2002 Dodge RAM 3500 Problems
- Complaints
- 44filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,850miles, 32 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500. The part named most often is fuel system, with 9 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure (9) and steering (8). 32 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,850 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system9 20%
- Body and structure9 20%
- Steering8 18%
- Suspension5 11%
- Air bags4 9.1%
- Brakes4 9.1%
- Other or unknown4 9.1%
- Electrical system2 4.5%
- Engine cooling2 4.5%
Also reported: Tires (2), Engine (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “I own a 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 24v cummings diesel. I experienced a very serious engine failure my engine just turned off all its own. Apparently this is an well documented incident with this make and model. The failure is the lift pump, you will notice what a problem this is by going to any search engine with the search criteria of Dodge + lift pump there are a lot of stories just like mine posted all over internet bulletins hosted all over the country. Very serious issue considering these trucks are meant to carry heavy loads. I am convinced someone has already gotten hurt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161248, filed 2006-07, 61,570 milesBody and structure: “Dash started cracking about 2007 and is not starting to fall apart in big sharp pieces. If air bag would ever go off I don't know where these pieces would end up, hopefully not in me.”
NHTSA complaint #10525832, filed 2013-07, 19,000 milesSteering: “While driving my truck on at least 10 times the vehicle hit a bridge or bump in the road the vehicle starts to have a death wobble I cant control it I try to stop on a highway almost was hit by a tractor trailer and other vehicles each time I have replaced alot of front end equipment and it has 6 new tires also the dash exploded in alot of pieces another safety issue”
NHTSA complaint #11202958, filed 2019-04, 160,000 milesSuspension: “While driving over 60 MPH or when the vehicle hit a bump in the road, the steering wheel shook violently, which made it very difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering stabilizer and the track bar under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10046050, filed 2004-02, 26,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 32 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 116,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020Electrical system, Air bags. This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Other model years of the Dodge RAM 3500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 366 | 46,840 | 8 | — | — | 95 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 225 | 46,350 | 5 | — | — | 47 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 150 | 51,000 | 9 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 105 | 49,529 | 5 | — | — | 36 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 173 | 65,000 | 9 | — | — | 57 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 210 | 75,000 | 11 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 258 | 79,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 196 | 82,251 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 214 | 61,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 286 | 76,258 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 44 | 66,850 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 130 | 83,238 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 58 | 86,142 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 104 | 112,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 105 | 92,090 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 125 | 108,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 124 | 115,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 108 | 64,870 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 70 | 120,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 20 | 50,010 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 10 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM 3500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 9 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure with 9.
Has the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 reported?
Among the 32 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,850 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 116,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.