2002 Dodge RAM Problems
- Complaints
- 116filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 37,827miles, 35 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Dodge RAM (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems rather than one dominant theme. The most frequently recurring complaint in the sample is a cracked, crumbling dashboard that can shed pieces into the vents and interfere with defrosting; front brake rotor shudder, transmission and rear-axle/drivetrain noise, and front airbags that did not deploy in a frontal impact also come up repeatedly. Mileage varies widely, with many reports arriving in the first 60,000 miles.
- Body and structure
Cracked, crumbling dashboard plastic
- 13 complaints (11%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2012
Complaints describe the dashboard cracking, initially near the vents or in direct sunlight, then breaking apart across the whole panel. Owners say plastic vent covers fall apart into the ducts and dashboard insulation crumbles into the A/C system, and some report the cracks affecting heating and defrosting airflow or dashboard lights. Repairs are described as expensive, and several owners state the cracks appeared shortly after warranty coverage ended. Mostly reported between roughly 55,000 and 98,000 miles, often several years after purchase.
What to check: Inspect the top of the dash near the vents and speaker grilles for hairline cracks, and check that vents blow where they should. Ask whether the dash has been repaired or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The dash in my 2002 Dodge RAM quad cab pickup began to crack and has now completely shattered. There are pieces that have broken off and are now effecting my heating and cooling system. I am concerned that if I hit a bump to hard that a piece might actually dislodge and harm someone. Or cause even more severe internal damage that might effect my ability to operate the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10432304, filed 2011-10, 80,000 miles“The board 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 quad cab dashboard is all cracked and breaking apart. Read about this problem in my local action line section where other Dodge owners of different models between the years 2000 and newer were having the same problem. The dashboard started cracking near the vents and has proceeded to break in other places along the entire dashboard, about less than a month after the warranty expired. I' have asked around to people related in the industry, and have been informed that was a very costly repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10193686, filed 2007-06 - Air bags
Front airbags not deploying in a frontal impact
- 14 complaints (12%)
- median 23,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2007
Owners describe frontal or offset collisions at moderate speeds in which neither front airbag deployed, sometimes with significant front-end damage and reported injuries. In several cases the vehicle was declared a total loss. Complaints do not describe any dealer diagnosis or repair of the airbag system. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 11,000 to 59,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Ask for an airbag self-test result and check that the airbag warning lamp comes on with the key then goes out; confirm no airbag-related codes are stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on gravel road oat 40-45 MPH vehicle hit a pot hole, causing it to hydroplane. Vehicle came down, and hit the front of the vehicle first and commenced to flip over a few times, landing on the passenger's side. Upon impact, neither of the frontal air bags deployed. Driver sustained major injuries, and was transported by ambulance to the local hospital. .......”
NHTSA complaint #10103677, filed 2004-12, 59,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving at 45 MPH. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. The entire front end of vehicle was severely damaged. Driver sustained shoulder, leg, angle and knee injuries, and was having headaches.”
NHTSA complaint #10079616, filed 2004-06, 23,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting and park-hold problems
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2006
Complaints describe erratic shifting, the transmission slipping between gears with a loud noise, and failure to downshift on grades. Other owners report the truck rolling after being placed in park with the engine running, or difficulty moving the gear selector. Dealers are described as either replacing parts or being unable to reproduce the problem. Reports span low mileage up to about 70,000 miles, with several in the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Road-test through all gears including a hard downshift on a grade, and check that the selector engages park firmly on a slope. Ask for transmission service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The consumer placed the vehicle into park, while exiting the vehicle the door knocked the consumer to the ground. The vehicle continued to roll into a creek. The consumer stated that the gear was in park, however she was not sure if it came out of park. The manufacture will be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10103456, filed 2004-12, 70,000 miles“Transmission shifting erratic, climbing grade will not shift down to lower gears and then hard gas will cause it to downshift, but then immediately return to lower gear. When overdrive turned off, cannot get to downshift at all.”
NHTSA complaint #767461, filed 2002-09 - Suspension
Rear axle and driveline noise or failure
- 17 complaints (15%)
- median 20,748 mi at 2.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2006
Owners describe grinding or loud noises from the rear differential, in some cases while towing a trailer, with dealers replacing the differential and rear axle bearings — sometimes more than once for the same truck. Others report highway-speed vibration or the rear of the truck stepping out on uneven pavement, and one complaint describes a broken spring clamp found during a walk-around. Reported from about 1,000 to 38,000 miles, often while towing or at highway speeds.
Recall 02V1590002 related service bulletins
What to check: Listen for rear-end whine or grind on a test drive and while turning, and inspect the rear axle and springs for leaks, loose clamps or welded repairs. Ask about towing history and any differential work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: the contact heard a rattling noise in the back of the truck. He was making a trip to los vegas, was walking around the truck on and looked under the wheel and he noticed a clamp that held a spring in place broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10132440, filed 2005-08, 37,827 miles“Pulled off interstate for gas and heard rear differential making a loud grinding noise. Vehicle was pulling a small utility trailer. Paint has been bubbling off the differential. Dealer found entire differential and rear axle bearings needed to be replaced. Repair was done at dealership, and upon returning home, the rear end failed again , same symptoms. Entire differential and rear axle bearings were replaced a second time.***** dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis******769323.”
