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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
130,000 miles · Feb 13, 2011
Electrical System

STARTED TRUCK TURNED ON HEADLIGHT SWITCH ,WAS ON HIGH BEAM SO PULLED LEVER TO DIM AN LIGHTS WOULD NOT DIM THEN WIPERS COME ON AND WOULDNT SHUT OFF AND WIPER SPRAYER COME ON AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF BUT IF I HELD LEVER BACK ALL WENT OFF SO HAVE TO DRIVE HOLDING LEVER BACK.WHEN I GOT HOME AND SHUT TRUCK OFF ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WOULD…

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STARTED TRUCK TURNED ON HEADLIGHT SWITCH ,WAS ON HIGH BEAM SO PULLED LEVER TO DIM AN LIGHTS WOULD NOT DIM THEN WIPERS COME ON AND WOULDNT SHUT OFF AND WIPER SPRAYER COME ON AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF BUT IF I HELD LEVER BACK ALL WENT OFF SO HAVE TO DRIVE HOLDING LEVER BACK.WHEN I GOT HOME AND SHUT TRUCK OFF ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF EVEN WITH KEY OUT OF IGNITION SO HAD TO TIE LEVER BACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381743

75,000 miles · Feb 10, 2011
Structure

CRACKED DASHBOARD. DANGEROUS DUE TO SHARP EDGES AND POSSIBLY INTERFERING WITH OPERATION OF AIRBAGS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381487

50,000 miles · Feb 7, 2011
Unknown Or Other

MY DASHBOARD BEGAN CRACKING IN THE SUMMER OF 2005 AND HAS CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE TO THE POINT THAT IT IS COLLAPSING IN AND CREATING ELECTRICAL AND SAFETY ISSUES. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10381050

120,000 miles · Feb 6, 2011
Electrical SystemStructure

DASHBOARD CRACKING AND HOLES IN IT. ENGINE WON'T SHIFT GEARS NOW AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO COMPLETELY OUT AT TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380911

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2011
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THIS TRUCK HAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE DASH. THE DASH START CRACKING REALLY BAD. DODGE DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FOR A TRUCK THAT IS LESS THEN 10 YEARS OLD THAT I PAID 32,000 DOLLARS FOR THE DASH SHOULD NOT BE CRACKING. I BELIEVE DODGE SO HAVE A RECALL FOR THE DASHES …

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I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THIS TRUCK HAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE DASH. THE DASH START CRACKING REALLY BAD. DODGE DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FOR A TRUCK THAT IS LESS THEN 10 YEARS OLD THAT I PAID 32,000 DOLLARS FOR THE DASH SHOULD NOT BE CRACKING. I BELIEVE DODGE SO HAVE A RECALL FOR THE DASHES BECAUSE ALMOST EVERY ONES DODGE RAM DASH IS CRACKED. I DID A WEB SEARCH AND EVERY ONES DASH CRACKS IN THE SAME SPOT RIGHT OVER THE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAGS IN MY TRUCK HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. I AM SURE IF THIS TRUCK WAS EVER IN A WRECK THE AIR BAG COULD GET STUCK IN THE CRACK AND WONT GET DEPLOYED TO SAVE A LIFE. THANKS DODGE

NHTSA ODI #10380679

63,000 miles · Feb 3, 2011
Electrical System

DODGE RAM GAUGE CLUSTER GOES OUT ABOUT 5 YEARS AFTER THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS WAS FIXED. WHEN THE GAUGE CLUSTER WENT OUT I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THAT HARNESS FIXED AGAIN BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SHORTED IT ALL OUT. ALSO THE RAPIER SHOP WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT BACK MY MILEAGE TO 63,XXX. IT NOW SHOWS 119,XXX. THAT'S ALMOST 55,XXX MILES MOR…

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DODGE RAM GAUGE CLUSTER GOES OUT ABOUT 5 YEARS AFTER THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS WAS FIXED. WHEN THE GAUGE CLUSTER WENT OUT I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THAT HARNESS FIXED AGAIN BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SHORTED IT ALL OUT. ALSO THE RAPIER SHOP WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT BACK MY MILEAGE TO 63,XXX. IT NOW SHOWS 119,XXX. THAT'S ALMOST 55,XXX MILES MORE THEN I DOVE IN TO THAT SHOP WITH. YES I HAVE ALL THE OLD PARTS. THIS IS A VERY COMMON THING FOR THIS TRUCKS. DODGE DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380093

105,000 miles · Jan 26, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

FAILURE OF "CROSSOVER TUBE" IN FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. MASSIVE LEAKAGE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE IF HAPPENED ON ROAD LUCKILY HAPPENED AS I WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. I HAVE FAILED PART AND WILL SEND WHEREVER IF DESIRED TO HAVE PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378754

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2011
Structure

DASHBOARD FALLING APART/ CRACKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375331

84,000 miles · Jan 5, 2011
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FRONT WHEEL HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD SEPARATED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, FRONT STEERING, KNUCKLE HUB, ROTOR ASSEMBLY, BRAKE CALIPER, ABS SPEED SENSOR, BRAKE LINE HOSE, WHEEL, AND LUG BOLTS ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #10374832

79,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Structure

DASH COMPONENTS CRACKING AND FALLING APART WITHOUT ABUSE. NOT CAUSED BY SUN OR HEAT EXPOSURE. CRACKED DASH PANELS POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXPOSED WIRING USUALLY COVERED AND PROTECTED BY DASH. PARTS OF CRACKING DASH CAN FALL INTO WIRING AND COMPONENTS HOUSED IN THE DASH, INCLUDING AIRBAG COMPONENTS. CRACKED DASH PANELS ARE VERY SHAR…

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DASH COMPONENTS CRACKING AND FALLING APART WITHOUT ABUSE. NOT CAUSED BY SUN OR HEAT EXPOSURE. CRACKED DASH PANELS POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXPOSED WIRING USUALLY COVERED AND PROTECTED BY DASH. PARTS OF CRACKING DASH CAN FALL INTO WIRING AND COMPONENTS HOUSED IN THE DASH, INCLUDING AIRBAG COMPONENTS. CRACKED DASH PANELS ARE VERY SHARP AND CAN CAUSE INCREASED DANGER IN CASE OF CRASH OR OCCUPANT IMPACT WITH DASH PANELS. THREE OF THESE VEHICLES IN OUR FAMILY, ALL WITH SAME PROBLEM OF DASH COMPONENTS CRACKING WITHOUT ABUSE OR NEGLECT. AWARE OF NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE WITH SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373879

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.