Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
2925–50K
3950–75K
3375–100K
13100–150K
8150K+
156 reports with mileage · 50 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 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
206 reports
52,000 miles · Jun 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
AT 42000 MILES THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE STARTED DROPPING AT THE TOP OF A HILL. IN LESS THEN A MINUTES THE TRUCK SHUT ITSELF DOWN. I DRIFTED DOWN THE HILL AND TRIED TO START IT. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND HAD IT TOWED. THEY REQUESTED ALL RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AND ORDERED A NEW ENGINE. THEY HAD SAID THAT THIER…
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AT 42000 MILES THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE STARTED DROPPING AT THE TOP OF A HILL. IN LESS THEN A MINUTES THE TRUCK SHUT ITSELF DOWN. I DRIFTED DOWN THE HILL AND TRIED TO START IT. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND HAD IT TOWED. THEY REQUESTED ALL RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AND ORDERED A NEW ENGINE. THEY HAD SAID THAT THIER MECHANIC PUT A BREAKER BAR ON IT AND COULDN'T MOVE THE ENGINE. IT HAD SEIZED. WHEN THE NEW ENGINE ARRIVED A WEEK LATER THE MECHANIC WENT OUT TO PULL IT IN TO SWAP ENGINES. HE FORGOT AND TRIED TO START IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO PICK IT UP THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. AT 52000 MILES MY ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP GARAGE. BEFORE EVEN TOUCHING THE VEHICLE THE GARAGE REQUISTED ALL OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS. WHICH I SUPPLIED TO THEM. AFTER REMOVING THE OIL PAN THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE PIECES OF BEARINGS IN THE OIL PAN AND THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR "AROUND" $5200. HE THEN STATED THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO SLUDGE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN. HE BELIEVED THE OIL TO BE CHANGED "INCORRECTLY".
NHTSA ODI #10123731
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS ON A BACK ROAD DOING 35 MPH I HIT BLACK ICE AND THE BACK END WENT OUT. I HAD WEIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. I LET OFF THE GAS AND THE BRAKE AND TRIED TO SLOWLY CORRECT THE BACK END. IT JUST MADE THE SITUATION WORSE. I KNEW I WAS GOING OFF THE ROAD. MY TRUCK TOOK A NOSE DIVE INTO A SIX-FOOT DITCH T…
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I WAS ON A BACK ROAD DOING 35 MPH I HIT BLACK ICE AND THE BACK END WENT OUT. I HAD WEIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. I LET OFF THE GAS AND THE BRAKE AND TRIED TO SLOWLY CORRECT THE BACK END. IT JUST MADE THE SITUATION WORSE. I KNEW I WAS GOING OFF THE ROAD. MY TRUCK TOOK A NOSE DIVE INTO A SIX-FOOT DITCH THE BACK END CAME STRAIGHT UP AND THE ROOF HIT A TREE FROM THEN THE TRUCK SPUN ON ITS NOSE FELL ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE WENT UP HIT THE ROOF AGAIN AND FINALLY STOPPED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS WITH THE FIRST HIT AFTER THAT I WAS COMPLETELY SCALPED. NEITHER ONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I ONLY WONDER IF THEY DID I MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SCALPED AND SUFFERED SUCH TRAUMATIC HEAD INJURIES. AT THIS POINT I AM JUST HAPPY TO BE ALIVE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED OUT THE TRUCK UNDEPLOYED AIR BAGS AND ALL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10112127
54,800 miles · Jan 24, 2005
Electrical System
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 SERVI…
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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. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10107807
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2005
Suspension
WHEN THE DRIVER ENCOUNTER ROUGH ROADS AND ENTERED A TURN HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END BOUNCED. *NM THERE WAS A PULSATION IN THE STEERING. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *SC UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10109769
52,635 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Suspension
UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE WAS FOUND DURING STATE INSPECTION, WAS REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE.SEEN RECALL ON DURANGOS AND DAKOTOAS, WAS HOPING TO GET RAMS INCLUDED.THE VEHICLE HAS 52,000 MILES NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR ABUSED AND ROUTINE MAINTENCE AT THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102616
11,000 miles · Nov 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 DODGE RAM 4WD 4 DOOR CURRENTLY ON THIRD ENGINE AFTER 2 DRIVE TRAIN FAILURES. TODAY THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING THUDDING NOISES, THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING. FURTHER, WHEN THE FRONT TIRE HITS A SMALL POT HOLE OR OTHER ROAD DEFORMITY, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY VEERS REQUIRING DRASTIC COUNTER STEERING TO CO…
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2002 DODGE RAM 4WD 4 DOOR CURRENTLY ON THIRD ENGINE AFTER 2 DRIVE TRAIN FAILURES. TODAY THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING THUDDING NOISES, THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING. FURTHER, WHEN THE FRONT TIRE HITS A SMALL POT HOLE OR OTHER ROAD DEFORMITY, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY VEERS REQUIRING DRASTIC COUNTER STEERING TO CORRECT, OFTEN NEARLY OUT OF CONTROL. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO INFORM DAIMLER-CHRYSLER CORP. HAVE MET WITH INDIFFERENCE AND FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM EXISTS. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS MY FAMILY'S SAFETY WHENEVER I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. KEITH BILLS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100247
