CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 has the well-known and documented problem with their dashboards falling to pieces, but it also has engine failure from oil sludge. That's a doube shot of awful in your morning coffee.

7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$850
Average Mileage:
82,200 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. have to replace it (4 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #5

Apr 102011

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The radiator split at the seem. It is made of aluminum and plastic. It split where the aluminum and the plastic are crimped together. Replaced it with a mopar radiator. 2 years later, mopar radiator split again, had it re-crimped which was suggested by a mechanic. 1 month later, radiator split at the same seem. will replace with a different brand radiator and change the radiator cap. Now it is a pain in the ass.

- Dannette K., Basin, MT, US

problem #4

Oct 112011

Ram 1500 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Just another big check written to my mechanic. Thanks for the clunker Dodge.

- ewagner, Broomfield, CO, US

problem #3

Oct 212008

Ram 1500 1500 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Driving at highway speed, vehicle over heated and stalled. Had to tow the truck 200 miles to dealership. The radiator cracked and failed, Heater core failed as a result of pressure of overheat??????? Dealer said the radiator was not covered by extended warranty. as an additional slap, the dealer had to remove dash to replace the heater core. The removal cracked the dash in three places. This was also not covered. $2 thousand dollars for a radiator??? I am NOT HAPPY.

Update from Mar 17, 2010: Well, the wonderful dealer Vegas said the engine wasnt affected,,, charged me 2300.00 to replace the radiator and heater core. And at 82,000 the right head failed, due to a heat related crack. Thanks Dodge Boys... I appreciate it.

- hevyg, Delta, UT, US

problem #2

Jan 072008

Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L

  • Manual transmission
  • 98,000 miles

On my way home from work on a very rural road, my truck started to overheat and had to force it to the only gas station on a 50 mile stretch. Crack in the radiator and had to have it replaced.

- Angela P., Eustis, FL, US

problem #1

Sep 122006

(reported on)

Ram 1500 SLT

  • 60,000 miles

Radiator PLASTIC ends failed after 60,000 miles. small vertical cracks developed on the reverse side of the hot water intake of the radiator. It weeped at first and could not find leak, then small amount of steam on a dry morning showed me the source. Should not have failed after only 4 years and 60,000 PERIOD.

- jaycenk, Holiday, FL, US

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