2002 Dodge RAM 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 18%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500, 18% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,250 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the output shaft fractured and he was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the gear box was replaced. The dealer did not offer any assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10412281, filed 2011-07, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while traveling 70 MPH, the contact crashed into a median divider, slid and then crashed into another median divider before finally landing in a ditch. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private mechanic where it was discovered that the tie rod failed and caused the crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileages were 43,566.”
NHTSA complaint #10482002, filed 2012-10, 43,566 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 3500. While driving approximately 60 MPH over a bump in the road, the front end of the vehicle suddenly shook violently and vibrated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact heard a knocking noise when the steering wheel was turned in either direction. In addition, while driving, the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel injector bump and lift bump were faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10915214, filed 2016-10, 48,500 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge RAM 3500. While traveling approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel failed to respond and would not turn. As a result, the contact crashed into a rock causing the vehicle to flip onto the passenger side. The driver side air bag deployed, but the front passenger side air bag did not. The driver sustained head and back injuries and lacerations to the arms. The front passenger sustained head injuries, cuts, and abrasions to the arm from the glass. Both occupants required medical attention. A police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723028, filed 2015-06, 17,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 222 | 61% |
| 2011 | 164 | 73% |
| 2010 | 92 | 61% |
| 2009 | 69 | 66% |
| 2008 | 94 | 54% |
| 2007 | 88 | 42% |
| 2006 | 75 | 29% |
| 2005 | 61 | 31% |
| 2004 | 41 | 19% |
| 2003 | 37 | 13% |
| 2002 | 8 | 18% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 11 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 10% |
| 1993 | 4 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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