2002 Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 7%of 815 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of the 815 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heater vent control has stopped working on my truck and I can no longer select defrost in my truck. This is a huge safety issue, as the vehicle cannot be driven without clear visibility through the front windshield. Apparently, this is a common issue for Dodge ram trucks and has never been recalled. I cannot defrost my windows as a result. I've been hold it's the HVAC blend doors.”
NHTSA complaint #10482651, filed 2012-10, 160,000 miles“My 2002 Dodge ram has a bad blend door controller. What this means is that I only have cold or warm air coming out of the vents in the front part of the dash and am unable to switch the air to defrost the windows. Dealer says it's an $800 fix. The problem is that when my windows steam up I have to use a towel to wipe the windshield as I am traveling 70 MPH down the freeway. How safe is that. Dodge needs to fix this safety issue!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10383381, filed 2011-02, 102,000 miles“My sun visors have broken numerous times. Both sides (passenger and driver) have been replaced at least three times each. They lose their spring tension and hang down and create a safety hazard when my wife and I drive, because they will not stay up and out of the way. My vehicle only has 30k miles on it, I am the original owner. 8jb”
NHTSA complaint #10118257, filed 2005-04, 4,868 miles“2002 Dodge RAM 1500 slt 2wd 5.9 v8 (gas) with 86,000 miles. Turn signals have suddenly become dangerously intermittent. Also, occasionally when signaling 'left' the right dash indicator for the turn signals will flash instead. It happened twice today, we turned the signal off then back 'on' and it worked properly. Because this is intermittent we cannot duplicate the problem to determine if the outside bulbs are flashing left or right, therefore we worry they might be incorrectly signaling our intentions to other drivers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448276, filed 2012-02, 85,075 miles“Takata recall. No heat from drivers side HVAC, this causes visibility problems cause poor window defrosting. Wife is disabled with no income can't afford the hundreds of dollars for service or afford a newer vehicle. Never had heat problems in any of my older vehicles like this. Been this way for 4 years now.”
NHTSA complaint #11154759, filed 2018-11, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V077000Mar 10, 2003On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.Covers: Dodge RAM 1500 2002
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 56 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 5% |
| 2006 | 65 | 8% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 33 | 3% |
| 2002 | 53 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
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 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 29, 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