2002 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Dodge Ram: 2 recalls, 116 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V159000 · 2002 · 46,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Why it matters: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V185000 · 2004 · 44,588 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #09E009000 · 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
What's wrong: These wiper module assemblies May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Suspension (16): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), steering problems (2).
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are fails to deploy (8).
- Body & structure (15): the most common themes are door / lock issues (5), rust / corrosion (3), leaks (2).
The 2002 Dodge Ram has 116 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 181). Complaints peaked in 2002 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 37,827 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (318 complaints, 9 recalls), 2003 (53 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 15 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 14 | 13 | CNG |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 12 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 | 14 | 12 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 14 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Dodge Ram.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Dodge Ram, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (17), suspension (16), airbags (15).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Manual 5-spd), across 11 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.