Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
I purchased a 2002 quad cab 4x4 in February 2002. From about the third month, and until now, at times the truck will shut off itself, normally at a stop sigh or light. There are times when the truck was rolling to a stop that it shuts down. This seems to happen more in cooler temperature. I had the dealership check the truck approximately 10 times for this condition and they say nothing and they cant duplicate the problem. Then they installed a vdaq system (the only one in this country) to monitor the computer and be monitored by Chrysler 24hrs a day 7 days a week. About 3 weeks ago I get a call from the service writer, rob, asking me if on the 25 and 26 of August if I had started and turned off the truck 6 times in 15 minutes on those two days. Those were work days so the truck was parked. After the last time it stalled on September. 25 I waited to hear from Chrysler, no call. …
Currently own a 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab. I have had numerous problems with my truck. I myself have also experienced the same problems with the transmission jerking as well as the vehicle completely shutting off when idling (and not even at long periods of time). At times when putting into reverse, the vehicle will not move at all and I have to completely shut off the truck and restart it to get it to move. I haven't had it reported at the dealer yet because they will be unable to duplicate. Just noticed a problem with my rear taillights. At different times, different bulbs would seem to go out causing the "lamp out" indicator lamp to illuminate. When I went to change the bulb myself (cause bulbs are not warranty), I found that the sockets were causing the bulb housing to melt inside the sockets as well as on the bulbs. …
On 10-17-05 carried my 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab into my mechanic to have checked out ac was not working and the heater was not either he traced the problem to the ing wires and found they were burned. Carried my truck to a local dealer in my hometown because bought my truck out of town. The service department at local dealer was very rude and unhelpful. Swore to myself I would not use them again. Called the dealer where bought my truck there service department was not any better. Ask to speak to person over service he told me if it was same problem as last time then they did not have to fix it because they only had to fix recalls one time only. So when I was off the phone with them I called Dodge recall center to check on this. When they told me the Dodge dealers had to fix gave local dealership one more try. …
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. …
Transmission will not shift into first gear when putting in drive. Feels like it's starting off in third gear or something. Works if you put it in first gear, or second, just not drive. It happened all at once for no reason. Also air conditioning only works when moving. If you stop it doesn't work. I have had the freon checked and is okay. And now just today, it died for no reason. I stopped at the bank to make an overnight deposit, when back to my truck, and turned the key and nothing. Just like that. I had to walk at least a 1/2 mile to the nearest phone to have my son come get me. We jumped the vehicle and it started. But the instrument lights were flashing. Than just before I got home, the check gauges light came on and the battery gauge was at the highest level. It had no prior problems. One more thing, I have had the shocks replaced 5 times in front. …
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. …
2002 Dodge Ram service bulletin 0800203 condensation builds up in the electric motor for the air conditioning fan, freezes and then trips the fuse. When the fuse is tripped, the check engine light turns on. Muscatell Dodge (moorhead, mn) said they have a couple to fix everytime we get a snow storm. Dodge has issued a service bulletin (0800203) to deal with the issue. It calls for replacing the shroud on the fan. It is covered under warranty. Unfortunately my warranty has expired. I was just unlucky enough to have this issue at 55,000 miles instead of 35,000. The service bulletin calls to replace the shroud. I feel that if Dodge is replacing original parts with updated parts, there should be a recall, or at least own up to it, and replace the shrouds when or if the problem arises.
Took truck to dealer because the headlights, taillights were going on and off intermittently whether the light switch was on of off and the key was in the run position (started or not) and windshield wipers would turn off when this happens. I about had a terrible accident when I found out the wipers quit working, imagine that! Took my 2002 Dodge Ram 4x4, 3.7l quad cab sport to dealer and they said it was the pdc (power distribution center (fuse box)) that they are prone to corrosion and they have replaced many of them. Why no recall when many lives are at stake here and so many problems with these found? Could have been me, and I have 3 children that depend on me, so Chrysler own up to it and do the right thing.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have it repaired for NHTSA campaign id number 07V555000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). The vehicle remained parked at the dealer the entire day without being repaired. The dealer did not provide an explanation as to why the vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that they experienced a failure once before as described in the recall, but could not give any details. The current and failure mileages were 69,000. Updated 03-11-08 the consumer stated paint was fading on vehicle and had problems with the ignition shift about three years ago. Updated 03/11/08
Dt: contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab. Contact got out and hit the automatic door locks. Contact tried to open doors with the key, but door locks would not work. Once inside the vehicle contact turned vehicle on and no lights on dashboard came on. The only indication that he had the dashboard lights was a small red light. No door locks, no indication for cruise control was on. Contacted Dodge, and was told that no recalls were on this vehicle. Contact was told that this vehicle was not under warranty. No crashes. No police reports. The consumer was told the instrument cluster had failed. Update 11/15/05.
Electrical complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Dodge Ram, 10% of the model year's 353 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Ram electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 Dodge Ram, 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.