Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 46 | 7% | 39,000 miles |
| 2011 | 30 | 4% | 62,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 3% | 92,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 3% | 62,000 miles |
| 2007 | 38 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 139 | 18% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 22 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% | 81,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 2% | 72,000 miles |
| 2002 | 35 | 4% | 98,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 2% | 115,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% | 122,000 miles |
| 1998 | 6 | 1% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 17 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% | 143,000 miles |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% | 160,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. No dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership Tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs.
The exhaust manifold cracked, the electrical system, supplying gas to the engine, is built into the fuse box, which is unfixable without replacing the entire fuse box. Valve on engine became extremely noisy and I've had to be replaced
The TIPM our Dodge truck is faulty. It has issues starting, the lights will stop working, the lights on dash come on, there is an issue with the oil just disappearing, the fuel pump relay. I have done extensive research online and saw that several vehicles under Chrysler and Dodge have had this issue with faulty TIPM and there was even a class action lawsuit,but the NHTSA felt there wasn't enough of an issue with the Dodge rams to push for a recall. I believe that this needs to be pushed for a recall. This issue is occurring in a lot of rams and they are passed the warranty and when you purchase a new warranty this issue is not covered. All expenses are paid out of pocket. This is an issue that Chrysler and Dodge have been aware of for years. Our Dodge Ram has been at the shop several times with issues and they did not tell us once about the TIPM issues. …
One day all of the sudden the headlights won't come on. Neither when turned on or in auto. And then all of the sudden started working again without even popping the hood up. A couple days later, during night time, I went to switch the low beam to high beam and puff, no lights at all while driving 40mph in a hill country side in a pitch black night. I switched back to low beam and nothing... Scary times... I've ended up pulling over the side (only half of the truck since it was on the hill side), turn hazard blinkers on ... And besides the dangerous of the situation I was not going to move without having any type of illumination. Less than a minute later, the lights come back on by it self.... Talking about annoying and scary times. Since then, I have changed the light bulbs twice, rechecked the wires, used the brush wire on the connectors and the issue still happening. …
Approximately a year ago I began experiencing lighting problems, flickering all around; and with truck off the remote would randomly, continuously lock the doors. I finally broke the remote to make it stop. Now my driver side tail light won't work. I needed my inspection/registration but couldn't get it until the light is repaired. My mechanic said it's the fuse box, said it's in horrible condition. More problems are possible. Parts & labor will be near $850. Various forums are inundated with similar complaints. A friend of a co-worker's truck burnt to the ground in his driveway (and singed the house) because the fuse box didn't tell the fuel pump to shut off. With that and many other complaints I've read I'm now very fearful for my safety. Dodge/Chrysler needs to replace the fuse box immediately. Thank you for your time.
The left turn signal not working properly. When I put my left turn signal the amber light front of the truck not working instead the high bean works as turn signal also amber running light not working. Is so frustrating getting pulled over by a cop for that reason!!!
The vehicle dies and everything becomes disabled including all outside lights including the emergency flashers. Engine turns off and then will no restart. Sometimes this problem is intermittent but later completely fails. This is the second time in 2 years that this truck has died. The first time it happened on a foggy night. Th engine and all lights turned off at cruising speed leaving only some instrument cluster lights on which ends up bein even more of a distraction from the sudden outside darkness. After trying to find the side of the road in the darkness, then your emergency flashers do not work leaving the truck just a dark target in the road. This is extremely dangerous. Recently this same truck died a second time but thankfully after filling up a a gas station. …
NHTSA investigations
Headlight circuit
The headlamp switch in the subject vehicles can over-heat and fail resulting in loss of head lamps and possibly other lights.daimlerchrysler conducted a series of tests and determined that the 3500 series is prone to generating head lamp switch temperatures in excess of the switch lubricant threshold of 100 degrees centigrade.when this occurs, the lubricant solidifies and adheres to the switch contach surfaces…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (139), 2012 (46), 2007 (38), 2002 (35) and 2011 (30) model years. Headlight complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Dodge Ram 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the turn signal (32 mentions), followed by the headlights (27).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.