Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the flames. No police report was made. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Damages were to the wire harness, ABS module, and connecting rod. The failure mileage was approximate 220,000.
Exited I-40 in tucumcari, nm. Right turn off interstate, right turn into shell. Upon leaving the fuel station to enter I-40 westbound, I had no brakes. Pedal to the floor. Coasted uphill to restaurant parking lot; brake fluid under driver-side front wheel. Unusual since I had zero braking power. Shredded brake hose was replaced the next day. Problem is discussed by a mechanic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ouz-trm5kg&t=620s
While traveling on wet road came upon high water and a vehicle spun out half on the shoulder, half in my lane. Applied the brakes which locked up. Slid into spun vehicle hitting head on at 40-45mph. Neither driver or passenger airbags deployed. Front end was heavily damaged.
At 65 MPH using cruise control, daytime, dry pavement, good weather, brake warning light and ABS warning light illuminated with warning chime. At next exit, operator took vehicle to repair shop. Technician found right front wheel bearing assembly worn, allowing tire/wheel assembly to be moved 1-2'' from vertical. Vehicle had been checked during state inspection less than 400 miles previously and passed. A total failure in traffic at speed might have resulted in a loss of handling/braking that might have caused or worsened an accident. Failed part is available. Vehicle has also suffered numerous premature failures including: failure of driver heated seat, failure of electric fuel pump, nearly causing accident due to engine stoppage and loss of power steering, failure of instrument cluster, failure of front suspension components, and damage to spare tire due to mis-routed tail pipe. …
Excessive stoplamp failures, replaced lamps due to melting of base repeatedly,4th time in 8 mos. No service kit or upgrades available, check Chevy, same tail light board set-up, same problems, perhaps they have a bulletin on problem? Severe shaking under braking, started at 15K miles, servicer refuses to cover under warranty (12K warranty), have found numerous issues with these rotors. Severe shaking on sweeping right hand freeway turns, presently scheduled for service at antioch/delta Dodge. Engine intermittently stalling, unable to duplicate problem when in for service, not noted on service tickets. Independent front end leakage, presently scheduled for service at antioch/delta Dodge. …
We have a 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab that we feel is unsafe. We had to have the front rotors refaced at 18,000 miles and again at 30,000 miles after taking a 2100 mile trip. At that time, we also had to have the back rotors replaced.a 1/2 ton pickup truck should have a better brake system than that. Neither time were the brake pads replaced. We have contacted Chrysler and they told us it was due to either road conditions, driving habits or weather.we feel this is a safety issue because they go bad so quickly with no warning and Chrysler will not acknowledge this. There is definitely a defect in the brake/rotor system and it should be corrected before someone is injured or killed.
I have a 2002 Ram quad cab 4x4. The rotors needed to be turned to eliminate a severe brake vibration at about 15000 miles. At 28000 they need to be replaced to correct the problem again. I still have not worn out the original brake pads. Dodge customer service contends that the problem has occured because of driving style, road conditions and the weather. I contend that they are poorly designed rotors. A Ram "tough" truck should be able to withstand my wife's highway commute to work. These brake "failures" reduce the effective braking ability of the truck, compromise control and put undue stresses on the other suspension components. These brakes are an accident waiting to happen.
Brakes start to squeak and shimmy. Squeaking very loud when coming to stop. Squeak lasts for about 3 days then sounds like metal to metal and can feel in pedal. Truck starts to shimmy at high speed then applying brakes to stop. I have down 3 complete brake jobs front and rear, best pads, rotors, everything. New replacement rotors have been replaced twice due to warping. The brakes should last longer the 3-4 months which in miles terms is less than 25,000 miles. I am now on my 4th brake job and I shouldn't be. There is a definite problem with the system. Needs to be addressed. This is becoming extremely costly.
I bought a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab and just returned home from bringing my vehicle to the Dodge dealership. I had asked them to check out the shaking that I experienced during braking. They informed me all four rotors are warped and the surface could not be cut because they would become too thin. At this point the dealership wants me to spend $800.00 to correct the problem. Being that this is a safety issue and from what I have read on the internet a widespread issue with the rotors that it should be covered under the warranty.
I was driving down the road when a truck ran his stop sign and stopped in the intersection (it is not a 4 stop). It was lightly raining. When I applied my brakes the ABS didn't work and I then lost control slamming into the ditch embankment. Missing the truck. I was going about 35-40 MPH when I hit. I hit head on into the embankment. When I hit my air bag didn't deploy and the steering column broke.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Dodge Ram, 10% of the model year's 353 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Ram brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-185 (control unit/module, Apr 12, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Ram brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to brakes 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.