2002 Dodge Dodge truck problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Social links
Common 2002 Dodge Dodge truck problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 truck based on complaints from owners:
- Interior Dashboard Cracking: Many buyers have reported that the interior dashboards of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 are brittle and prone to cracking easily, which affects the aesthetics and convenience of the truck.
- Lighting Problems: Dodge Ram trucks, including the 2002 model, commonly experience lighting issues where headlights, taillights, or turn signals may suddenly stop working. This can be caused by pinched wiring in the trailer hitch or problems with the TIPM, leading to safety hazards and irritation for owners.
- Body Structure Rust: Dodge Ram trucks are known for rust issues, particularly in the outer wheelhouse, upper wheel arch area of the bed, cab corners, rocker panels, and oil pan. These rust problems can start as small bubbles in the paint and quickly escalate, requiring protective coatings and immediate attention to prevent further damage.
- Wheel Bearing Wear: Front wheel bearings in the 2002 Dodge Ram trucks are prone to wearing out, with replacements becoming necessary around 75,000 miles. Delaying the replacement can lead to dangerous situations where the wheel may lock up, causing the truck to veer in that direction, especially at high speeds.
These issues highlight some of the common problems faced by owners of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 truck, ranging from engine reliability to structural integrity and safety concerns. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these problems can help mitigate their impact on the overall performance and longevity of the vehicle.
How long will a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
between 250,000 and 350,000 miles
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
What is the most common problem with Dodge Ram 1500?
RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What year did Dodge trucks have bad transmissions?
The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The transmission provides the link between the engine and drive wheels.
How long will a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
between 250,000 and 350,000 miles
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What is the biggest problem with Dodge Ram?
Engine Problems
Many of the Ram truck problems we've seen involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. These Ram customer service complaints have been relatively common in recent years. If something seems off with your engine, get it inspected ASAP.
What year did Dodge trucks have bad transmissions?
The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The transmission provides the link between the engine and drive wheels.
2002 Dodge Dodge truck car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Dodge truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Structure problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Dodge Dodge truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Dodge Dodge truck complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Dodge Dodge truck.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASHBOARD IS CRACKING. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-05
- VIN: 3B7MC33672M
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASH BOARD JUST CRACKED ALL OVER THE PLACE FOR NO REASON. SERVICE DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. WE NOW HAVE HUGE LINES OF GLUE TO HOLD DASH FROM FALLING COMPLETELY THROUGH. IF WE EVER HAVE A WRECK THERE WILL BE HUGE JAGGED EDGES OF DASH BOARD COMING AT US.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-20
- VIN: 1B4HS78Z02F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO R/T 5.9L STARTED OVER HEATING. REPLACED RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT. THE VEHICE STILL RAN HOT AND STARTED OVERHEATING AGAIN. SHOP SAID IT WAS CLUTCH FAN AND COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSEOR. REPLACED ALL THAT AND VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING A WEEK LATER. THE DEALER SAID I HAD TO REPALCE THE COOLING FAN. DID THAT TOO, AND VEHICLE OVERHEATED 5 MINUTES OFF THEIR LOT. BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY SAID I NEEDED HEAD GASKET AND NEW HEADS. THEN RIGHT BEFORE THEY FINISHED THE WORK THEY SAID THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED NEAR 2 CYLINDERS AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. !@#$%!
