Most common 2002 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 353 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
2002 Dodge Ram recalls (3)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system May become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries May leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Axle assembly
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Remedy: Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began December 9, 2002.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Dodge Ram:
Rear axle failure
See attached report.
What 2002 Dodge Ram owners say
Body & structure all 91 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured along the air conditioner and heater vent. The contact was concerned that the front passenger air bag could inadvertently deploy because of the fracture. The contact stated that the air conditioner and heater vent were inoperable on the lower settings due to obstruction from pieces of fractured debris. The contact stated that the air conditioner and heating system would only function on a high setting. The contact also stated that the windshield defroster was inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram model r35. The contact was driving 5 MPH when smoke emitted inside of the vehicle and flames were visible from the hood. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch but there was no crash. The doors failed to open during the failure so the contact escaped by punching and shattering the windshield. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where the mechanic confirmed that the power disruption caught fire. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and the current mileages were 50,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 42 →
Rear end locked up going down highway at approximately 45 MPH, sent me sliding into the slow lane and then off of the highway into a driveway coming to a halting stop with my tailgate was still partially in a heavily traveled highway. The driveshaft also dropped down and eventually came completely off and I had to call a roll back to come get truck. I have had this 2002 truck for the past 11 years and I have never been notified by dodage that this could be a major issue. All in all it has been a good truck. This incident really scared me, as I work out of this truck with my business and now I have to suffer a loss for not being able to work until I spend a good some of money to fix this issue so I am able to use it again.
Bought truck in 2009. Drive a couple times a week. Transmission has went out 5 times now including this morning. Was told by a coworker that theres ab issue with the dodgers not circulating fluid when idling in gear.??? Either way this will be the 5th time in 10 years taking it to get rebuilt!!!! Which has been 2,500.00 to 4,000.00 each time!!! Really bout to give up on Dodge
Engine & cooling all 37 →
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was a strong odor of gasoline present. Upon initial inspection, no leaks were detected. The contact alerted the dealer who instructed the contact to start the engine and upon doing so, flames erupted from the engine compartment. The fire quickly spread consuming the vehicle. No injuries were sustained, but the vehicle was a total loss. The fire department was alerted, and extinguished the flames. The police were on the scene and a report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a factory representative inspected the vehicle. The findings of the inspection were not divulged. The manufacturer was notified.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram model r35. The contact was driving 5 MPH when smoke emitted inside of the vehicle and flames were visible from the hood. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch but there was no crash. The doors failed to open during the failure so the contact escaped by punching and shattering the windshield. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where the mechanic confirmed that the power disruption caught fire. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and the current mileages were 50,000.
2002 Dodge Ram engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 15 / 14 |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 14 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Ram rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram at the same age. It is one of the Ram years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Ram?
The body & structure — 91 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (42) and engine & cooling (37).
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Ram have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Ram, the most recent from December 4, 2007 (column shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.