Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Headlights- the passenger side headlight would come on then go off whenever it wants to and now the low beam does not work. I have tested the connection and replaced the bulb several times and still does not work. When driving at night it makes it difficult to see. And is also against the law to not having working headlights. Trailer lights- the drivers side brake light/blinker on any trailer that's hooked to my truck does not work. I have taken it the a local shop (street dynamics which is out of business now) several times over the last 5 years to see if they can fix the issue. The fix was to put a jumper wire from the truck brake light to the trailer connector. I still do not have a blinker on the driver side of the trailer. Windshield wipers- the windshield wipers will come on and off whenever they want. …
1. The Panic Alarm randomly goes off without be activated by anyone. Possibly a TIPM issue which couldn't be investigated because it randomly went away. Maybe it will go off in the middle of the night in my subdivision. Who knows it's unpredictable. 2. Right Turn Signal & Stop Light would not work on the trailer. I confirmed that it wasn't an issue with the trailer but it was a problem with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Output (not working). The TIPM has a LONG history of intermittent electrical failures. This is a Safety Issue and a vehicle investigation for ALL vehicles that have TIPMS. TIPMS have been known to cause random vehicle stall & other intermittent random electrical failures and shut downs since 2006 when they were first put in vehicles. A RECALL is long overdue because this is ONLY 1 example of a minor problem. …
I was driving down the road and the engine started dying then taking back off, then all of a sudden the speed odometer dropped to zero wouldnt come back up while I was still moving, then the ABS light the check enging light and the brake light and washer fluid light all came on and I lost power to the tail lights head lights and the windows started rooling up and down by them selves. When I got home and turned off the truck I called the dealer and they said that it was the TIPM and it would have to be replaced. They said the trailer I was pulling must of had a short and thats what caused it. I told them that I wasnt pulling a trailer and they called me a liar and hung up on me the windows continued to roll up and down untill the batt was disconnected. The next morning I then hooked the battery back up and it all worked fine. …
The truck will not power the left stop lamp or signal lamp on any of my trailers; however, the left signal and stop lamp on the truck work perfectly. Dodge dealer indicated that the problem was in the truck's TIPM which does not have a fuse for that portion of the trailer's lighting and burned out internally. Dealership indicated that the only way to repair is to replace the TIPM which costs $1026.00. Dealership also indicated that this is a major problem on this vehicle which they have seen before. There is nothing to indicate that the trailer lamps aren't working except to physically observe them. This TIPM also controls numerous other things in the truck and info from the dealership and internet searches indicate there are many serious problems occurring due to them malfunctioning. These are defective units that should be recalled. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the turn signals and brake lights malfunctioned on the trailers attached to the vehicle. The contact mentioned that no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the amperage was incorrect and needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 12/03/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving various speeds, the driver's side headlight would suddenly turn off and on. The light bulb was replaced on several different occasions, but the failure continued. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the TIPM was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the passenger side turn signal and brake light became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 12/03/15; 4/9/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the headlights and turn signal switch malfunctioned causing the signal to flash incorrectly intermittently. The contact stated that the headlights were dim. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Turn signal will flash the opposite signal than the direction you desire. Example, turning on the left turn single will cause the right turn signal to flash, and vise versa, as well as causing the emergency signals to activate. I am unable to indicate to other drivers my correct direction of turn while driving in traffic or at a signal light, stop sign, merging, changing lanes, ect..
Airbag light came on, A/C & seat heaters won't work. Cold start in morning, airbag light goes off, A/C works & seat heaters OK. Turn engine off, next start of engine, airbag light on, no A/C or seat heaters until next morning. First time this incident occurred vehicle was stationary, in store parking lot. Airbag light on during trip home. Airbag inoperable when light is on.
Headlight complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 122 complaints about the lights of the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, 18% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
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.