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1D7HU18Z62J
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LOADED VEHICLE WITH 1440LB SAND. UPON DRIVING HIGHWAY (NEVER EXCEED 55MPH) WITHIN 20 MIN VEHICLE SMOKED HEAVILY FROM ENGINE BAY. DISCOVERED THAT VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING PUMP HAS AN OVERFLOW VALVE LINE THAT SEEMS TO HAVE A PRESSURE VALVE AT THE END OF IT. THIS HOSE IS CONNECTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS NEAR THE BATTERY, AND POINTS VERTICALLY AT THE HOOD, JUST OVER THE VALVE COVER ASSEMBLY. POWER STEERING FLUID POURED OVER THE ENGINE, COMBUSTING ON THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY, BUT NOT FLAMING UP. MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT THIS VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING UNIT IS SOMEHOW TIED TO A "LOAD LEVELER?" THAT IS FACTORY INSTALLED. DUE TO THE LOAD WEIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, THIS CAUSED THE POWER STEERING FLUID TO OVERHEAT AND EXPAND, CAUSING THE EJECTION OF FLUID. ANOTHER ANSWER IS THAT THIS IS SOMEHOW A TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERFLOW, AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SIMPLY OVERHEATED. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH THE POSITION OF THE OVERFLOW RELEASE HOSE AND VALVE, THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SEVERAL HOSES AND A WIRE KIT DUE TO THE DAMAGE. MY QUESTION IS WHY WOULD THIS FLUID BE EJECTED ABOVE THE ENGINE---THIS FLUID IS DEFINITELY PETROLEUM BASED, AND FLAMMABLE. HAD I CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD FURTHER, I CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HAD FLAME. PLEASE NOTE, THE WEIGHT RATING FOR THIS TRUCK IS 1800LB, I AM 265, AND THE TRUCK WAS EMPTY, EXCEPT FOR THE 1440LB OF SAND. I WAS APPROACHING THE RATING, BUT NOT NEARLY OVERLOADING THE TRUCK.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-19
- VIN: 3B7KF23C72M
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE INJECTION PUMP IN MY 2002 DODGE PU HAS MALFUNCTIONED TWICE IN 14 MONTHS AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT DODGE KNOWS THAT IS A PROBLEM BUT NOTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT IT. AND IF PUMP TOTALLY FAILS THE TRUCK WILL NOT RUN. I THINK THAT DODGE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL THEY CHANGED THE TRUCK IN 2003 AND THE PUMP THEY KNOW.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-04
- VIN: 3B7KF236X2M
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: MY DIESEL 4X4 TRUCK DIED, WHILE PULLING A LARGE TRAILER, ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING 60MPH. WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, I STEERED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE GROUND WIRE BROKE THAT GOES TO THE PRIMARY FUEL PUMP.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-30
- VIN: 3D7HU18Z72G
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WAS TOWING A 24' CAMPER TRAILER ON I20 AT 55 MPH AND REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT NEARING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF TRUCK AND TRAILER.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-10
- VIN: 3D7HU18N72G
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VERY ANNOYING RATTLE IN THE LEFT FRONT END OF MY RAM 1500 4X4 TRUCK EACH TIME I COME ACROSS A BUMP IN THE ROAD.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-28
- VIN: 3B7KC23652M
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I OWN A 2002 DODGE DIESEL TRUCK. THE BRAKES FAILED AT ONLY 41,000 MILES. THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS UP AT 36,000 MILES. ONCE THE BRAKES WERE REMOVED IT WAS FOUND THAT THE INNER PAD ON ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD FAILED. THEY CAME LOOSE FROM THE BACKING PLATE WHERE THEY WERE BONDED TOGETHER. THE RIGHT REAR HAD FALLEN OUT AND THE BACKING PLATE ATE INTO THE ROTOR AND DESTROYED IT COMPLETELY. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT ON THESE TRUCKS THAT COULD CAUSE COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-31
- VIN: 3B7KC23652M
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM HAS FAILED. I PUT THE BRAKES ON AND THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM STARTED WORKING BUT AFTER THAT THE PEDAL BECAME SOFT. AFTER A FEW DAYS I HAD IT CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKES HAD NOT RELEASED AND BURNED UP COMPLETELY. CHRYSLER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING BEAUSE THE TRUCK HAS 42000 MILES ON IT. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-17
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I AM NOT SURE IF THIS WOULD FALL UNDER THIS CATEGORY, BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANOTHER SITE. ON THE DODGE DAKOTA PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT BALL JOINTS I HAD THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A RECALL TO REPLACE THEM. HOWEVER I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHRYSLER THAT THEY WHERE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. IF YOU HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. BUT IF YOU HEAR NO SUCH NOISE THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION. I THINK IT WILL BE A LITTLE LATE IF THEY FAIL BEFORE YOU HEAR A NOISE AS THEY SAY CAN HAPPEN IN SOME CASES. *JB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-23
