2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems & reliability
206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
8 complaints report injuries (12 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure → | 68 | 33% |
| Electrical System → | 25 | 12% |
| Steering → | 23 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 22 | 11% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic → | 18 | 9% |
| Power Train → | 17 | 8% |
| Suspension → | 17 | 8% |
| Unknown OR Other | 11 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 9 | 4% |
| Visibility | 8 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 61,000 miles (middle 50% between 33,000 and 87,000 miles), based on 149 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The plastics used in the 2002 dodge ram interior are a safety issue. There is widespread evidence across the internet showing the dash breaking apart like mine. It is structurally unsound and dodge should find a safe solution. If I got into an accident sharp shards of dash flying around is more likely to cause injury…”
Structure · filed Dec 26, 2019
“Bought truck in 2009. Drive a couple times a week. Transmission has went out 5 times now including this morning. Was told by a coworker that theres ab issue with the dodgers not circulating fluid when idling in gear.??? Either way this will be the 5th time in 10 years taking it to get rebuilt!!!! Which has been…”
Power Train · filed Jun 2, 2019
“Rear end locked up going down highway at approximately 45 mph, sent me sliding into the slow lane and then off of the highway into a driveway coming to a halting stop with my tailgate was still partially in a heavily traveled highway. The driveshaft also dropped down and eventually came completely off and I had to…”
Power Train · filed May 27, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- REAR AXLE FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE02096 · opened Dec 26, 2002 · closed May 15, 2003
Technical service bulletins
16 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The 10 most recent:
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 61,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.