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2002 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

584 reports with mileage · 231 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 278 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

55 crash reports14 fire reports43 injury reports

What owners actually said

815 reports
89,000 miles · Oct 23, 2011
Structure

DASH IS CRACKING IN MULTIPLE POINTS NEAR VENTS AND NOW COMING ACROSS THE TOP OF PASSENGER AIR BAG AREA. THERE IS SO MANY FINE CRACKS ACROSS POINT NEAR WINDSHIELD AND VENTS. IF AIR BAG WAS TO DEPLOY I FEEL THAT SHARDS OF DASH WILL BE FLYING WITHIN THE CAB DUE TO THE WAY THAT THE CRACK IS IN VICINITY OF AIRBAG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432480

48,000 miles · Oct 16, 2011
Structure

AT 48,000 MILES AND ONLY 3 YEARS OLD MY DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING . NOW IT IS CRACKED ALL OVER AND STARTING TO RUN DOWN THE CENTER TOWARDS THE FLOOR. I KNOW THERE ARE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DODGE RAM DASBOARDS AND IT IS TIME THEY ARE FORCED TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430373

60,000 miles · Oct 8, 2011
Structure

I HAVE FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH OF HOW TO FIX MY DASHBOARD WHICH IS NOW SEVERELY CRACKED THAT IT'S CAVING IN, THAT DODGE HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND IS NOT FIXING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE ARE NOW SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC DASH THAT COULD HURT MYSELF OR PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. I WAS TRY…

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I HAVE FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH OF HOW TO FIX MY DASHBOARD WHICH IS NOW SEVERELY CRACKED THAT IT'S CAVING IN, THAT DODGE HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND IS NOT FIXING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE ARE NOW SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC DASH THAT COULD HURT MYSELF OR PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. I WAS TRYING TO FIND HOW TO FIX MY DASH BUT NOW SEE DODGE IS AT LEAST REPAIRING SOME DASHES OR PAYING HALF TOWARDS REPLACING THE DASH. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IF DODGE IS NOW STARTING TO FIX OR AT LEAST ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I CURRENTLY HAVE MY 2002 DODGE RAM 1500, A 2004 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND HAVE BOUGHT AT LEAST TWO DOZEN CHRYSLER PRODUCTS AND FEEL I HAVE BEEN A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF CHRYSLER, EVEN THROUGH THE HARD TIMES THEY HAVE HAD. I FEEL THIS TYPE OF LOYALTY I HAVE SHOW SHOULD BE REWARDED WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ON REPAIR OF MY DASH. I AM BUYING A NEW CAR NEXT YEAR AND HAVE STARTED LOOKING AT OTHER MAKES DUE TO SOME OF THE QUALITY PROBLEMS I AM ENCOUNTERING ON ALL 3 OF MY CURRENT CHRYSLERS BUT THE DASHBOARD MAKES ME THE MOST UPSET BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN KNOWN AND NOT FIXED FOR LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE ME OR EVEN NEW CUSTOMERS SO THAT THEY WILL RETURN AND BUY OTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE. FIX THIS DASHBOARD PROBLEM NOW! IT'S THE RIGHT WAY TO DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE/CUSTOMERS!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429188

500,000 miles · Oct 4, 2011
Structure

THE DASH HAS BEEN FALLING APART LITTLE BY LITTLE. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ABOUT THIS. I AM A RETIRED CHRYSLER AUTO TECH, 20 YEARS,16 SELF EMPLOYED AS A TECH. I KNOW IF I SEE DANGER, YOU SEE DANGER. SHOULD YOU AND CHRYSLER WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS? APPARENTLY THE VENDER USED INFERIOR MATERIAL. IT SURELY WASN'T SPACEAG…

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THE DASH HAS BEEN FALLING APART LITTLE BY LITTLE. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ABOUT THIS. I AM A RETIRED CHRYSLER AUTO TECH, 20 YEARS,16 SELF EMPLOYED AS A TECH. I KNOW IF I SEE DANGER, YOU SEE DANGER. SHOULD YOU AND CHRYSLER WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS? APPARENTLY THE VENDER USED INFERIOR MATERIAL. IT SURELY WASN'T SPACEAGE. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428710

143,000 miles · Oct 3, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME WHEN I TURN THE TURN SIGNAL TO THE LEFT THE RIGHT SIDE BLINKS. I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF AND TRY AGAIN AND IT WILL WORK. THE OTHER DAY I WAS ENTERING A ON RAMP AND I SIGNALED TO THE LEFT AND NO ONE WOULD LET ME IN. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN SO I WOULDN'T GET RAN OFF THE ROAD BUT ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. I LOOKED D…

