2002 Dodge Ram 2500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure (29) · Fuel System, Diesel (10) · Structure:body (7)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram 2500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
114 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (28)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-06-26 · S1203000003 REV.A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
trac-rite operation diagnosis, chatter, shudder, moving from a stop and turning
Power Train 2024-10-30 · 101232 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
plate - planetary
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 replacements are necessary.
Showing the 6 most recent of 28 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-04-13 · Suspension · 122,153 mi“i purchased a 2003 dodge ram 2500 5.7 v8 4wd. my steering has gotten really loose over the last week. i brought it in to dealership for a previous recall. and the technician told me that my steering gear was going out and that it should not be bad.…”
2020-07-18 · Vehicle Speed Control · 70,000 mi“driving down the road wont accelate then loose power , then afew a few minutes drives great then never know when it will not accelate drange losing power like that…”
2019-09-16 · Unknown Or Other · 85,000 mi“dashboard has started cracking and sharp pieces of plastic have become loose creating a potential for them to become projectiles in the event of an accident. seems most of the plastic trim pieces are brittle inside the vehicles passenger cabin.…”
2019-06-11 · Vehicle Speed Control · 95,000 mi“cruise control was on and used accelerator petal to accelerate, engine rpm went to max and speed increased 20 mph and continued. tapped accerator and turned of speed control, speed continued. put gear in neutral and worked my way to road side. found that cable frayed and jammed at high rpm. disconnected cable and have not found replacement cable…”
2018-02-05 · Exterior Lighting · 149,000 mi · 💥 crash“the plastic dashboard and related underpinnings and suport structure for everything from passenger airbag,radio, climate control and vents, headlight, mirror defroster, gauge pod, onboard diagnostic plug, etc. began disintegrating in large sharp pieces while driving. these pieces cut wiring and fles for anything and everything and are distracting…”
2017-12-31 · Unknown Or Other“the dash has cracked into several pieces that are now a hazzard of flying shards in case of an accident. also there are holes int the dash where the pieces have broken out that can allow debris to fall inside the dash that can cause fires or electrical shorts.…”
2017-11-30 · Steering · 144,222 mi“i am hearing a popping sound when turning the steering wheel, play in steering, truck is wobbling all over the place when driving on uneven roads, hissing sound coming from front end when accelerating. play in steering gear box. the clicking popping sound i hear when turning steering wheel is when driving or not moving. i have had this truck pull…”
2017-09-12 · Suspension · 128,392 mi“dodge ram "death wobble" or shimmy phenomenon, while in motion and encountering highway road surface changes.…”
2017-05-23 · Power Train · 138,013 mi“tl* the contact was a law enforcement officer. while a mother was attempting to exit a 2002 dodge ram 2500 with the engine running, the two year old passenger in the vehicle shifted the vehicle from the park position into reverse. the vehicle rolled backwards and caused the mother to fall. the child subsequently fell out of the vehicle and was run …”
2017-03-31 · Unknown Or Other · 79,950 mi“truck garage kept for 10 of its 14 years. current mileage 2017 = 90,000. aug 2014 dash board began to crack and fall apart - truck had only 79,950 miles! plastic pieces fall into dash holes and get stuck under dash amongst steering wheel, electrical wires/controls, etc. plastic pieces can fall at any time whether in motion or stationary.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.