2002 Dodge RAM 1500: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 24, 2012 · Engine · 173,550 miles · GA

2002 dodge ram 1500 driving at 55 MPH came to a stop, suddenly white smoke started coming out of tail pipe with sweet smell of anti-freeze. Vehicle will lose power told that engine heads need to be replaced. There is a engine design flaw for this year and model that dodge is not willing to admit nor repair there are multiple complaints but there was never a recall. Vehicle will smoke upon starting and smoke will come back off and on. Just want dod ge to admit the issue and cover repair.

Filed Jul 9, 2010 · Engine · 110,000 miles · HI

Unexpected engine stall, particularly while driving. Would drive at normal speeds with no unusual acceleration or loads (50 MPH max where I live), as foot is removed from accelerator, RPM's drop off to zero (stall) while in motion, sometimes at speeds up to 50 MPH causing loss of power steering and power brakes, with last incident occurring on a long turn on highway causing a surprising and sudden loss of reasonable control of vehicle, further causing me to cross center line into oncoming traffic. Furthermore, had difficult time pulling over and nearly overran safe stopping area due to power brake loss, causing me to reach a ditch near shoulder, thus nearly causing rollover that was avoided by attempting to ride out of ditch prior to reaching utility pole which by doing so, caused vehicle to swerve back into traffic (not oncoming), all while having to wrestle steering wheel and brakes to get vehicle to respond enough to finally be able to pull safely off the road. Engine stall does not occur each time and is intermittent with no real indication as to why. After dodge mechanic was unable to determine problem, I researched myself and found many other people with similar problem related to sludge. Asked mechanic to verify, and later confirmed was the case, but, says was my fault!?! (I change oil every 2.5k - 3k without fail as per mfg requirements). Ultimately have learned of possible design flaw by dodge regarding poor oil flow through engine ports, etc, of which corporate readily denies. I see absolutely no reason whatsoever how this can not be a serious design flaw that nearly killed me, my daughter and the poor guy in the oncoming lane. Only correction available is new engine which has not been done due to excessive costs, therefore truck now sits. I am a well rounded driver with lots of experience in most vehicles, large trucks and heavy equipment and can handle situations better than most people. It takes a lot to put fear in my heart and this really scared me.

Filed May 11, 2010 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MI

Complete loss of power steering fluid resulting in severe difficulty in steering vehicle. This is a 2nd occurrence after having replaced the steering gear on the same vehicle approximately 20,000 miles earlier. I had the steering gear replaced new for a 2nd time.

Filed Feb 28, 2006 · Engine · 38,000 miles · DE

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 65mph, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was pulled off the road and the engine shut off and restarted. Once the vehicle started, it took 5 minutes for the power to be completely functional. The check engine light illuminated previously when the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however the problem can not be duplicated.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Steering · 41,000 miles · WA

Sudden and complete failure of rack and pinion steering unit on 2002 dodge ram 1500 pickup truck. Seal failure caused immediate loss of power steering fluild. Caused loss of control on highway. Under different circumstances, this might have been catastrophic. Was able to regain control of the vehicle and slow to a stop along the side of the highway, but only after venturing into the oncoming lane of traffic. Research on the internet has brought to light many related complaints, including steering failures that have resulted in injury and death.

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Engine · OK

I have a 2002 dodge quad cab 1500st automobile. Sometimes when I am in the process of making a turn the vehicle loses power. This causes a loss of power stering and brakes which can cause an accident to occur. I know two other people who have 2002 dodge 1500 trucks and they have had tthe same problem.