Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A few years after the vehicle was purchased, the dash began to develop cracks and holes. This has gotten worse and worse to the point where a dash cover had to be purchased to avoid things falling down behind the instrument cluster. Currently, there is more missing than still in place in the vehicle. This is a common problem in this generation, and Dodge has not addressed it, other than to claim it is strictly cosmetic. The plastic pieces are extremely sharp, and have resulted in a number of superficial cuts when working on the defrost vents, or when adjusting the carpeted dash cover. Other pieces have fallen into the vents and then been ejected into both driver and passenger's faces when the air conditioner/heater are turned on. …
Have had a cracked dashboard for quite some time now, I have filed a complaint before and could not get a resolution from Chrysler/Dodge. My dashboard has cracked to pieces causing a safety hazard. Finally my electrical systems have started to malfunction due to the pieces of my fallen dashboard falling on electrical components, there was a small short/fire that caused my cruise control to stop working and my dash lights also. I feel it has been long enough and something needs to be done before, someone not as lucky as me, gets really hurt from this safety hazard issue that has haunted us Dodge Ram owners for a long time. We need to get our dashboard replaced asap.
Dashboard cracking - vehicle is always covered or garaged or under a covered parking spot. Dash started cracking around May 2010 while living in oklahoma and has gotten progressively worse. Pieces have broken and fallen into the vents, and when the defrost is turned on or when the ac is turned on, small to medium pieces fly out and can hit someone, myself or front seat passenger in the eye. And if involved in an accident where air bags are deployed, pieces could break off and do more injury to occupants. I have been hit in the forehead with pieces already.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the front end of the vehicle shook and vibrated violently. After stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that the front sway bars detached and the steering control arms separated due to rusting of the subframe. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 158,888.
I have emailed Dodge many years ago about the safety issue of my dash busting in several places when my truck was just one year old. The only response I received was an offer to buy a discounted dash. I feel this is a manufacturer defect and I realize my truck is now 12 years old but this happened in only 1 year. I have since read where I am no where near alone. Dodge knows there is a problem and has done nothing to correct it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the frame around the steering box disconnected from the steering due to excessive rust. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was extensive rust, corrosion, and holes along the entire frame and undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact stated that the frame was detaching due to the failure. The vehicle had not been inspected and diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and fractured. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured completely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
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. …
Body complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 278 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, 34% of the model year's 815 complaints. The component named most often is body (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 15 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.