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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
94,000 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Air BagsStructure

2002 DODGE RAM 1500 CRACKED DASHBOARD OVER AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE . THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TOO MANY DODGE RAM PICKUPS FROM THE 1993 MODEL YEAR THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR. THE EDGE OF THE CRACKED PLASTIC IS SHARP AND POSE A SERIOUS INJURY PROBABILITY IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG INFLATION. A PERSON CAN EAS…

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2002 DODGE RAM 1500 CRACKED DASHBOARD OVER AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE . THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TOO MANY DODGE RAM PICKUPS FROM THE 1993 MODEL YEAR THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR. THE EDGE OF THE CRACKED PLASTIC IS SHARP AND POSE A SERIOUS INJURY PROBABILITY IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG INFLATION. A PERSON CAN EASILY CUT THEIR FINGER OR HAND WHILE CLEANING THE DASH ARE SERVICING THE VEHICLE. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419772

104,000 miles · Aug 16, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

OUR DODGE RAM 1500 WAS WORKING FINE ONE DAY THE NEXT DAY THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WE CHECKED FUSES AND ANYTHING ELSE OBVIOUS. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, AFTER HALF A DAY OF CHECKING HE FOUND THAT THE FUSE AND RELAY CENTER (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE…

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OUR DODGE RAM 1500 WAS WORKING FINE ONE DAY THE NEXT DAY THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WE CHECKED FUSES AND ANYTHING ELSE OBVIOUS. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, AFTER HALF A DAY OF CHECKING HE FOUND THAT THE FUSE AND RELAY CENTER (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD WAS CORRODED. THIS BOX IS NOT AIR TIGHT AND ALLOWS WATER TO GET INSIDE AND CORRODE THE INSIDES. DODGE DEALER ADVISED THEY REPLACE THE FUSE AND RELAY CENTER AND FCM (FRONT CONTROL MODULE) TOGETHER. THE FCM IS CONNECTED TO THE IPM (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE). COME TO FIND OUT THE IPM IS NOT SEALED FROM THE ELEMENTS. THE CIRCUIT BOARD IS EXPOSED FROM THE BOTTOM WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO SPLASH INTO THE MODULE THEREBY SHORTING THE FCM. I BELIEVED DODGE KNOWS THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND IS UNSAFE BECAUSE THE NEW PARTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED WHICH IS SEALED FROM THE ELEMENTS. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF OBVIOUS REASONS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE THE WIRING SYSTEM PROBLEMS RESULT IN LOSS OF LIGHTING. FOR IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THIS WAY. PER NHTSA INFO: WHEN IS A RECALL NECESSARY? WHEN A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITEM OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING TIRES) DOES NOT COMPLY WITH A FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD. WHEN THERE IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE OR EQUIPMENT. WHAT IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT? THE UNITED STATES CODE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY (TITLE 49, CHAPTER 301). EXAMPLES OF DEFECTS CONSIDERED SAFETY-RELATED--WIRING SYSTEM PROBLEMS THAT RESULT IN A FIRE OR LOSS OF LIGHTING. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419755

110,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Structure

2002 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCK. DASHBOARD BEGAN CRACKING AND NOW HAS TOTALLY CRACKED AND PARTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DEFROST/AIR UNIT AS WELL AS CAUSING SHARP EDGES THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY. AFRAID THAT IF AIRBAG DEPLOYS THIS WILL CAUSE JAGGED EDGES OF PLASTIC TO BE PROPELLED TO DRIVER OR PASSENGER, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, IN ADDI…

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2002 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCK. DASHBOARD BEGAN CRACKING AND NOW HAS TOTALLY CRACKED AND PARTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DEFROST/AIR UNIT AS WELL AS CAUSING SHARP EDGES THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY. AFRAID THAT IF AIRBAG DEPLOYS THIS WILL CAUSE JAGGED EDGES OF PLASTIC TO BE PROPELLED TO DRIVER OR PASSENGER, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, IN ADDITION TO THE DAMAGE OF THE A/C AND DEFROST. THERE HAVE BEEN TEN OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND DODGE REFUSES TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT ON THEIR TRUCKS FROM 1995-2006. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10414025

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2011
Structure

2002 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD STARTED CRUMBLING TO PIECES AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS. DODGE DEALER TOLD US IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD AT OUR OWN EXPENSE. THE DEALER EVEN TOLD US THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT FROM DODGE TRUCK OWNERS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413605

