2002 DODGE RAM — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

152

Owner Complaints

21 Crashes 4 Fires 2 Deaths

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

29

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 DODGE RAM

The 2002 DODGE RAM has received a total of 152 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 29 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bagsfrontal (11 complaints), Structure (9 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (7 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 DODGE RAM

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2002 DODGE RAM, potentially affecting up to 135,573 vehicles.

Recall 09E009000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

| 1,364 vehicles affected

Defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

Consequence: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 07E066000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

| 175 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

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Recall 04V185000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 44,588 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Recall 02V159000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

| 46,000 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.

Consequence: DURING ROTATION, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CALIPER RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LOSS IN THE REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REAR BRAKE CALIPER REINFORCEMENTS ON THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 DODGE RAM

152 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 DODGE RAM. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 11 9 Crashes 8 Injuries
Structure
Complaints: 9
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 7
Suspension
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 6 1 Fire 1 Injury
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 6
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 2 Injuries 1 Death
Equipment
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Steering
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3 1 Fire 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailerlpg Systemswater Heater
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1
Trailer Hitches
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries 1 Death

Most Recent Complaints

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the flames. No police report was made. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Damages were to the wire harness, ABS module, and connecting rod. The failure mileage was approximate 220,000.
#10456343 | STRUCTURE | | 60,000 miles
THE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AROUND 60,000 MILES. IT HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND ALL OF THE PLASTIC VENT COVERS HAVE FALLEN APART INTO THE VENTS. I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT THE INSULATION IN THE DASH IS DRY ROTTING AND FALLING INTO THE A/C VENTS AND CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C MOTOR. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR
#10444610 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 60,000 miles
1) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. LIGHTS KEPT GOING IN AND OUT 2) DASH CRACKING AND CRUMBLING. PIECES FALLING INTO AIR VENTS AND PREVENTING WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING! DANGEROUS! COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DASH IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE THAT IF PASSENGER AIR BAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED IT COULD KILL SOMEONE DUE TO FLYING PIECES OF HARD PLASTIC ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. MAKE DODGE RECALL THIS PRODUCT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? YOU ALREADY HAVE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM! *TT
#10444610 | POWER TRAIN | | 60,000 miles
1) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. LIGHTS KEPT GOING IN AND OUT 2) DASH CRACKING AND CRUMBLING. PIECES FALLING INTO AIR VENTS AND PREVENTING WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING! DANGEROUS! COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DASH IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE THAT IF PASSENGER AIR BAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED IT COULD KILL SOMEONE DUE TO FLYING PIECES OF HARD PLASTIC ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. MAKE DODGE RECALL THIS PRODUCT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? YOU ALREADY HAVE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM! *TT
#10444610 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 60,000 miles
1) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. LIGHTS KEPT GOING IN AND OUT 2) DASH CRACKING AND CRUMBLING. PIECES FALLING INTO AIR VENTS AND PREVENTING WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING! DANGEROUS! COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DASH IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE THAT IF PASSENGER AIR BAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED IT COULD KILL SOMEONE DUE TO FLYING PIECES OF HARD PLASTIC ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. MAKE DODGE RECALL THIS PRODUCT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? YOU ALREADY HAVE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM! *TT

View all Air Bagsfrontal complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2002 DODGE RAM

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 DODGE RAM in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 DODGE RAM

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 29 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 DODGE RAM. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

2301307 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TRAILER TOWING MIRROR - NEW MIRROR GLASS LOCKING TAB - NEW REMOVAL PROCEDURE. *KB

06003 — SUSPENSION:REAR

REAR SUSPENSION VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT

10182004 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE INFORMATION. *EH

1803603 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE IDLE FLUCTUATION. *TT

0703 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OF THE POWER STEERING PULLEY. *TT

2200303 — TIRES

VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT

0800403 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRO MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - ERRONEOUS INDICATOR LAMPS. *TT

30800203 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CONDENSER FAN INOPERATIVE DUE TO OPEN FUSE. *TT

0802302 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

WEAK AM RADIO RECEPTION. *TT

1803002 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE UNDERSHOOTS IDLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, IN GEAR.*MR

Showing 10 of 29 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 DODGE RAM

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM

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Other DODGE Models

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