Dodge

Ram (3rd)

2002-2008 · Full-Size Truck · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.6)
15,785 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
258 Fire Reports
1,132 Crash Reports
Includes data from: RAMRAM 1500RAM 2500RAM 3500RAM 4500RAM 5500RAM CLUB CABRAM PICKUPRAM QUAD CABRAM SRT-10RAM VANRAM WAGON
View all 3 generations of the Dodge Ram → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Magnum

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

15 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

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 Full-Size Truck

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.

Does the Ram have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 15,785 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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