NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Dodge Ram Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Dodge Ram has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 116 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Dodge Ram, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2002 Dodge Ram owner complaints

Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Ram, describing incidents dated September 15, 2001 to August 19, 2021.

Most-cited components

Power Train 17 complaints
Suspension 16 complaints
Air Bags 15 complaints
Structure 15 complaints
Engine 14 complaints
Service Brakes 13 complaints

Of the 116 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 116 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11430600 · Filed August 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle…
ODI #10456343 · Filed April 24, 2012
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…
ODI #10444610 · Filed January 20, 2012
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…

Read all 116 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Dodge Ram in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE02-096: REAR AXLE FAILURE
Closed May 15, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET WINDSHEILD WIPER MODULES

NHTSA #09E009000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer · NHTSA notice

Reported March 13, 2009 · CHRYSLER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,364 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign J11 · Owners notified August 28, 2009

Defect description

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

Safety consequence

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

CHRYSLER'S RECALL NO. J11.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS/TOW ASSEMBLIE

NHTSA #07E066000 · Equipment — Electrical · NHTSA notice

Reported August 28, 2007 · CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Potentially affected: 175 vehicles

Owners notified September 5, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Safety consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CEQUENT TOW PACKAGES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER, GMC, OR FORD VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E049000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2006 · CK MOTORSPORT, INC.

Potentially affected: 27,176 vehicles

Owners notified July 1, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/ABS MODULE CORROSION

NHTSA #04V185000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported April 12, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 44,588 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign D20 · Owners notified September 27, 2004 · Vehicles built July 1, 1997 – June 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D20.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/BRAKE CALIPER

NHTSA #02V159000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 46,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign B20 · Owners notified December 9, 2002 · Vehicles built July 1, 2001 – November 30, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.

Safety consequence

DURING ROTATION, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CALIPER RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LOSS IN THE REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REAR BRAKE CALIPER REINFORCEMENTS ON THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. B20.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Wagon

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Safety Technology

1 investigation

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

116 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Ram.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11430600

Fire 1 injury

Incident: August 19, 2021 · Filed: August 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the flames. No police report was made. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Damages were to the wire harness, ABS module, and connecting rod. The failure mileage was approximate 220,000.

Structure

ODI #10456343

Incident: August 1, 2006 · Filed: April 24, 2012

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. *TR

Power Train; Electrical System; Unknown or Other

ODI #10444610

Incident: January 5, 2009 · Filed: January 20, 2012

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! *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling; Structure

ODI #10434257

Fire 1 injury

Incident: October 29, 2011 · Filed: November 4, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM MODEL R35. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM THE HOOD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE INTO A DITCH BUT THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN DURING THE FAILURE SO THE CONTACT ESCAPED BY PUNCHING AND SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE POWER DISRUPTION CAUGHT FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.

Structure

ODI #10432304

Incident: August 6, 2009 · Filed: October 21, 2011

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. *TR

Structure

ODI #10422521

Incident: September 8, 2008 · Filed: August 29, 2011

THE DASH WAS FINE NO EVENTS UNTIL SEPT.2008. OPENED THE TRUCK UP ONE DAY TO REVEAL A HUGE CRACK IN THE DASH. THE DASH IS CRACKING IN THE RATE OF 2 CRACKS IN 2008 AND ONE IN 2009 ,ONE IN 2010. WE ARE UP TO 4 CRACKS NOW. HASN'T BEEN FIXED. I AM HEARING HORROR STORIES OF THIS CAUSING SERIOUS PROBLEMS. I DO NOT LET MY KIDS RIDE IN IT.THE MORE IT CRACKS THE LESS SAFE WE FEEL DRIVING IT. *TR

Structure

ODI #10381304

Incident: January 1, 2008 · Filed: February 9, 2011

DASH CRACKING ON 2002 DODGE RAM QUADCAB; NOT THE FIRST VEHICLE TO BE EXPERIENCING THIS. MANY FORUMS AND COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MATTER. FORMAL COMPLAINT ON DODGE TO NHTSA. VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 95K WHEN FIRST APPEARED; PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, BECOMING A DRIVING HAZARD. *TR

Structure

ODI #10235686

Incident: February 2, 2008 · Filed: July 24, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY, THE EXTERIOR BODY PAINT EXPOSED A WHITE SPOT THE SIZE OF A SOFTBALL. THE DEFECT WAS LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE EXTERIOR PAINT NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR BODY PAINT DEFECT WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST FROM THE INNER TO THE OUTER SURFACE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BROUGHT IN WHEN IT BEGINS TO RUST AND POSSIBLY REPAIRED AT NO COST. AS OF JULY 24, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Structure

ODI #10235315

Incident: February 1, 2008 · Filed: July 22, 2008

AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS< THE PAINT IS STARTING TO PEEL, AND IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE I AM HOPING YOU CAN POINT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANK YOU. *TR

Electrical System; Equipment

ODI #10215125

Incident: January 5, 2008 · Filed: January 16, 2008

1. REPLACED FUSE (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT) ON MY 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP FOR THE LEFT REAR TRAILER LIGHTS WITH STOREHOUSE FUSE BOUGHT AT HARBOR FREIGHT STORE. 2. FUSE DID NOT "BLOW" AS IT SHOULD AND "WELDED" ITSELF INTO FUSE BLOCK. I CANNOT REMOVE THE REMNANTS OF THE FUSE. 3. THIS MAY NECESSITATE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUSE BLOCK AT CONSIDERABLE COST. POSSIBLE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. *TR

Other Dodge Ram model years

Check your 2002 Dodge Ram VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Dodge Ram at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Dodge VIN