NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11002802: 2019-2022 Ram 2500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2019-2022 Ram 2500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11002802 summary graphic for 2019-2022 Ram 2500
11002802NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
4affected product rows
4source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

"Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fluid Freezing **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC):** P203E-00 - Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent-Erratic. Customers may also experience one or more of the following: Repeated freeze/thaw cycles of the urea tank to cause solid DEF crystals to form and settle on the focus tube, blocking the level sensor signal. Rapid temperature swings from below freezing to above freezing causing an incomplete thaw of the DEF tank. When the vehicle is powered on, the diagnostic is enabled due to thawed DEF at the tank bottom surface, but the fluid in the center is still partially frozen. Not following the proper DEF fill procedure and overfilling the tank.** This bulletin involves replacing the urea delivery module and grade vent valve and updating the Dosing Control Unit (DCU) software."

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Ram25002019-2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram35002019-2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram45002019-2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram55002019-2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 11002802?

"Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fluid Freezing **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC):** P203E-00 - Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent-Erratic. Customers may also experience one or more of the following: Repeated freeze/thaw cycles of the urea tank to cause solid DEF crystals to form and settle.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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