NHTSA complaint #10008538, filed 2002-11, 3,670 miles - Brakes
Front brake rotor shudder or warping
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 33,000 mi at 1.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2005
Owners describe vibration or severe shaking through the truck when braking, often at highway speeds, which dealers attributed to worn or warped front rotors and replaced. One owner reported repeated rotor replacement at roughly 10,000-mile intervals and being told to change driving habits; others reported grooved rotors on all four wheels. Some complaints pair the brake noise with a clunk from the front wheel area. Reported from about 12,000 to 45,000 miles in the sample, usually after repeated rotor replacements.
What to check: Test-brake from highway speed and feel for steering-wheel shake; ask for rotor and pad service records and whether the rotors have been replaced more than once.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Front rotors keep warping on this truck it has happened about every 10,000 miles. The dealership keeps replacing the rotors under warrenty the pads have never needed replacing and my tires are in great condition. There responce is to change my driving habits. I drive 50 miles one way on the hiway everyday with little braking im at 45,000 and in need of rotors again this will be the 5th set.”
NHTSA complaint #10070220, filed 2004-01, 35,000 miles“Truck began to vibrate dramatically upon braking. The rotors were warped, the brake pads in the front were too small and was causing the problem, a clunking noise had started coming from the rear as time progressed and returned after repairs. At 30,000 miles the entire rear differentail went out.”
NHTSA complaint #10107049, filed 2005-01, 12,000 miles
Buying note. This model year shows a broad mix of complaints rather than a single dominant failure, so a careful test drive covering braking, highway vibration and gear changes is worthwhile. Service records for brakes, transmission and rear axle, plus a look at the dashboard condition, will tell you a lot about how the truck has been used and maintained.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 116 consumer complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM. 35 of the complaints include a mileage, and 63% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 37,827 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 15 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Suspension16 14%
- Air bags15 13%
- Body and structure15 13%
- Engine cooling14 12%
- Brakes13 11%
- Steering8 6.9%
- Other or unknown6 5.2%
- Electrical system5 4.3%
Also reported: Equipment (5), Seats (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Seat belts (3), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “1) electrical problems. Lights kept going in and out 2) dash cracking and crumbling. Pieces falling into air vents and preventing windshield from defrosting! Dangerous! Could cause an accident. Dash is in such bad shape that if passenger air bag were to be deployed it could kill someone due to flying pieces of hard plastic all over the vehicle. Make Dodge recall this product! What are you waiting for? You already have thousands of complaints for this problem!”
NHTSA complaint #10444610, filed 2012-01, 60,000 milesSuspension: “While traveling between 45 to 65 MPH, when vehicle drives over uneven pavement the vehicle rears off to the right. Dealer contacted. Please provide additional information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001782, filed 2002-12, 1,000 milesAir bags: “While traveling at 50 the right front tire slightly touched the gravel on an uneven parkway, and caused the driver to lose control of vehicle, the vehicle flipped and crashed. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The passenger was killed. When the tire left the road the consumer turned the wheel back to the left to get the vehicle back onto the road. The vehicle fishtailed in the rear and collided head on into the concrete culvert, flipped end over, and rolled upside down into a ditch. Neither air bag deployed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10022703, filed 2003-07, 11,000 milesBody and structure: “The dashboard started cracking around 60,000 miles. It has continued to crack and all of the plastic vent covers have fallen apart into the vents. I have now found out that the insulation in the dash is dry rotting and falling into the A/C vents and causing problems with the A/C motor. This could potentially cause an electrical problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10456343, filed 2012-04, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
63% of the 35 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Dodge RAM. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V185000Apr 12, 2004Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Dodge RAM 1998–2003
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (abs), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the abs control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
- 02V159000Jun 13, 2002Power train › Axle assemblyCovers: Dodge RAM 2002
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Recall details for the 2002 Dodge RAM → · Check a 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. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10024083Jan 8, 2008Engine cooling. Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10021687Apr 13, 2007Other or unknown. Trailer towing mirror - new mirror glass locking tab - new removal procedure.
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Transmission and drivetrain. Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10020139May 2, 2006Suspension. Rear suspension vibration while driving at highway speeds.
- 10019529Feb 1, 2006Engine cooling. Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures.
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005Engine cooling. New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013996Oct 18, 2004Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes. Minimun rear rotor thickness.
- 10013994Oct 18, 2004Suspension. Stabilizer bar link nut torque specs changed.
- 10013993Oct 18, 2004Equipment. Maintenance schedule information.
Other model years of the Dodge RAM
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 27 | 10,025 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2009 | 9 | 43,992 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 25,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 17 | 59,436 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 25 | 36,470 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 40 | 22,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 58 | 37,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 53 | 38,750 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 116 | 37,827 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 318 | 45,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 147 | 63,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 78,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 483 | 74,000 | 13 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 398 | 80,000 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 625 | 81,500 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 611 | 102,398 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 469 | 125,254 | 18 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 54 | 111,275 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 58 | 87,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 51 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 17,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM?
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems rather than one dominant theme. The issues reported most often: Cracked, crumbling dashboard plastic; Front airbags not deploying in a frontal impact; Transmission shifting and park-hold problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Dodge RAM have?
NHTSA recorded 116 consumer complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Dodge RAM is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 17 complaints (15% of the total), followed by suspension with 16.
Has the 2002 Dodge RAM been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM reported?
Among the 35 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 37,827 miles and the middle half falls between 12,000 and 60,000 miles; 63% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
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.