2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 12%of 815 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, 12% of the 815 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving to work at 40 MPH and suddenly a loud bang occurred. My rear end lock up and the truck came to a screeching halt. I got out and saw my drive shaft hanging down and called a tow truck! No injuries thankfully, but it sure could have had a different outcome on a highway at faster speeds! Extremely expensive repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10597715, filed 2014-06, 130,000 miles“Today on my 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 a sound started at speed, a sort of whining sound. I had learned there were some problems via internet forums so I slowed down, as I slowed down the diff locked up. Luckily since I sort of knew what might be coming I was going slow enough to not cause an accident, but had I not known, who knows what might have happened. It's in the shop now waiting on parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10605455, filed 2014-06, 135,500 miles“Today around 1am coming home from work, I was going 65 MPH and I was coming up on my turn.I slowed down and my 2002 Dodge ram quad cap did a noses dive felt like I was slamming on the brakes. Took the turn bring it back up to 40mph to see if I can see what it was ( thinking I hit my e brake) and all of a sudden hurd a big boom and my truck lock up going around a dirt road almost going in to the trees, now my truck is in the middle of the road side ways.”
NHTSA complaint #11011955, filed 2017-08, 220,000 miles“My friend was outside the 2002 Dodge ram. It was running and in park. He leaned in the door to check the mileage on the oil change sticker on the windshield. Suddenly, in park, the truck began rolling down a very slight grade. It drug my friend who was attempting to stop the truck. It rolled about 25 yards until it hit a parked car. This all happened while in park! He was bruised and banged up, and was sore for a few days.”
NHTSA complaint #10759043, filed 2015-08, 107,092 miles“Was driving and a loud noise started to come from the back part of the truck. I took it to the mechanic and the differential is gone. Spoke to other Dodge ram owners and my understanding is that this is a factory defect that Dodge has yet to accept responsibility for. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10626639, filed 2014-08, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 92 | 13% |
| 2011 | 176 | 26% |
| 2010 | 229 | 47% |
| 2009 | 231 | 34% |
| 2008 | 73 | 13% |
| 2007 | 61 | 12% |
| 2006 | 100 | 13% |
| 2005 | 594 | 51% |
| 2004 | 181 | 16% |
| 2003 | 125 | 11% |
| 2002 | 99 | 12% |
| 2001 | 95 | 9% |
| 2000 | 45 | 9% |
| 1999 | 59 | 10% |
| 1998 | 85 | 16% |
| 1997 | 56 | 16% |
| 1996 | 52 | 17% |
| 1995 | 30 | 14% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500
278 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsSuspension
71 complaintsOther or unknown
62 complaintsEngine cooling
58 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 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