2002 Dodge Ram pickup 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 Ram pickup problems
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, like many vehicles, has its share of common problems that have been reported by owners. One major issue is related to the engine, specifically the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 engine suffering from oil sludge buildup. This can lead to the engine stalling and, if left unaddressed, may require a complete engine replacement. Regular engine flushing is recommended as a preventative measure, but this can be a significant burden for owners. This engine problem also negatively impacts the overall performance of the Dodge Ram 1500.
Another issue reported by owners is the brittleness of the interior dashboard, which tends to crack easily. This is not only unsightly but also inconvenient for the driver.
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500's performance is considered lacking, with the base engine being a 3.7-liter V6 Magnum SOHC engine producing 215 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.
The interior of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is representative of its time but is generally considered bland and uninspired. Despite offering ample space, the interior features have not aged well, and the straightforward instrument cluster is one of the few positive aspects. The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 interior is not considered one of the best options from that year, despite vehicles from that era still being relatively simple overall.
In summary, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 faces several common problems, including engine sludge buildup, a brittle dashboard, and lackluster performance. These issues have contributed to the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 being considered one of the less well-received models of the iconic pickup truck.
How many miles will a 2002 Dodge Ram last?
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.
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 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 years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? 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.
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 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 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 years did Dodge RAM have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? 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.
2002 Dodge Ram pickup car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram pickup problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Dodge Ram pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Dodge Ram pickup complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Dodge Ram pickup.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-16
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRACKING OF DASHBOARD, AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND NUMEROUS OTHER SITES IT APPEARS TO BE A TREND THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. I HAVE CUT MY HAND ONCE ALREADY ON MINE AND THERE IS NO TELLING HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE ALSO. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP HAS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION IN THE FROM OF A CRACKING AND BROKEN DASHBOARD. I WOULD HATE TO THINK OF COMING IN CONTACT WITH IT IN A COLLISION. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-19
- VIN: 3B7MF33C52M
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DODGE RAM 2002 3500 TRUCK THE BRAKE DISC PADS COME UNGLUED FROM THE BACKING PLATE DEFECT WAS FOUND ON 3 OF THE 4 BRAKE DISC PADS. DODGE IS USING POOR OR THE WRONG GLUE THERE WAS LOTS OF LIFE IN THE DISC PADS AND WAS UNDER 30,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *TR
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-21
- VIN: 3D7HU18N62G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO OTHER DEALERS AND THEY STATED THE SAME THING. HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR FOUR MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASH WAS SEVERELY CRACKED IN 3 PLACES AND THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/01/14
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-25
- VIN: 1D7HA16D23J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 CRACKED DASHBOARD. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3D7HA18Z22G
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD. INSTINCTLY, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO JUMP IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT, BUT SHE FELL AND WAS DRAGGED. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER HER LEFT LEG, WHICH RESULTED IN HER BEING HOSPITALIZED FOR THREE MONTHS. THE CONTACT RECENTLY DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,690 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,615. UPDATED 04/28/08. *LJ
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-14
- VIN: 1D7HA18N42S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE DEALER THE ENTIRE DAY WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED A FAILURE ONCE BEFORE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BUT COULD NOT GIVE ANY DETAILS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PAINT WAS FADING ON VEHICLE AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SHIFT ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO. UPDATED 03/11/08 *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE RAM AS NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 2001. WITHIN A COUPLE OF YEARS (APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES) FROM PURCHASE, MY DASHBOARD STARTED TO CRACK. WITHIN A YEAR OF SEEING THE FIRST CRACKS, PARTS OF THE DASH HAD LITERALLY TURNED TO GRAVEL. PIECES HAVE DROPPED DOWN AND INTO THE COMPONENTS THAT ARE BENEATH THE DASH, AND I AM AFRAID OF WHAT OTHER PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY SAFETY RELATED, MIGHT ARISE FROM THE CRACKING DASHBOARD. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-10
- VIN: 1D7HA16K62J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD CRACKS JUST APPEARED IN A TRUCK THAT IS IN SHOWROOM CONDITION SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE AIR BAG GOES OFF IN AN ACCIDENT IT COULD CAUSE MORE INJURY THEN IT WOULD PREVENT. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-10
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASHB OARD ON 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP CRACKING AND FALLING APART. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-15
- VIN: 3D7HA18N22G
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LSD PORTION OF DIFFERENTIAL FAILED INTO SMALL PIECES OF METAL THAT COULD HAVE BECOME LODGED IN GEARS AND CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND POTENTIAL ACCIDENT . IT APPEARS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE LSD IS FAULTY AS MANY UNITS HAVE FAILED. LSD REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE WITH ZERO ASSISTANCE FROM DODGE. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HA16N62J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: INVOLVED IN AN COLLUSION, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, IMPACT AREA DRIVER FRONT TO CENTER OF HOOD, SPEED OVER 40 MPH. PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURY ALONG WITH CHEST BRUSING FROM SEATBELT. SPOKE TO DODGE DEALER AND COMMENT WAS THAT SOMETIMES THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT GO OFF IF THE IMPACT DOES NOT ENERGIZE MILTIPAL SENSORS. AIRBAGS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE DEPLOYED.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-22
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH TRANSFER CASE KICKED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. VEHICLE SLID DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD BE THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE SEEN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-03
- VIN: 1B7HA16N12J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DEFECTIVE AC FAN MOTOR AND WIRING HARNESS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HU18N92S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE STUMP. FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION BEFORE THE CRASH THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAGS. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES TO THE FACIAL AREA. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1D7HA16K52J
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER IS REQUESTING HELP WITH COMPLAINT. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN UPDATE OF THE STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT. *SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-05
- VIN: 3D7HU18N92G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE BLOWER MOTOR WAS NOT BROKEN BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER THE MOTORS WAS BROKEN. *NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-28
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 20/30 MPH, VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-25
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT NEITHER THE PASSENGER NOR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *MR *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B7KF26C62M
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE ACCELERATEED ON ITS OWN WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING DUE TO DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION CONTROL SENSOR FAILURE AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B7KF26C62M
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: THE HITCH RECEIVER WAS WELDED IMPROPERLY AND A NEW ONE HAD TO BE INSTALLED. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B7KF26C62M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE AXLE SEAL WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE OIL LEAK REOCCURRED BECAUSE OF REAR AXLE HOUSING FAILURE AND THE WHOLE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DODGE RAM WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. HAD IT REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP. CURRENTLY VEHICLE HAS BEEN RIPPING FRONT TIRES APART. MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION ON FRONT END SUSPENSION, REFERRED CONSUMER TO MANUFACTURER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3B7H43Z8YM2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER HAVING VEHICLE REPAIRED BY DODGE DEALER SHIP INTERIOR DASHBOARD WIRING HAS CAUSED DASHBOARD FIRE. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION ON WHY DASHBOARD FIRES ARE OCCURRING. *AK
2002 Dodge Ram pickup recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Dodge Ram pickup.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
- Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Dodge Ram pickup problems:
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.
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 ...
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!
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 ... Shop for New Auto Parts at 1AAuto.com http://1aau.to/c/240/L/evap-emission-control-system-parts This top problems features the 3rd ...
Other years of Dodge Ram pickup
Are you having problems with your 2002 Dodge Ram pickup?
Leave your review of 2002 Dodge Ram pickup