Ram (3rd)
Engine Reliability Comparison
LLY
6.6L 8-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
VQ35DE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L67
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L35
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
IZZ-FE
1.8L 4-cyl / 126 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L42
2.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
J35A5
3.5L 6-cyl / 260 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC 16V Turbo
2.4L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
SMPI (DOHC 16V)
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
MB OM642 (50-State)
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
MB OM642
3.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
MB OM647LA
2.7L 5-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
24 Valve Turbo
4.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LMM
6.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Magnum
3.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Dodge Ram regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (10)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.
ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE REAR AXLE FLANGE WELD TO THE AXLE TUBE COULD FATIGUE AND ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO ROTATE.
All Generations
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.