Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Takata recall. No heat from drivers side HVAC, this causes visibility problems cause poor window defrosting. Wife is disabled with no income can't afford the hundreds of dollars for service or afford a newer vehicle. Never had heat problems in any of my older vehicles like this. Been this way for 4 years now.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 slt 2wd 5.9 v8 (gas) with 86,000 miles. Turn signals have suddenly become dangerously intermittent. Also, occasionally when signaling 'left' the right dash indicator for the turn signals will flash instead. It happened twice today, we turned the signal off then back 'on' and it worked properly. Because this is intermittent we cannot duplicate the problem to determine if the outside bulbs are flashing left or right, therefore we worry they might be incorrectly signaling our intentions to other drivers. While searching on-line for a solution before we determine a repair course of action, we discovered this is common to the Dodge Ram trucks from 2002 through at least 2008 model year trucks, but the dealer did not mention or address it in advance of failure. We paid in advance for a seven year 100% warranty with no deductible, which has not expired. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. In warm weather conditions, the air conditioner system becomes inoperative. Also, in cold weather conditions, the defroster does not work properly. The failure causes impaired visibility in inclement weather and could result in a crash. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 03V078000 (steering:column). The contact would have to install a wiring harness overlay at the cost of $800. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer referred him to the dealer. The failure mileage was 71,000 and current mileage was 88,000.
1) there were no incidents leading up to the vehicles failures. 2) the headlights will not shut off when engine is on / the windshield wipers and pump are inoperable. They both occurred at the same time. Family was stuck on rainy highway for several hours. 3) Dodge service "thinks" the power distribution center May have shorted out the electronic control module and recommend replace both -$750 there is a back order for both parts - apparently there are many requests. Part #'s 56045433af and 56051036ad.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the windshield wiper motor malfunctioned during inclement weather and the contact was unable to see clearly because the windshield wipers would not function. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The contact did not replace the windshield wiper motor. The failure mileage was 151,000.
My 2002 Dodge Ram has a bad blend door controller. What this means is that I only have cold or warm air coming out of the vents in the front part of the dash and am unable to switch the air to defrost the windows. Dealer says it's an $800 fix. The problem is that when my windows steam up I have to use a towel to wipe the windshield as I am traveling 70 MPH down the freeway. How safe is that. Dodge needs to fix this safety issue!!!
Dt*: the contact stated the electric windows work intermittently on the passenger side front, the passenger side rear and the driver's side. The dealership has inspected the vehicle three times. The first time there was a switch installed on the passenger door. The 2nd time, the dealership could not duplicate the problem. The third time the dealership determined the master control was defective. The problem still persists.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 40 MPH in the rain, the windshield wiper motor shut off. The manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. They stated they would decide if they would pay depending on the diagnosis. The current and failure mileages were 27,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My sun visors have broken numerous times. Both sides (passenger and driver) have been replaced at least three times each. They lose their spring tension and hang down and create a safety hazard when my wife and I drive, because they will not stay up and out of the way. My vehicle only has 30K miles on it, I am the original owner. 8jb
The side view mirrors were loose. There was a recall for the problem. The clip which was used to secure the mirror failed. As a result consumer's mirror fell off on the driver's side.
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings May lose the functionality.
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…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, 4% of the model year's 815 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-077 (exterior, Mar 10, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.