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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$170
Average Mileage:
65,400 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replaced my self (2 reports)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #5

Nov 252009

Ram 1500 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

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

OK SO THE TRUCK NEEDED TO HAVE THE UPPER AND LOWER JOINTS REPLACED... I REPLACED THE UPPER ONES MYSELF BUT AM HAVING SUCH A HARD TIME REPLACING THE LOWER ONES ...HAVE GONE THROUGH A FEW MECH THAT WERE WILLING TO HELP ME DO THE WK ON THE SIDE BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE PART HAS TO BE DEALER ORDERED AND IS GOING TO COST 1000 TO REPLACE JOINTS... R U KIDDING ME... WHATS UP WITH THAT..

- ozayasjr, Columbia, SC, US

problem #4

Feb 202006

Ram 1500

  • 45,000 miles

I test drove the vehicle, after which the rear U-Joint failed. The dealer replaced it (took 12 hours of waiting) prior to the purchase.

Then, when the differential went out, the U-Joint went out again, replaced again, and now it's failing again.

- Robert L., Chicago, IL, US

problem #3

Apr 142008

Ram 1500

  • 84,000 miles

Third failure of this part, Purchased a new U-Joint for around $11.00 (USD), plan on fixing on one of my rare days off. Hopefully this resolves the noises and shaking I'm getting now.

- Robert L., Chicago, IL, US

problem #2

Jul 152007

Ram 1500

  • 67,000 miles

This is the second of three Rear U-Joint failures for this vehicle. Chattering, grinding, squealing from the rear, possibility suspect in differential failures.

- Robert L., Chicago, IL, US

problem #1

Sep 122006

(reported on)

Ram 1500 SLT

  • 45,000 miles

I had a loud noise that sounded like 2 pieces of steel were slipping past one another. I could not figure it out for about 6 months and I finaly decided to replace the U joints and yoke. When I got to the dealer and asked for the parts I found out it was the same price to just get a brand new drive shaft that had already been balanced. I put the driveshaft and a new rear seal for the trani in and problem solved. SO i thought. I have another problem now and its the drive shaft again. It is making noise again but not as bad as before. My guess it is the pinion angle or trani angle is wrong from the factory. Would not surprise me.

- jaycenk, Holiday, FL, US

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