3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,270 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #10

Dec 052011

Ram 1500

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact noticed that the rear passenger side brake caliber bracket was fractured. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced both the driver and passenger side caliber brackets. The current and the failure mileages were 94,000.

- Redmond, OR, USA

problem #9

Sep 172010

Ram 1500

  • 110,500 miles
Performing scheduled maintenance on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 a wet spot was located on a crimped fitting portion of the front brake hoss. Further investigation by lightly pressing and pushing on the affected area resulted in a total breakage and failure of the assembly. The failure is when the crimped steel portion of the connection breaks due to severe rust/corrosion on the affected area. Consequences of the failure could include a loss of braking effort resulting in a crash or loss of control of the vehicle due to its severely compromised ability to come to a complete stop when needed. The repair to correct the failure included replacing both front brake hoses, all associated hardware and bleeding the brake system. The failed parts were saved for documentation purposes.

- Mechanicsville, MD, USA

problem #8

Oct 102007

Ram 1500

  • 101,000 miles
My 2002 Ram 1500 has problems holding the idle it fluctuates up and down. When I first bought it the idle was so low it cut off once. They made a computer adjustment then that worked for a little while. I have had to hold the brake down harder than normal at a stop. This happens all the time. I have cleaned the throttle body replaced air filter. Seems like another computer problem to me.

- Middleburg, FL, USA

problem #7

Aug 062008

Ram 1500

  • 10,205 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact took his vehicle to a state inspection station, but the vehicle failed due to rear brake failure. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they wanted to adjust the rear brakes; however, the contact refused because the brakes were self-adjusting. He then took the vehicle to his mechanic friend and they checked the lines for rapid flow. The contact's friend stated that the distribution valve was the cause of the failure. He also stated that fluid was not getting into the brakes adequately. The two needle valves were rusty. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 10,218 and failure mileage was 10,205.

- Voorhies, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jan 012005

Ram 1500

  • 12,000 miles
Truck began to vibrate dramatically upon braking. The rotors were warped, the brake pads in the front were too small and was causing the problem, a clunking noise had started coming from the rear as time progressed and returned after repairs. At 30,000 miles the entire rear differentail went out.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #5

Jun 152003

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
Front rotors keep warping on this truck it has happened about every 10,000 miles. The dealership keeps replacing the rotors under warrenty the pads have never needed replacing and my tires are in great condition. There responce is to change my driving habits. I drive 50 miles one way on the hiway everyday with little braking im at 45,000 and in need of rotors again this will be the 5th set.

- Springtown, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 172003

Ram 1500

  • miles
While trying to drive around a curve the driver tried to brake and the vehicle pulled to the right. The vehicle also bounced which made it difficult to control the vehicle. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle. This happened the same day after purchasing the vehicle. Dodge, Ram, 1500 quad cab.

- Klamath Falls, OR, USA

problem #3

May 062003

Ram 1500

  • miles
The dealer changed 3 set of rotors and brakes in the past year, however the problem recurred.

- Maidens, VA, USA

problem #2

Mar 192003

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Recall repair 02V159000 concerning truck axle flanges weld which may fatigueand allow brake caliper to rotate, causing rear brake tube to and leak, resulting in a partial brake loss and extended stopping distance were not done by dealer due to lack of parts.

- Granbury, TX, USA

problem #1

Mar 052003

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
ODI #768732: Brake pads were replaced. However clanking noise at front left and right wheel area still existed. Inspection revealed pivot arms had rotated, making contact with the suspension arm frame mount area which caused gouges in the frame mount area. Further inspection revealed exhaust leak from bottom side of muffler.

- Washington, DC, USA