The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Dodge
RAM 1500Problems & recalls

815 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Body & structure appears in 278 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 815 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Body & structure278 reports
Other components170 reports
Transmission & drivetrain99 reports
Electrical system93 reports
Engine80 reports
Suspension71 reports
Visibility53 reports
Air bags46 reports
Steering44 reports
Brakes35 reports
Fuel system7 reports
See original component labels
STRUCTURE232
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM65
UNKNOWN OR OTHER62
POWER TRAIN44
STRUCTURE:BODY38
SUSPENSION35
AIR BAGS34
STEERING25
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING22
ENGINE22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL18
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL14
SUSPENSION:FRONT14
TIRES13
SUSPENSION:REAR13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR13
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT11
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES9
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR9
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM9
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR9
STEERING:RACK AND PINION9
EQUIPMENT7
WHEELS7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL6
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY5
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION5
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT5
VISIBILITY5
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE4
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP3
TIRES:TREAD/BELT3
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL3
SEAT BELTS3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT2
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR2
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR2
SEATS2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
WHEELS:RIM1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:INTERCONNECTING ASSEMBLY(WIRING)1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
STEERING:COLUMN1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS:SWITCH1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID1
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE1
PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Mar 24, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

70,000 miles is the median among 583 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 40,000–102,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

6 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Aug 23, 2010 Safety recallWHEELS:HUBCampaign 10E040000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 10E040000 at NHTSA
Dec 11, 2007 Safety recallVISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REARCampaign 07E104000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 07E104000 at NHTSA
Mar 15, 2006 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCampaign 06E024000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Read campaign 06E024000 at NHTSA
Dec 10, 2003 Safety recallTIRESCampaign 03V504000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: C40

Read campaign 03V504000 at NHTSA
Mar 10, 2003 Safety recallSTEERING:COLUMNCampaign 03V078000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: C11

Read campaign 03V078000 at NHTSA
Mar 10, 2003 Safety recallVISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIORCampaign 03V077000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE DETENT SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR MIRROR HOUSINGS MAY LOSE THE FUNCTIONALITY.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: C10

Read campaign 03V077000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

22 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Oct 30, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions101232Plate - PlanetaryNHTSA ID 11010205

Plate - Planetary

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11010205 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, 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 …NHTSA ID 10229256

KEY, 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 level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10229256 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, 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 …NHTSA ID 10221686

KEY, 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 level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10221686 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-015-20Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19NHTSA ID 10175743

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175743 at NHTSA
Apr 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions08-049-20Charging 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 replaceme…NHTSA ID 10175735

Charging 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.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175735 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100519Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10220101

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220101 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100319Use 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.NHTSA ID 10220099

Use 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.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220099 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100619Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10220097

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220097 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-005-19Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10169249

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169249 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-003-19Use 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.NHTSA ID 10169247

Use 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.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169247 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-006-19Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10169245

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169245 at NHTSA
Aug 31, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions1807717Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins EnginesNHTSA ID 10224768

Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10224768 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Dec 26, 2002 ClosedREAR AXLE FAILUREPE02096

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

Recorded closure: May 15, 2003

Find investigation PE02096

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