Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Ram Van, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Structure4
- Steering3
- Electrical system3
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Seats1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Air bags1
- Visibility1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 9 2002 Ram Van vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 8 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2002 Dodge Ram Van failed the safety check 0.75% of the time — 62% less often than the average 2002 passenger car (2.00%). Median odometer at inspection: 96,142 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2002 Dodge Ram Van.
| 2007389 5 Dec 2007 | Other On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the i… |
| 2004129 8 Apr 2004 | Brakes On certain vehicles, aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector and compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. Th… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2002 Dodge Ram Van: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 635721 | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT |
| 635682 | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF LOW COOLANT, COOLANT SMELL, WHITE SMOKE, MISFIRES, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND A CRACKED OR BROKEN SPARK PLUG. *TT |
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 634090 | SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL CAP DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *SLC |
| 634087 | SUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC |
| 634082 | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC |
| 634077 | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC |
| 633497 | SUBJECT REGARDING THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC |
| 631623 | SUBJECT REGARDING DISCOLORED BRAKE FLUID. *TT |
| 629144 | ONWERS OF CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 9.25 AXLE MAY COMPLAIN THAT VEHICLE SPEED IS INACCURATE. *TT |
| 625650 | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT |
| 625620 | SUBJECT REGARDING SAFETY SYSTEMS - VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / REPAIR. *TT |
| 623312 | INFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RADIOS WILL HAVE A NEW LOCKING RADIO ANTENNA CONNECTOR. *SLC |
| 621898 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ |
| 620066 | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT |
| 620059 | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT |
| 10229256 | 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. |
| 10223854 | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make |
| 10221686 | 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. |
| 10220995 | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10220101 | 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. |
| 10220099 | 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. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10191455 | Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation