How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge RAM have?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2002 Dodge RAM model year. Whether one car had the recall work done depends on that car, so check its VIN with NHTSA.

1995: 989 owner complaints, Worthy

Our take: worth a look. Owners filed fewer complaints than in a typical year of this model.

Year verdict

Worthy

0.7× a typical year

Fewer owner complaints than a typical year. Still get it inspected.

Confidence: Medium

NHTSA did not answer for 21 years, so the typical year may shift.

NHTSA did not answer for 21 years, so this may change.

Past 100,000 miles

Locked

How this year held up past 100,000 miles.

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How the dial was counted

Year verdict: Typical year: 742 complaints, the median of 8 nearby years. Each counted over its first 8 years from January 2001; this one had 533.

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Odometer check

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WhipWorthy sticker

2002 Dodge RAM

Complaints943From owners
Loading owner complaints
Recalls6On file
Loading recalls
NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.
Loading crash ratings
MPG12 to 15Combined, EPA
Loading fuel economy

Complaints are unverified owner reports, not adjusted for how many were sold.

Compare this car Every RAM year

Car report

Park this car in My Garage and see its recalls at a glance.Car Hunt Pass or Pro

Value signals

We do not price cars.

These help you judge whether this one is worth its price.

Costly problem zones ahead at your miles come with a Car Hunt Pass or Pro. See plans
Fuel: $3,550 to $5,350 a year.The EPA’s estimate for 15,000 miles a year, 55% in town, at its fuel prices. Each version
Loading the EPA's yearly fuel cost
Have the VIN? Check it is this car, and see its open recalls at NHTSA.
VIN
On the dash at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door sticker.

What about the price? Check the asking price on two listing sites. Buying from a dealer? Run its offer through the offer X ray.

Education, not financial or mechanical advice. Have any used car checked by a mechanic you trust before you buy.

The full record

Tap to open

What owners complain about

943 complaints; the part named most is the body and frame

Unverified reports, not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name several parts, so shares add up past 100%. Filed Nov 13, 2000 to Mar 24, 2026. 52% name a part that is usually costly to fix.

Owners reported 72 crashes, 17 fires, 79 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.

Body and frame293 · 31%Usually costly to fix
Transmission and drivetrain119 · 13%Usually costly to fix
Electrical99 · 10%

What one owner wrote about the body and frame

The beam under the bed of the truck is breaking apart. No other part under the truck had this prob. No corrosion any other place but the beam of the truck

Filed Jul 8, 2020NHTSA complaint 113382701 of 18 owner quotes

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15 more parts, and 18 owner quotes

Every part owners name for the 2002 Dodge RAM, with their own words about what went wrong. Usually costly to fix among them: Engine.

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SourceOwner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Seller kit

Questions for the seller, test drive checks and price points

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Walk up to the seller ready

Questions to ask the seller of a 2002 Dodge RAM, built from this year's owner complaints and recalls. What to feel, hear and look at on the test drive, with boxes to tick at the car. Honest points to raise on price, from the records and never from guesses. Copy the questions to your phone in one tap.

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Write your offer

A ready to send offer for the seller, by text or email

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Send the seller a fair offer

Type the asking price and your own offer for the 2002 Dodge RAM, tick what you found, and get a polite message ready to text or email. Its reasons come from this year's owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, and never from made up repair prices.

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When problems show up

Body and frame: the middle complaint around 75,000 miles

The bar holds the middle half of the complaints that gave a mileage; the dark mark is the middle one. 154 complaints of 943 gave one. Owners file when something fails, so this shows when problems were reported, not how long the cars last.

Body and frameCostly55,000 to 105,000 mi
Half of these 31 complaints came between about 55,000 and 105,000 miles, the middle one around 75,000.

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Mileage for 4 more parts, 2 usually costly

The mileage band for every part owners name, and your car's miles laid across them.

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SourceMileage from owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Will it outlast the loan?

The month of your loan each problem zone lands in

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5 problem zones to lay against your loan, 3 usually costly

See the month of your loan each one lands in, and what you would still owe then.

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Recalls

6 recalls on file

Not every car needs every fix. Run the VIN at NHTSA to see which are still open. Repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand; ask before any work.

Lights
Apr 7, 2009 · Recall 09E012000
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.
What can happen
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The 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.
Windows, wipers and visibility
Mar 13, 2009 · Recall 09E009000
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.
What can happen
When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The 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.
Equipment and accessories
Aug 28, 2007 · Recall 07E066000
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.
What can happen
If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix
All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Lights
May 24, 2006 · Recall 06E049000
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.
What can happen
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The 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.
Brakes
Apr 12, 2004 · Recall 04V185000
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.
What can happen
This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The 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.
Transmission and drivetrain
Jun 13, 2002 · Recall 02V159000
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
What can happen
During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.
The 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 daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

SourceRecalls listed by NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge RAM. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Crash ratings

NHTSA did not answer

NHTSA's stars out of five, for each version it tested. Front crash stars only compare cars of about the same size and weight. The tests changed for 2011 models, so these stars do not line up with newer ones.

NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings for this car. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.

Fuel economy

12 to 15 mpg combined, across 12 of 18 versions

The EPA's estimates for each engine and transmission, and its own yearly fuel cost. Yours depends on how you drive and the shape the car is in. Figures for 2007 and older use the EPA's 2008 method, so they may be lower than the original sticker.

