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2002 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

584 reports with mileage · 231 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 278 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

55 crash reports14 fire reports43 injury reports

What owners actually said

815 reports
201,000 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Electrical SystemStructureCrash

DASH BOARD HAS SHATTERED AND THE AIR CONDITION/HEATER DOES NOT BLOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10681598

70,000 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Seats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAIN BRACKET SNAPPED AND THE SEAT BECAME UNSTABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKET NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAIN BRACKET SNAPPED AND THE SEAT BECAME UNSTABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKET NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10681527

13,000 miles · Jan 21, 2015
Structure

I HAVE EMAILED DODGE MANY YEARS AGO ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE OF MY DASH BUSTING IN SEVERAL PLACES WHEN MY TRUCK WAS JUST ONE YEAR OLD. THE ONLY RESPONSE I RECEIVED WAS AN OFFER TO BUY A DISCOUNTED DASH. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND I REALIZE MY TRUCK IS NOW 12 YEARS OLD BUT THIS HAPPENED IN ONLY 1 YEAR. I HAVE SINCE RE…

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I HAVE EMAILED DODGE MANY YEARS AGO ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE OF MY DASH BUSTING IN SEVERAL PLACES WHEN MY TRUCK WAS JUST ONE YEAR OLD. THE ONLY RESPONSE I RECEIVED WAS AN OFFER TO BUY A DISCOUNTED DASH. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND I REALIZE MY TRUCK IS NOW 12 YEARS OLD BUT THIS HAPPENED IN ONLY 1 YEAR. I HAVE SINCE READ WHERE I AM NO WHERE NEAR ALONE. DODGE KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678162

159,000 miles · Jan 9, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

NHTSA ODI #10671232

80,000 miles · Jan 7, 2015
Power Train

WE WERE DRIVING ALONG AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOT OF VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR END AND A LOUD BANG. THE TRUCK WOULD KEEP ROLLING EVEN IN PACK. AFTER PARKING BRAKE APPLIED THE TRUCK STOPPED. LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS LYING ON THE GROUND SHEARED IN TWO ABOUT 75% WAS SHEARED OFF. THE LARGEST FRONT SECTIO…

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WE WERE DRIVING ALONG AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOT OF VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR END AND A LOUD BANG. THE TRUCK WOULD KEEP ROLLING EVEN IN PACK. AFTER PARKING BRAKE APPLIED THE TRUCK STOPPED. LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS LYING ON THE GROUND SHEARED IN TWO ABOUT 75% WAS SHEARED OFF. THE LARGEST FRONT SECTION WAS ON THE GROUND AND THE REAR SECTION STILL ATTACHED TO THE DIFFERENTIAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670756

120,000 miles · Dec 29, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668783

148,000 miles · Dec 19, 2014
Power Train

REAR AXLE SEIZED AND THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF. MECHANIC STATED THAT PINION NUT LOOSEN, CAUSING THE REAR AXLE TO SEIZE. THE DRIVE SHAFT ALSO DETACH, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. CAN FORWARD PICTURES IF NEEDED.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667270

45,000 miles · Nov 22, 2014
Structure

DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING SINCE 2006, NOW DASHBOARD HAS COMPLETELY CRUMBLED APART. TOTALLY UNSAFE HAZARDOUS SITUATION NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660249

200,000 miles · Nov 21, 2014
Structure

MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART IN ON ITSELF I HAVE TRIED BLOWING BUT IT CONTINUES TO CRACK APART AND IT IS FALLING IN ON THE DASH AFRAID IF ITS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT CLASSIC WILL FLY EVERYWHERE AND CUT OR KILL SOMEONE. IT STARTED DOING THIS IN TWO THOUSAND AND TEN AFTER I MOVED TO FLORIDA. AND THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE …

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MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART IN ON ITSELF I HAVE TRIED BLOWING BUT IT CONTINUES TO CRACK APART AND IT IS FALLING IN ON THE DASH AFRAID IF ITS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT CLASSIC WILL FLY EVERYWHERE AND CUT OR KILL SOMEONE. IT STARTED DOING THIS IN TWO THOUSAND AND TEN AFTER I MOVED TO FLORIDA. AND THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE HOOD QUARTER PANELS FRONT AND UPPER DOORS AND AROUND THE LOWER DOORS IS FADING AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660095

35,000 miles · Oct 25, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemStructure

DASHBOARD BEGIN CRACKING AND FINALLY IN A COUPLE DAYS OF WEEKS BROKE APART COMPLETELY AS I HAD BEEN IN A CRASH.I CALLED THE COMPANY THEY SAID THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.I TOLD THEM I HAVE 1992 FORD AEROSTAR WHOSE DASHBOARD WAS COMPLETELY .INTACT AND THAT IT WAS MUCH OLDER IT HAD TO BE A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. THEY OFFER TO PAY HALF …

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DASHBOARD BEGIN CRACKING AND FINALLY IN A COUPLE DAYS OF WEEKS BROKE APART COMPLETELY AS I HAD BEEN IN A CRASH.I CALLED THE COMPANY THEY SAID THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.I TOLD THEM I HAVE 1992 FORD AEROSTAR WHOSE DASHBOARD WAS COMPLETELY .INTACT AND THAT IT WAS MUCH OLDER IT HAD TO BE A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. THEY OFFER TO PAY HALF WHICH MEANT I HAD TO PAY 500.00 DOLLARS, WHICH I DIDN'T HAVE. I FELT THEY SHOULD PAY ALL OF IT. ALSO THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE RPM ACCELERATE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL.I TOOK MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT THEY NEVER DID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649859

Official recalls

3

03V504000 · Tires

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

03V077000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

Mar 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT REARWARD FIELD OF VISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

03V078000 · Steering:column

Mar 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN CONTAINS AN UNDER-SIZED TERMINAL FOR THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CIRCUIT. LOCALIZED HEATING FROM CURRENT FLOW WITH THE BLOWER SPEED SET ON HIGH MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL CONTACTS TO RELAX AND LOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02096 · Rear Axle Failure

Opened Dec 26, 2002 · Closed May 15, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:axle Assembly; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:axle Assembly

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.