2002 Dodge RAM Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Dodge RAM recalls

Most common 2002 Dodge RAM problems

Problem areas named in the 116 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	19
Suspension	16
Air Bags	15
Structure	15
Engine And Engine Cooling	14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	13
Visibility	11
Steering	10
Equipment	6
Electrical System	5

What owners report

2021-08-26, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 o

2012-04-24, 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. *TR

2012-01-20, Power Train
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

2011-11-04, Engine And Engine Cooling
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.

2011-10-21, Structure
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

2002 Dodge RAM questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module; Power Train:Axle Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM?

Based on 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (19), Suspension (16), Air Bags (15).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Dodge RAM has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.