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ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME WHEN I TURN THE TURN SIGNAL TO THE LEFT THE RIGHT SIDE BLINKS. I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF AND TRY AGAIN AND IT WILL WORK. THE OTHER DAY I WAS ENTERING A ON RAMP AND I SIGNALED TO THE LEFT AND NO ONE WOULD LET ME IN. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN SO I WOULDN'T GET RAN OFF THE ROAD BUT ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. I LOOKED DOWN AND THE RIGHT SIGNAL WAS ON BUT THE LEVER WAS TO THE LEFT. I COULD HAVE DIED. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE HAZARD BUTTON WILL NOT STAY DOWN. IT IS ALWAYS POPPED UP AND THE HAZARD FLASHERS STAY ON AND RUN THE BATTERY DOWN. I HAVE TO TAKE THE BUTTON DOWN SO THE BATTERY WONT DRAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428230

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2011
Structure

DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AND PIECES ARE FALLING INTO THE ELECTRICAL UNIT AND AC UNITS UNDERNEATH THE DASH AREA. AFRAID AIRBAG WILL BE DAMAGED AS THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED WITH THE DASH MISSING. AC UNIT ON PASSANGER SIDE IS DAMAGED AND NOT WORKING DUE TO THE CONDENSER HOUSING UNIT BEING EXPOSED. OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE OCCURED LIK…

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DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AND PIECES ARE FALLING INTO THE ELECTRICAL UNIT AND AC UNITS UNDERNEATH THE DASH AREA. AFRAID AIRBAG WILL BE DAMAGED AS THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED WITH THE DASH MISSING. AC UNIT ON PASSANGER SIDE IS DAMAGED AND NOT WORKING DUE TO THE CONDENSER HOUSING UNIT BEING EXPOSED. OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE OCCURED LIKE LOSS OF FUNCTION OF THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALL GAGES. CALLED THE RAM SPECIALIST AT 866.726.4636 WAS INSTRUCTED NOT UNDER WARRENTY AND NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP. IT WOULD BE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THE COST OF 926.00 PLUS TAX AT OUR DODGE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A MANIFACTOR DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY DODGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10427037

57,000 miles · Sep 21, 2011
Structure

DASH STARTED CRACKING - NOW THERE ARE SHARP EDGES AND PIECES OF PLASTIC WITH SHARP EDGES FROM THE DASH HAVE FALLEN DOWN INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL - NOW THERE ARE MULTIPLE CRACKS AND HOLES IN THE DASH - ONE HOLE IS MORE THAN 4" IN DIAMETER - *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426682

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2011
Structure

DASH FALLING APART AND HAS DAMAGED HEATER BOX. DEFROST DOESN'T WORK WHICH CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS FOGGING UP. AN ACCIDENT WAITING HAPPEN. ALSO CAUSES HEAT AND A/C NOT TO WORK. SHARDS FROM THE DASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM AN ACCIDENT. REPLACED DASH AND HEATER BOX AND SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY…

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DASH FALLING APART AND HAS DAMAGED HEATER BOX. DEFROST DOESN'T WORK WHICH CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS FOGGING UP. AN ACCIDENT WAITING HAPPEN. ALSO CAUSES HEAT AND A/C NOT TO WORK. SHARDS FROM THE DASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM AN ACCIDENT. REPLACED DASH AND HEATER BOX AND SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426670

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE ALERTED HER THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE BLEW. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE DETAILS IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN COOL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE ALERTED HER THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE BLEW. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE DETAILS IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN COOLANT AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10426517

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2011
Structure

THE DASH OF THE TRUCK STARTED WITH ONE CRACK ABOUT 2 YRS AGO. NOW THERE ARE MORE THAN A DOZEN CRACKS. ESTIMATED COST FROM ME TO REPLACE THE DASH OVER $1,000. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND WILL DEFINITELY REFLECT WHAT I RECEIVE AT TRADE IN. MY FIRST AND LAST DODGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426491

Official recalls

3

03V504000 · Tires

Dec 10, 2003

ON 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 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

03V077000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

Mar 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT REARWARD FIELD OF VISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MIRROR DETENT RETAINER KIT TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2003. 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.

03V078000 · Steering:column

Mar 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN CONTAINS AN UNDER-SIZED TERMINAL FOR THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CIRCUIT. LOCALIZED HEATING FROM CURRENT FLOW WITH THE BLOWER SPEED SET ON HIGH MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL CONTACTS TO RELAX AND LOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02096 · Rear Axle Failure

Opened Dec 26, 2002 · Closed May 15, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:axle Assembly; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:axle Assembly

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.