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2002 Dodge RAM VanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2002 Dodge RAM Van, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints144 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage125kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 10, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Dodge RAM Van has problems

14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure40
Steering30
Electrical system32
Seats11
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Air bags11
Visibility10
Engine and engine cooling10
Fuel system, gasoline10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2002 Dodge RAM Van recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Lever and linkage: column shift

Recall 07V-555 · Dec 4, 2007 · 576,418 vehicles

Risk. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other RAM Van year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM Van median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Dodge RAM Van safety ratings

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Van in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2002 Dodge RAM Van frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Dodge RAM Van, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082 · closed Apr 23, 2003
    No recall
In owners' words

What RAM Van owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TOOK VAN IN FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME HAD RUST ISSUES. WAS TOLD THE FRONT FRAME WAS SO BAD I SHOULD JUST PARK IT AS THAT ANYTHING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE ENGINE COULD JUST FALL OUT WITH ONE GOOD JOLT. DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE…
Complaint 10682494 · Feb 10, 2015 · 165,000 miles
ON 8/8/14, A LOUD BANGING SOUND OCCURRED WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. AT THAT TIME, STOPPED DRIVING VAN UNTIL WERE ABLE TO TAKE IT TO BETTENHAUSEN CHRYSLER JEEP IN TINLEY PARK, IL. ON 8/14/14. ON THE SAME DATE, WE WERE INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.…
Complaint 10629261 · Aug 28, 2014 · 110,000 miles
TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SEVERE FRAME ROT, WHICH LED TO THE DETACHMENT OF THE STEERING MOUNTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT A SLOW SPEED, AT THAT POINT HAD TO BE TOWED. HAD JUST EXITED HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. I INFORMED DODGE OF THIS PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO,…
Complaint 10397262 · Apr 24, 2011 · 140,000 miles

Own a 2002 RAM Van?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.