2002 Dodge Ram 1500

815 federal complaints (1,004 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 21 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
13 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
815
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
279
Power train
100
Electrical system
94
Engine & cooling
81
Suspension
76
Other
62
Glass & wipers
55
Air bags
48
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 63 complaints01 years old: 78 complaints2 years old: 50 complaints3 years old: 54 complaints4 years old: 78 complaints5 years old: 76 complaints56 years old: 67 complaints7 years old: 45 complaints8 years old: 71 complaints9 years old: 40 complaints10 years old: 36 complaints1011 years old: 25 complaints12 years old: 24 complaints13 years old: 17 complaints14 years old: 14 complaints15 years old: 11 complaints1516 years old: 14 complaints17 years old: 6 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 3 complaints20+ years old: 5 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 778 of 815 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 53 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 65 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 93 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 115 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 76 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 59 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 28 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 33 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 14 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 12 complaints200,000+ miles: 17 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 565 of 815 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

279 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKS THAT DEVELOPED OVER TIME. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY DAMAGE OR ACTION TAKEN TO CAUSE THE CRACKS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Power train

100 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"VEHICLE HAS A HARD SHIFT OR BUMP WHEN REACHING ABOUT 20 MPH. HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE UP SHIFT AND DURING COOLER WEATHER. 8JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

94 complaint records7 fire reports3 crash reports
"VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY THE IGNITION. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02096
opened Dec 2002
closed May 2003Power TrainREAR AXLE FAILURE
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
03V504000TiresON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN...Normally free
03V078000SteeringON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN CONTAINS AN UNDER-SIZED TERMINAL FOR THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CIRCUIT.Normally free
03V077000VisibilityON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2009081
2009-03-11
Electrical363Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in...
2007389
2007-12-05
Other39,078On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the ignition key removed (or in the lock position) or it could allow the ignition key...
2003059
2003-03-10
Electrical20,707On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column may contain an under-sized terminal in the Heater Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor circuit.
2003058
2003-03-07
Visual System13,309On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housing may lose functionality, potentially affecting the driver's rearward field of vision.
2002110
2002-07-06
Brakes5,953On certain Ram 1500 4x4 pickup trucks the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, 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.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging 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 reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Show 16 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
1807717
Aug 2017
EquipmentConnecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
68332810A
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002828
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002901
Jan 2014
Power TrainPart Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002688
Feb 2013
Equipment68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is...
05002
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingNEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT
082702
Jan 2004
WheelsFINAL FITMENT OF THIS SUSPENSION KIT HAS REVEALED A POTENTIAL INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUPPLIED TIE ROD END AND THE FACTORY WHEEL WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW THE O.E. WHEELS TO BE RE-USED.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 1500 →