Sell your 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 for cash

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl and 5.9L 8-cyl engines. At 24 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 at a glance

Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.9L 8-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy10–14 city / 14–19 highway / 12–16 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,200–$5,600 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂555–741 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA8 configurations: Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Age24 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 24 years old, most of a 2002 Ram 1500's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a pickup truck, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ram 1500. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 75,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

TiresDec 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V504000

On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

VisibilityMar 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V077000

On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.

Risk: This could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

SteeringMar 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V078000

On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an under-sized terminal for the HVAC blower motor circuit. Localized heating from current flow with the blower speed set on high may cause the terminal contacts to relax and lose electrical contact. This can cause the HVAC blower motor to…

Risk: This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.

Common 2002 Ram 1500 problems

Owners have filed 815 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 with NHTSA. 55 reports involved a crash and 14 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 62 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Structure232
  • Electrical System65
  • Unknown or Other62
  • Power Train44
  • Structure38
  • Suspension35

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Structure75,000 mi
  • Electrical System100,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other77,000 mi
  • Power Train130,000 mi
  • Structure100,000 mi
  • Suspension96,000 mi

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 22 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Structure6
  • Equipment5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling4
  • Electrical System2
  • Power Train2
  • Electrical System1

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 2024 · 101232

    Plate - Planetary

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 23-015-20

    Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500.

Power TrainPE02096 · opened Dec 2002, closed May 2003

Rear axle failure

See attached report.

Selling a 2002 Ram 1500: questions

How much is a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2002 Ram 1500 that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2002 Ram 1500s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2002 Ram 1500 with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2002 Ram 1500?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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