71,000 miles · Jul 19, 2011
Electrical System

I OWN A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 AND MY TAILLIGHTS/RUNNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I CHECKED WITH A TECHNICIAN AND HE STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE FUSE BOX. IT WAS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO 1000.00 DOLLARS TO BE REPAIRED. THE TECH STATED THIS SHOULD NOT H…

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I OWN A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 AND MY TAILLIGHTS/RUNNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I CHECKED WITH A TECHNICIAN AND HE STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE FUSE BOX. IT WAS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO 1000.00 DOLLARS TO BE REPAIRED. THE TECH STATED THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HE STATED A REPLACEMENT COMES WITH A SHIELD TO PROTECT IT FROM SHORTING OUT. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT DODGE SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR SINCE IT IS A "MANUFACTURING DEFECT" *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413565

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2011
Structure

BIG CRACKS IN THE DASH OF MY 2002 DODGE RAM TRUCK. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413461

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLES ARE KNOWN TO RUN HOT, SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HEADGASKET, I AM TOLD. THE RACK AND PINION LEAKS AND HAS TO BE WATCHED. THEY ARE BAD TO HAVE DEAD CYLINDERS I AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS FIRST WAS A PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED NOW FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AUTO C…

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VEHICLES ARE KNOWN TO RUN HOT, SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HEADGASKET, I AM TOLD. THE RACK AND PINION LEAKS AND HAS TO BE WATCHED. THEY ARE BAD TO HAVE DEAD CYLINDERS I AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS FIRST WAS A PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED NOW FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AUTO COMPANY HAS MADE CORRECTIONS TO NEWER VEHICLES FOR THESE FAULTY COMPONENTS WITHOUT NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413434

86,000 miles · Jul 18, 2011
StructureUnknown Or Other

2002 DODGE RAM 1500 5.9L SPORT. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS SPECIAL ORDER TRUCK AND NOW THE DASH IS CRACKING ALL OVER????? NEVER HAD A NEW VEHICLE DO THIS IN ALL MY 54 YEARS. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND I KNOW IT IS HOT,BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE CRACKING LIKE IT IS,NONE OF MY OTHER CARS OR TRUCKS ARE CRACKING AT ALL, I TAKE GOOD CARE OF AL…

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2002 DODGE RAM 1500 5.9L SPORT. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS SPECIAL ORDER TRUCK AND NOW THE DASH IS CRACKING ALL OVER????? NEVER HAD A NEW VEHICLE DO THIS IN ALL MY 54 YEARS. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND I KNOW IT IS HOT,BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE CRACKING LIKE IT IS,NONE OF MY OTHER CARS OR TRUCKS ARE CRACKING AT ALL, I TAKE GOOD CARE OF ALL MY VEHICLES SO WHY IS THE DODGE THE ONLY ONE CRACKING?I THINK IT SHOULD BE RECALLED TO GET THIS FIXED!! *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413317

138,000 miles · Jul 8, 2011
StructureInjury

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE PICKUP WITH A CRACKED DASH. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AND WHEN THE DASH WAS REMOVED I NOTICED CRACKS ALL IN THE DASH. WHILE REMOVING THE DASH I AND MY HELPER BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CUTS FROM VERY SHARP EDGES OF THE BROKEN DASH. THIS PROMPTED ME TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE OF THE NATURE AND SHAPE O…

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I HAVE A 2002 DODGE PICKUP WITH A CRACKED DASH. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AND WHEN THE DASH WAS REMOVED I NOTICED CRACKS ALL IN THE DASH. WHILE REMOVING THE DASH I AND MY HELPER BOTH SUSTAINED SEVERE CUTS FROM VERY SHARP EDGES OF THE BROKEN DASH. THIS PROMPTED ME TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE OF THE NATURE AND SHAPE OF THE CRACKS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN,IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AS WELL AS CUTS AND ABRASIONS WHEN SIMPLY ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10411536

112,000 miles · Jul 8, 2011
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD EITHER NOT FUNCTION, OR THE OPPOSITE SIGNAL WOULD ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THEY WERE TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD EITHER NOT FUNCTION, OR THE OPPOSITE SIGNAL WOULD ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THEY WERE TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED 09/28/11

NHTSA ODI #10411518

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.