Five problems related to gasoline engine have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2002 Dodge ram 4wd 4 door currently on third engine after 2 drive train failures. Today the engine began making thudding noises, the vehicle bucked and the engine light was blinking. Further, when the front tire hits a small pot hole or other road deformity, the vehicle abruptly veers requiring drastic counter steering to correct, often nearly out of control. Repeated attempts to inform daimler-Chrysler corp. Have met with indifference and failure to acknowledge problem exists. I am concerned for my safety as well as my family's safety whenever I drive this vehicle. Keith bills.
Have owned 02 ram 1500 quad cab short bed for over a year now. After purchasing in Aug 02 had immediate problems with front end vibration/skip. Dealership replaced 3 sets of rims and 4 sets of tires, skip seams to be gone. However, continue to have vibration/shake at 40 mph and above, seems as if it is a drive train or engine problem but milton Dodge in milton florida states there is no problem. If a water bottle is sitting in the cup holder you can really tell had bad the truck vibrates/shakes. Have over 12 dealer service invoices where they have tried to correct with no success.
Engine stumbles at 2300 rpm, two dealers have said problem is characteristic and not repairable. Steering is stiff at center very light elsewhere causing oversteering at the transition, also characteristic according to dealers. Steering problem amplified starting from stop and turning corner. Excessive vehicle roll and stumbling accentuates steering instability. Also noticable on freeway entrance/exit ramps when steering is on the transition between heavy and light effort.
Gasoline is getting into the engine oil system which could result in an explosion or fire.
Engine oil pressure drops to the low mark on the gauge with engine in gear, at operating temperture with a/c off.