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
18 mpg
Combined
15 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,300
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
18 mpg
Combined
15 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,300
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD · 4 wheel or all wheel drive · Regular gas
City
11 mpg
Highway
16 mpg
Combined
13 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,950
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD · 4 wheel or all wheel drive · Regular gas
City
10 mpg
Highway
14 mpg
Combined
12 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$5,350
This one on fueleconomy.gov

Show 8 more versions

Auto 3-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L
Ram Van 1500 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
15 mpg
Combined
14 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,600
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L
Ram Van 1500 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
11 mpg
Highway
16 mpg

The EPA lists 18 versions. These are 12 of them, picked to show as many engines and drives as fit.

SourceEPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov. EPA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

True cost to own

The loan, fuel, insurance and upkeep, a month and over 5 years

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What it really costs to own

What the 2002 Dodge RAM costs a month and over 5 years: the loan and its interest, fuel worked out from the EPA's figures for the version you pick, and your own insurance, registration and upkeep. A cost a mile, a link that reopens your numbers, and the breakdown copied to your phone in one tap.

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Every year of the RAM

8 Worthy, 1 Maybe, 0 Pass, of 17 years on file, 7 with no answer

Owner complaints for each model year, this one outlined. Tap a year to open it. The newest 2 are not judged yet. Bars are totals, so older years stand taller; the verdict compares every year at the same age.

Best and worst years of the RAM

NHTSA did not answer for 23 years, so the chart may be missing some.

SourceNHTSA owner complaints and recalls for the RAM. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Before you buy this one

5 checks, with a close look at the body and frame

Built from this year's numbers. Whatever the data says, the car in front of you is the one that counts.

Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm every recall was fixed.
This year has 6 recalls on file. Recall repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand. Ask the dealer to confirm before any work is done. Look up a VIN at NHTSA.
Ask the seller for the service records.
Look closely for any work on the body and frame. It is the part owners complain about most for this year.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect it before you pay.
Ask them to look hard at the body and frame. It is usually costly to fix.
Look at a vehicle history report.
It can show reported crashes, flood or salvage titles, and mileage that does not add up.
On the test drive, pay attention to the body and frame.
Look underneath for rust, and around the body for uneven gaps or paint that does not match.

Going to see it? Take the checklist52 checks with the bad signs to look for, saved on your phone.

Check this exact car

The verdict is about the model year. These checks are about the one in front of you. Most are free or a few dollars.

VIN for these checks

Copy it, then paste it into each check. Nothing is sent until you open one.

Official checks on this VIN

Open recallsFree
NHTSA
Safety recalls on this VIN that are not fixed yet, from the last 15 years.
A recall already fixed does not show.
Check recalls at NHTSAnhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
Theft and total lossFree
NICB VINCheck
Whether an insurer reported it stolen and not found, or wrote it off as a total loss.
Only insurer records. Five checks a day.
Open NICB VINChecknicb.org (opens in a new tab)
Title brandsA few dollars
NMVTIS, the federal title system
Salvage, flood, junk and rebuilt brands from any state, and the last miles on the title.
No repairs, service or recalls. Sold by approved sellers listed on the site.
See the approved sellersvehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Title statusVaries by state
The state motor vehicle office
Whether the title is branded in that state and, where the state offers it, whether a lender still has a lien.
It will not name the owner. Each state asks its own way, and some only by mail. Ask to see the seller’s title too.
Find your state’s officeusa.gov (opens in a new tab)

What a paid report adds

A history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck pulls in more of the car’s past than these checks can:

Crashes and damage reported by police, insurers or shops, even when it was fixed.
Service visits that shops reported, with the miles each time.
How many owners, for how long, and the states it was registered in.
Whether it was a rental, fleet or lease car, when that was reported.

It only knows what was reported to it. A clean report is not proof of a clean car. Ask the seller first: many dealers hand one over for free.

Red flags in a history

Salvage title
Usually an insurer called it a total loss. In most states it cannot be driven on the road until it is rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt title
A salvage car that was fixed and passed a state check. It can be fine, but it is worth less, can be harder to insure, and needs a careful inspection.
Flood damage
Water can ruin wiring and sensors months later. Be wary of a flood brand that vanished after a move to another state.
Lemon or maker buyback
The maker bought it back over a defect it could not fix. Ask what the defect was and how it was fixed.
Odometer rollback
A mileage reading lower than an earlier one, or a title marked not actual miles.
Many owners, fast
Three owners in two years can mean a problem each one passed along.
Gaps in the records
Years with no service or registration. Ask why: it may have sat, been off the road, or been rebuilt.

Title words and rules differ by state. Not legal advice.

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection
Have a mechanic you choose, not the seller, put it on a lift and look it over before you pay.
Insurance quote
Get a quote on this exact car before you sign. Ask your own insurer and one or two others.

Model year	Owner complaints	Verdict
1995	989	Worthy
1996	No answer	Not judged
1997	1200	Worthy
1998	1057	Worthy
1999	1063	Worthy
2000	686	Worthy
2001	1468	Maybe
2002	943	Worthy
2003	1359	Worthy
2004	1157	Worthy
2005	No answer	Not judged
2006	No answer	Not judged
2007	No answer	Not judged
2008	No answer	Not judged
2009	No answer	Not judged
2010	No answer	Not judged
2011	0	Not judged

The verdict on the 2002 Dodge RAM

Value signals

What owners complain about

Seller kit

Write your offer

When problems show up

Will it outlast the loan?

Recalls

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Windows, wipers and visibility

What can happen

The fix

Equipment and accessories

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Brakes

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Crash ratings

Fuel economy

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

Auto 3-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

True cost to own

Every year of the RAM

Before you buy this one

Check this exact car

Official checks on this VIN

What a paid report adds

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection

Insurance quote

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Windows, wipers and visibility

What can happen

The fix

Equipment and accessories

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Brakes

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

Auto 3-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

Auto 3-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.2 L

Auto 3-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L

Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.2 L