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2002 Dodge RAM 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 is body and structure, typically around 90,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical RAM 3500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
44
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
24
Worst area
Body

The worst 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Suspension
    5
  • Transmission
    5

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Suspension
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 24

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 24 bulletins for the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500

What 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Fuel system · TN

Installed transfer fuel tank in back of my pickup truck, two weeks ago after putting 45 gals of fuel in tank, next morning tank was empty. Removed tank and found the bottom of tank has many holes from defective aluminum plate which entire tank is made from. Contacted manufacture ( RDS Manufacturing, 300 Industrial Park Drive, Perry, FL ). Was informed that water in contact with bottom probably caused the problem, my thought is when the sheet of aluminum was made there was contamination in the process therefor causing porosity in the sheeting. There are thousands of these tanks out there on the road and this can't be the only one with this problem, fuel leak of this magnitude is very dangerous on our highways.

Filed Apr 22, 2019 · Steering · 160,000 miles · VA

While driving my truck on at least 10 times the vehicle hit a bridge or bump in the road the vehicle starts to have a death wobble I cant control it I try to stop on a highway almost was hit by a tractor trailer and other vehicles each time I have replaced alot of front end equipment and it has 6 new tires also the dash exploded in alot of pieces another safety issue

Filed Jun 14, 2017 · 100,000 miles · VA

The dash in my truck has broken pieces are coming out really bad looks like it exploded with the air condition turned on or the defrost pieces hit you in the face dodge refuses to help recall this everyone I know has this issue with there dodge this is a safety issue with my grand children who ride in this truck also

Filed May 13, 2017 · OK

Have a 2002 dodge ram 3500 that I bought new and the dash has disintegrated. The plastic is defective and has crumbled into a multitude of pieces. These pieces fly out of the air vents into your eyes and are sharp and will cut like a knife. This is a danger not only to my eyes but it I was to have a wreck they would fly and cut you. Have had to remove the pieces from vents that won't blow out that have gotten into the AC/heat door flap. I have never had a dash on any car or truck fall apart like this. If you just touch it it falls apart.

Filed May 9, 2017 · Engine · 130,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 3500. While driving 50 MPH, the service vehicle warning indicator illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that they would get back with the contact. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2016 · Fuel system, Steering · 48,500 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 3500. While driving approximately 60 MPH over a bump in the road, the front end of the vehicle suddenly shook violently and vibrated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact heard a knocking noise when the steering wheel was turned in either direction. In addition, while driving, the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel injector bump and lift bump were faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,500.

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · 10,000 miles · TX

My dodge 3500 2002 dashboard has fell apart caved in I can see the inside of the radio, air condition vents its awful and I have bought a cover and just dealt with it but now I want to trade it in and I know it will effect the trade in value

Filed Oct 6, 2015 · Brakes · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 3500. The vehicle was hitched to a 2015 pj gooseneck trailer. While driving approximately 35 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the brake pedal was engaged and the attached vehicle failed to slow down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger hydraulic line fractured from the brake caliper. The contact replaced the hydraulic line himself. Nine days later, the vehicle was repaired and the front driver hydraulic line separated from the brake caliper. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not applicable.

Filed Jun 2, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · 17,000 miles · MD · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 3500. While traveling approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel failed to respond and would not turn. As a result, the contact crashed into a rock causing the vehicle to flip onto the passenger side. The driver side air bag deployed, but the front passenger side air bag did not. The driver sustained head and back injuries and lacerations to the arms. The front passenger sustained head injuries, cuts, and abrasions to the arm from the glass. Both occupants required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and instructed the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop authorized by the insurance company, which indicated that the driver side tie rod, the steering mechanism, and the drive train fractured on the driver side. The contact mentioned that the defective parts were repaired six years before the vehicle was included in an unknown manufacturer recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000. Updated 10/8/15 *ln updated 10/15/15*bf updated 10/18/2017

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 165,000 miles · AR

I hit a pothole and omg you can not believe what came and now I'm finding out that its called a death wobble and the name is correct because it makes u think your about to hit a tree or someone else on the road just luckily no one was coming the other way because I promise u I would have hit them dodge needs to fix the problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,!!!!!!!

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Questions about the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500

Is the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 44 complaints about the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500, fewer than a typical RAM 3500 model year.

What is the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 year score?

The 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge RAM 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500?

Body and structure, with 9 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is fuel system (9).

How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge RAM 3500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Dodge RAM 3500 have the most body problems?

The Dodge RAM 3500 model years with the most body complaints are 2003 (53 complaints), 2001 (31 complaints) and 1999 (18 complaints).

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