- VIN: 1B7GL32X82S
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER DRAINS WATER INTO PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD SATURATING THE CARPET. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-01
- Crash: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PLEASE READ MY WEBSITE. IT HAS ALL THE INFORMATION. I WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN THE CALIFORNIA STATE LAWS FOR PARKING RV'S ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. PLEASE READ MY WEB SITE AT: HTTP://BOYCOTT-UPLAND-CA.COM THANK YOU. *LA
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-03
- VIN: 1B4HR48N52F
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2002 DODGE DURANGO WITH 30,000 MILE AND THE UPPER BALLS ARE FAILING, WORE OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FOIA REQUEST ALL DOCUMENTS RE FAILURE OF THE AXLE ASSEMBLY OF 2002 DODGE TRUCK, ALSO DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE HEAT TREATMENT OF THE CHRYSLER AXLE. NAR 08/01/2003. IN PUBLIC FILE.*MR *CB *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-04
- VIN: 3B7KF23C42M
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: LIFT PUMP FAILURE IN 2002 DODGE DIESEL PICKUP. LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED WITH BUCKING/SURGING. THIS LED TO SUDDEN DROP IN SPEED WHILE TOWING AN RV ON THE FREEWAY. MANAGED TO GET OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE AS TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND GOT OFF AT NEXT EXIT. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN ACCIDENT IF TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY. FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD AND READ, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS AND MAYBE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *NLM
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: BB7MF33692M
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: THE TRAILER HITCH WAS BENT SIDEWAYS. THE CONSUMER OWNED ANOTHER DODGE/1999 AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. MR SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-29
- VIN: 3D7HA18N42G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AS WE DROVE OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE VEHICLE DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT TURNED OVER WE NOTICED THE INDICATORS FOR THE GAUGES WOULD NOT COME OFF THE PEGS. WE CHECK OTHER VEHICLES AT THE DEALER AND WHEN YOU TURNED THE KEY TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION THE GAUGES DID COME OFF THE PEGS. *NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-16
- VIN: 3D7HA18N72G
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SINCE "DAY 1" (4-30-02) VEHICLE SHAKES AT 42 MPH, VIBRATES AT 58 MPH AND 70+ MPH. TRUCK HAS BEEN WORKED ON OVER EIGHT TIMES. CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO REPAIR MY TRUCK. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? I NEED SOME HELP ON THIS! THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME TRUCK PROBLEM! WHY NO RECALL?
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INSTALL WHEEL WELL COVERS. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. *YH * NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- VIN: 3D7HA18N92G
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AND JUMP OUT OF CONTROL SEVERELY. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK *YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-18
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 82G104750
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LURCHED TO THE LEFT. THE CONSUMER HIT SIDE OF HEAD ON THE LEFT WINDOW AND BLACKED OUT. *AK THE WHEEL HAD BROKEN OFF AS THE VEHICLE WAS MEETING AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. VEHICLE ALSO SIDE SWIPED AN ONCOMING VEHICLE AND CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER 100 YARDS INTO A DITCH, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, AXLE AND UPPER CONTROL ARM. *SCC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Dodge Dodge truck problems:
Top High Mileage Issues 2002-08 Dodge Ram Truck - YouTube
May 4, 2021 ... For More Info visit us at: http://1aau.to/h/cwN/ Check out these top high mileage issues with the Dodge Ram for model years 2002 to 2008!
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Top 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems · Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break · Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal · Multiple Coolant Leaks · Cam Sensor Failure ...
Buy or Bust? 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 High Miles Review! - YouTube
Mar 15, 2022 ... 9:05. Go to channel · 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 3rd Gen Buyer's Guide (Exterior, Interior, Engines, Common Problems). Useful Vids•110K views · 10:26.
Dodge RAM 1500 Questions - I was told that 2002-2007 Dodge ...
Nov 24, 2012 ... Is this true? I am looking at buying a Dodge 1500 (hopefully Hemi) and want to know about common problems. Thanks.
Top 5 Problems Dodge Ram Truck 3rd Generation 2002-08 - YouTube
May 30, 2020 ... ... Problems Dodge Ram 3rd Gen 2002-08 0:22 Cylinder Misfires P0300-P0308 2:01 No Heat 3:06 EVAP System P0440/P0441 4:08 Vehicle Stalling 4:58 ...
Other years of Dodge Dodge truck
Are you having problems with your 2002 Dodge Dodge truck?
Leave your review of 2002 Dodge Dodge truck