2002 Dodge RAM recalls and problems

The 2002 Dodge RAM has 2 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is power train.

How the 2002 compares

High

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 11 RAM model years — 3rd most.

2recalls

116complaints

14crashes

3fires

15injuries

37,827median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Service Brakes

Apr 12, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V185000 · 44,588 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Risk: This May allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Daimlerchrysler recall no. D20.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Power Train

Jun 13, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V159000 · 46,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain 4X4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.

Original NHTSA wording

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

Risk: During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.

Original NHTSA wording

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

Remedy & notes

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 daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Daimlerchrysler recall no. B20.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine14

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

NHTSA investigations

REAR AXLE FAILURE

PE02096 · opened Dec 26, 2002 · closed May 15, 2003

Summary

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

2002 vs. other Dodge RAM years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2002. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge RAM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2002 Dodge RAM, the latest from Apr 12, 2004 (service brakes). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge RAM?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention power train (17), suspension (16), air bags (15). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.