Dodge

Ram (3rd)

2002-2008 · Compact Sedan · 16 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.4)
15,785 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
258 Fire Reports
1,132 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

LLY

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
fuel system
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)CHEVROLET W3500 (2004-2004)GMC Savana (2003-2025)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009)GMC Sierra 1500 (2000-2006)CHEVROLET W3500 (2005-2005)CHEVROLET Denali (2005-2005) +12 more

VQ35DE

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

INFINITI Q45 (2002-2006)GMC Yukon (2007-2014)NISSAN 350Z (2003-2008)NISSAN Quest (2011-2017)INFINITI Q60 (2006-2006)INFINITI Q50 (2007-2013)INFINITI Q70 (2011-2019)FORD Fusion (2006-2012) +39 more

L67

3.8L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2000-2000)PONTIAC Sunfire (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)BUICK Park Avenue (2000-2005) +24 more

L35

4.3L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET M Van (2001-2001)CHEVROLET T10 (2001-2001)GMC S/T Jimmy (2001-2001)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2000-2000)FORD Fiesta (2011-2019)CHEVROLET C Series (2001-2001)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001) +99 more

IZZ-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 126 hp
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)TOYOTA Corolla (2014-2018)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)TOYOTA 4Runner (2000-2002) +22 more

LY7

3.6L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)CADILLAC XLR (2004-2009)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)SATURN Sky (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)PONTIAC Torrent (2006-2009)SATURN Outlook (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003) +44 more

L42

2.2L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

DODGE Ram (2002-2008)CHEVROLET Cavalier (2000-2005)

J35A5

3.5L 6-cyl / 260 hp
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

ACURA MDX (2007-2013)ACURA NSX (2000-2005)ACURA TL (2009-2014)ACURA CL (2001-2003)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)LEXUS HS (2010-2012)ACURA TL (2000-2003) +3 more

DOHC 16V Turbo

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo
Recommended (4.3)
4 complaints 1.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2
safety systems
1
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)JEEP Commander (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)JEEP Cherokee (2000-2000)

SMPI (DOHC 16V)

2.4L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
4 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
3
wheels tires
3
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (3 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)

MB OM642 (50-State)

3.0L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
4 complaints 2.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
electrical
2
cooling
2
safety systems
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 (2010-2010)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)DODGE Sprinter (2008-2008)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 3500 (2008-2008)DODGE Sprinter (2007-2007)DODGE Sprinter (2009-2009)

MB OM642

3.9L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
cooling
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

DODGE Ram (2002-2008)DODGE Sprinter (2008-2008)DODGE Sprinter (2007-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 (2007-2007)

MB OM647LA

2.7L 5-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1
body
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

DODGE Sprinter (2003-2006)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)DODGE Sprinter (2007-2007)

24 Valve Turbo

4.0L 6-cyl Turbo
Recommended (3.8)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
3

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

DODGE Ram (2002-2008)

LMM

6.6L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Diesel
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC C4500 (2008-2008)CHEVROLET Kodiak (2007-2007)GMC C5500 (2008-2008)GMC Sierra 1500 (2000-2006)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)CHEVROLET C5500 (2007-2007)GMC C4500 (2007-2007)DODGE Ram (2002-2008) +13 more

Magnum

3.7L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.6)
11 complaints 1.8 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
4
electrical
4
other
2
safety systems
2
brakes
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)JEEP Laredo (2006-2006)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)MITSUBISHI Outlander (2006-2006)DODGE Nitro (2007-2011)MITSUBISHI Raider (2006-2009) +23 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Dodge Ram regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (11 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
electrical critical
Cooling System Issues (6 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (10)

09E009000Mar 12, 2009serious
Visibility

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

09E001000Jan 12, 2009serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

07E066000Aug 27, 2007serious
Equipment

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E023000Mar 12, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

04V185000Dec 3, 2004serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

04V385000Mar 7, 2004serious
Electrical System

ON CERTAIN PICK-UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINES, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH A VALVE COVER STUD.

03V033000May 1, 2003serious
Vehicle Speed Control

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

02V159000Jun 12, 2002cosmetic
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2008 Dodge Ram problems?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram has accumulated 15,785 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Safety Systems, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Dodge Ram engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram was offered with 16 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.7L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram a good used car?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 15,785 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram have?

The 2002-2008 Dodge Ram has 15,785 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram?

There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2008 Dodge Ram vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Dodge Ram?

Before buying a used Dodge Ram, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Safety Systems, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 15,785 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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