2002 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

General information about Dodge-Ram 1500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 Ram 1500 problems

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is known for several problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most significant issues is the engine's susceptibility to oil sludge buildup, which can lead to stalling and potentially require an engine replacement.

Another common problem with the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is the brittle dashboard material, which can crack easily and is prone to shattering. This issue is not covered under any recalls, leaving drivers to bear the estimated $500-$600 repair cost for replacing the dashboard with a sturdier material.

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 also suffers from paint problems, with numerous drivers reporting that the clear coat has peeled away, leading to bubbling and cracking paint. This is not a safety issue but can significantly lower the vehicle's value and appearance. The cost of repainting a car ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the extent of the work required.

In addition to these problems, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has been reported to have issues with rust and corrosion in the vehicle body, particularly in the 2003 model. This early rusting can weaken the stability of the vehicle's frame, posing a safety hazard for passengers. The cost of welding repairs for this issue can easily total $1,500 or more.

The 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 has a problem with its transmission, with drivers reporting that it may fail before reaching 100,000 miles, despite transmissions typically being expected to last at least 150,000 miles or more. The typical fix for this issue is a transmission replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Lastly, the 2002 and 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 models have a recurring problem of engine failure due to the buildup of oil sludge. This can cause stalling problems over time, and if the problem is already affecting the engine, a replacement may be necessary, costing thousands of dollars.

In summary, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has several reported issues, including engine problems, brittle dashboard material, paint problems, rust and corrosion, transmission failure, and engine failure due to oil sludge buildup. These problems can be costly to repair and may require significant maintenance, leading to a less than satisfactory ownership experience.

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.

How many miles can a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 last?

around 250,000 to 300,000 miles

Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice. When you need a dependable truck for your personal life, what could be better than a used Ram 1500 for sale?

What are the bad years for Ram 1500?

Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why

2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2016 Dodge RAM 1500.

Are there any recalls on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Recalls

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS.

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 are the bad years for Ram 1500?

Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why

2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
2016 Dodge RAM 1500.

Do Ram 1500 have engine problems?

Are there any recalls on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Recalls

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500.

2010-08-23

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: WHEELS:HUB
Summary: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

2007-12-11

Manufacturer: SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.
Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

2006-03-15

Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

2003-12-10

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: TIRES
Summary: 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."
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.

2003-03-10

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: STEERING:COLUMN
Summary: 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: 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.

2003-03-10

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.
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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 problems:

Buy or Bust? 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 High Miles Review! - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_5kCRLneqU

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.

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2002-dodge-ram-1500/problems

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 ...

Top High Mileage Issues 2002-08 Dodge Ram Truck - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hY8XIKSw7U

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!