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2004
Suspension
SINCE MY PURCHASE IN AUGUST OF 2002, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WITH MY DODGE QUAD CAB. SO FAR I HAVE ALMOST HIT THE DIVIDER ON THE FREEWAY AND A CAR HEAD ON AT THE TOP OF A HILL. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER CLOSE CALLS, BUT I HAD TO STOP COUNTING. I AM HAVING SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH MY REAR SUSPENSION ON MY DODGE. I HAVE…
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SINCE MY PURCHASE IN AUGUST OF 2002, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WITH MY DODGE QUAD CAB. SO FAR I HAVE ALMOST HIT THE DIVIDER ON THE FREEWAY AND A CAR HEAD ON AT THE TOP OF A HILL. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER CLOSE CALLS, BUT I HAD TO STOP COUNTING. I AM HAVING SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH MY REAR SUSPENSION ON MY DODGE. I HAVE HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE, SHOCKS REPLACED, AND SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT GETTING IT REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT IN, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT BUT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING COMPLAINTS MENTIONED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT MUST BE NORMAL AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BEFORE MY SHOCKS FINALLY GOT REPLACED, I WAS AT THE POINT OF FINDING A LAWYER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I ENDED UP DEAD ON THE ROAD. BUT THE SERVICE GUY SUDDENLY GOT MY PARTS IN STOCK. I AM AGAIN TO THE POINT OF DESPERATELY NEEDING THIS ISSUE RESOLVED BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS TO ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN BOTH PUT THIS HAZARD TO REST. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10098801
250 miles · Nov 12, 2004
Wheels
RIMS UNABLE TO BALANCE. I HAVE HAD A JERKING OF HOPPING FEELING RIDE FROM NEW PURCHASE. GUNN DODGE IN SA DEALER IN SAID IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT AND REPLACED STILL SAME FEELING. MOVED TO AUSTIN MAXWELL DEALER SAID IT WAS TIRES. I HAD ALL FOUR REPLACED AND MAXWEKK SAID GOODYEAR PUT FOUR NEW BAD TIRES ON TRUCK. B.S. I SAY IT'S THE 1…
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RIMS UNABLE TO BALANCE. I HAVE HAD A JERKING OF HOPPING FEELING RIDE FROM NEW PURCHASE. GUNN DODGE IN SA DEALER IN SAID IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT AND REPLACED STILL SAME FEELING. MOVED TO AUSTIN MAXWELL DEALER SAID IT WAS TIRES. I HAD ALL FOUR REPLACED AND MAXWEKK SAID GOODYEAR PUT FOUR NEW BAD TIRES ON TRUCK. B.S. I SAY IT'S THE 17 INCH RIMS. HAD RIMS CHECK AND WAS TOLD THEY SEEM TOO FAR OUT OF SPEC BECAUSE THERE ARE HEAVY BALANCE WEIGHTS ON ONE SIDE OF RIM AND THERE ARE NONE HEAVIER TO COUNTER BALANCE THE EFFECT. NOW WHY DID DODGE DEALER SAY IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT AND TIRES. WHEN I KEPT SAYING LOOK AT THE WHEELS AT THE SERVICE STATION. NOTHING BUT A RUN-A-ROUND AND WHEN I CALL CHRYSLER THEY SAY THAT IS HOW THE TRUCK IS MEANT TO RIDE. LIES AND BIG BUSINESS COVER UP. DODGE MUST BE GIVING SOMEONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT BIG BUCKS UNDER THE TABLE TO LET THESE TRUCKS ENTER OUR ROADS UN SAFE. I HOPE THE PERSON IN CHARGE OR NHTSA DOSE NOT LOSE A FAMILY MEMBER OVER UN SAFE CARS AND TRUCKS. I HAVE LOST MY TWIN SISTER IN A HONDA BACK IN 1974 DUE TO UNSAFE MOTOR CRUSHING THE FIREWALL AND CAR CRUNCHED UP. PLEASE DO YOUR JOBS AND LOOK AT ALL ISSUES WITH DODGE QUAD CAP TRUCKS RIDE AND HANDLING COMPLAINTS. THANK YOU. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10098766
38,000 miles · Nov 12, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES SHAKING SEEMS ROTORS ARE WARPING EARLY. PADS LOOK LIKE NEW NOT MUCH WEAR ON THEM. I FEEL UNSAFE. PLEASE SAVE LIVES HERE. THANK YOU. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10098765
26,131 miles · Oct 14, 2004
Structure
I OWN A 2002 DODGE 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB PICKUP & THE FRONT DOORS GASKET SEALS ARE LEAKING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT GET SO BAD THAT THE DOOR START TO SHAKE AT THE HINGE SIDE OF DOOR. I SPOKE WITH DODGE ABOUT THIS; I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT THE ONLY UNIT DOING THIS, THAT IT WAS A SIMPLE FIX OF RE-BENDING THE HINGES AT A BODY SHOP. THEY EXPL…
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I OWN A 2002 DODGE 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB PICKUP & THE FRONT DOORS GASKET SEALS ARE LEAKING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT GET SO BAD THAT THE DOOR START TO SHAKE AT THE HINGE SIDE OF DOOR. I SPOKE WITH DODGE ABOUT THIS; I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT THE ONLY UNIT DOING THIS, THAT IT WAS A SIMPLE FIX OF RE-BENDING THE HINGES AT A BODY SHOP. THEY EXPLAINED THAT IF THIS WAS REPORTED IN THE FRIST 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRIANTY. THE TRUCK HAS 28,040 MILES ON IT NOW STILL UNDER THE 30,000 MILE WARRIANTY. I BELEIVE THIS TO BE A PROBLEM INHERIT TO THE TRUCK DESIGN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10095796
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
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.
2002 Dodge RAM Quad Cab Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year