoperative. Also, in cold weather conditions, the defroster does not work properly. The failure causes impaired visibility in inclement weather and could result in a crash. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 03v078000 (steering:column). The contact would have to install a wiring harness overlay at the cost of $800. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer referred him to the dealer. …”

NHTSA complaint #10253045, filed 2008-12, 71,000 miles

“While jacking the vehicle hook attachment to the jack was twisted. Consumer was able to jack up the vehicle, but failed and hit the ground. No injuries reported. Consumer drove the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed consumer that this part was not under warranty, and consumer needed to pay for repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #10091840, filed 2004-09

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201230%
201110%
201010%
2009112%
200761%
2006132%
200520%
2004121%
2003111%
2002111%
2001182%
2000143%
1999132%
1998133%
1997123%
199672%
199542%
199433%

Other parts of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500

Body and structure
278 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
99 complaints
Electrical system
93 complaints
Suspension
71 complaints
Other or unknown
62 complaints
Engine cooling
58 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaints
Air bags
46 complaints
Steering
44 complaints
Brakes
36 complaints
Exterior lighting
35 complaints
Engine
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 30, 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