2002 Dodge RAM
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Dodge RAM is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.
2002 Dodge RAM at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2002 Dodge RAM recalls 6
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.
Fix: 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 WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRY…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2002 Dodge RAM common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 943 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2002 Dodge RAM safety ratings
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Dodge RAM — ranges cover the 32 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
REAR AXLE FAILURE Closed
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
NHTSA #PE02096 · Power Train · opened Dec 2002 · closed May 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 85
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 85.
Plate - Planetary
Bulletin 101232 · Power Train · Oct 2024KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…
Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…
Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Bulletin 23-015-20 · Equipment, Structure · Apr 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Dodge RAM. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, caus…
Transport Canada #2009081 · Mar 2009Other
On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the ignition key removed (or in the lock position) or it could allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing propert…
Transport Canada #2007389 · Dec 2007Electrical
On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column may contain an under-sized terminal in the Heater Ventilation Air Conditioning (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 contact. This can cause the HVAC blower motor to become inoperat…
Transport Canada #2003059 · Mar 2003Visual System
On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housing may lose functionality, potentially affecting the driver's rearward field of vision. Correction: Dealer will install a mirror detent retainer kit on the driver and passenger side outside rearview mirrors.
Transport Canada #2003058 · Mar 2003Brakes
On certain Ram 1500 4x4 pickup trucks the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate. During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system potentially resulting in a crash. Correction: Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcement collar…
Transport Canada #2002110 · Jul 2002Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Dodge RAM
The Ram pickup is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America 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.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2002 Dodge RAM vehicles on record
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7772U554802
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7772U515854
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7732U513423
2002 Dodge RAM3D3KU28D43G722739
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN77X2U515816
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYB7B32U528135
2002 Dodge RAM3B7MF33662M274594
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7742U547581
2002 Dodge RAM1D7HU16N22J163364
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7702U567231
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN77X2U531398
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7742U515830
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7722U528074
2002 Dodge RAM1C8GYN7772U567212