Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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. …
For no apparent reason and without warning, the rack and pinion steering failed causing excessive leaking of power steering fluid and failure of the power steering. Dodge/Chrysler denied any assistance to the issue. The vehicle is a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab, 4.7 liter engine. 72,000 highway miles. It has come to my attention from the dealer that this is a common problem that can happen 2,000 miles to 200,000 miles indicating the continued use of a defective part. Despite my willingness to accept the labor costs of the repair Chrysler refuses to assist with the cost of the $600.00 part. There is no after market part available due to the truck being "too new" according to the dealer. This part failed due to a manufacturing issue and not abuse on my part. The part can not be repaired and must be replaced since Dodge/Chrysler does not supply a parts package to repair the part. …
Truck bounces out of control when hitting small and large bumps in the road. Loss of steering control and very dangerous. Also, truck pulls to the right constantly. I was told by the dealer in waterville maine, that this is normal for a 4x4. Every time I bring it in for service, I complain, but I'm made to feel like it's all in my head. Once they replaced the rack, and tried new tires, but it made no difference. Under no circumstances can I release the steering wheel, and I'm hyperviglent of every approaching bump. Other people who have driven my truck, with me with them experience the same "normal problems". I've had the truck for just over a year now, and the problems haven't gotten worse, but remain constant. I will never buy another Dodge product, and I am very unhappy with the treatment from the dealer. …
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab 4x4, very well maintained and was never abused. About 8 months ago I noticed a crack on the dashboard on the passenger side. Within several months one crack had grown to 6 cracks. Then about 1 month ago the air would not flow through the dash vents anymore. In order to find out the problem I had to remove the dash board to get the heat and air system. When I removed the dash board it crumbled into about 20 pcs. Upon inspection of the air problem I found out the blend door that controls the air to the dash was broken. Seems this is a problem. I am now having to replace the dashboard, front and rear pc and the 4 blend doors in the air system. While replacing the shocks I noticed the rack and pinion was leaking extremely bad which has never leaked before. No noise while turning the steering wheel, no warning light to advise of the problem.
Purchased 2002 Dodge Ram used. At first service interval, rack and pinion boots were leaking, main seal was shot. Also had manifold leak, along with a steering problem that causes shaking at 40 MPH. Steering problem still remains, and there is a loud rattle that the dealership cannot find. This vehicle has been a nightmare, most recently, my fuel pump decided to quit working. Also, the interior trim, namely the hand grips on the driver and passenger door have been replaced numerous times, due to the cheap plastic that is used as a holding ring. Do not purchase this type of vehicle. Have had nothing but headaches with the truck, from the simple things, to the expensive things...was just told that my head gaskets are shot as well, have spent thousands on this truck, with no returns, do not get this year/model of Ram 1500.
My 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab pickup has 49,000 miles on it. I recently brought it in to get an alignment and brakes checked, when the service writer informed my that my rack and pinion steering was leaking. 49,000 miles! If the steering is lost, the consequences could be serious, and even fatal. I called Dodge corporate for out of warranty assistance, and after sitting on hold for 30 minutes, they came back to tell me because of procedure, they will not be able to help me. The cost to fix this is $675 parts and labor. I feel that a four wheel drive truck should have it's rack and pinion last longer than 49,000 miles, and that Dodge should step up to the plate and help out. Dodge obviously does not feel that way.
I brought my truck to the dealer because it pulled to the right and shuddered at 75mph. I had already had 3 alignments on it since I bought it. Dealer said it was due to the tire wear. Tires wore out at 27,000 miles. Dealer was shocked; it?s a new truck the tires should have lasted 40,000 miles. I got new tires but the truck still pulls right and now it is starting to shudder at 65mph. I have had a pull problem since day one. I have also noticed that the raido lights and all dash lights go out when the key is turned to the rear and giggled a bit. I am bringing the truck in to the shop again this week. I hope it can be fixed.
I had to replace the steering rack and all its components at only 54,000 miles on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. I looked into this and this is a very common thing to happen, and it should not be happening at such low mileage, some as low as 20,000 miles! I think Dodge needs to look into this and find out why it is falling apart so soon, and possibly issue a recall and a reimbursement for those of us who already spent the 1100 to fix it!
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab. While making a right turn at 20 MPH into his driveway the steering column locked. He was able to safely turn the vehicle off. A representative from the dealer and manufacturer stated that they were unaware of this type of failure. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 72,100.
Steering complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Ram, 9% of the model year's 353 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Ram steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.