Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 151,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% | 4,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 4% | 90,000 miles |
| 2006 | 122 | 18% | 65,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 4% | 73,000 miles |
| 2004 | 26 | 4% | 109,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% | 62,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% | 143,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% | 86,000 miles |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% | 131,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% | 170,000 miles |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% | 114,000 miles |
| 1996 | 16 | 5% | 185,000 miles |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% | 165,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My passenger headlights keeps going in and out. The wiring harness has been replaced twice and it still does it. My check engine light keeps coming on for the evap system even though its been replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving at dusk at approximately 70 MPH, the headlights activated and then independently disengaged. The headlights were manually engaged in order to continue driving. On a separate occasion, the tail lights failed to illuminate. In addition, the three brake stop lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the twice dealer, who informed there was an electrical shortage within the fuse box and the circuit board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired for recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Original TIPM failed at 151000 miles causing front turning signals to malfunction. The TIPM controls all electrical components and sensors throughout the entire vehicle including fuel pumps and air bags. I was driving my vehicle on a city street when an alarm displayed on the instrument panel noting a front right turn signal lamp needs replacement. I replaced the bulb per replacement bulb number specified in the owners manual. Also, replaced the turn signal multi switch which both items did not resolve the issue. Made the decision to have a certified mechanic to diagnose the problem.
I've recently bought this truck just about had it 90 days in the three months I've had this vehicle I've noticed both head lights will go out at random while driving, sitting still or turning. I've replaced the bulbs 4 times to no avail, it appears after some research that this is a common problem with these 2500 trucks. After spending hundreds of dollars I am courious as to why Chrysler has not issued a recall. I for one feel this issue is a major safety concern
I was driving down the highway and about 10 pm it was raining had wipers on in medium speed wipers kept stopping. Had a lot of cars passing by me on coming lane and they would flash their lights to me to indicate my light was off but the switch is turn on in low beam position. Had some friends following me that day as well and they told me that my brake light was not working nor my lights.. The following Wednesday which would be July 25 2012 I took my truck to the dealership I bought from ,but all the lights work except for the cargo light and the low windshield wiper warning kept coming on.. The truck has been in there for a week now and on Wednesday August 1 2012 I called the dealership to see what is wrong with my truck and the said the TIPM has been fried and all the headlights, brake lights, turn signals and wipers does not work any more they have to replace the TIPM. …
Turn signals had been operating erratically for about 10K miles. Misty day, turned wiper switch on to intermittent, nothing. Moved switch to continuous, nothing. Pushed washer button, nothing. Had 'Smart switch' changed. Wipers and washers worked immediately after delivery. Less than 1 week and less than 1,000 miles later, no wipers. Original and replacement switches were oe parts. Can live without the turn signals. Dangerous to operate in anything but sunny days without wipers and washers.
Driving on unfamiliar rural dirt road at night, switched to high beam to see upcoming intersection and all headlights went out. Stunned, I lost several critical seconds before I restored the low beams and locked up the brakes. Too late. Unable to turn safely, I left road, went down embankment through fence before stopping in pasture. Substantial front end and body damage to truck.
Headlights shut off while driving at random times at night causing complete inability to see on the freeway or back road where there are ditches and things to wreck. Severe safety issue that dealership cannot resolve with usual fixes. Many others have the same complaint about lights going out. This will cause deaths if I'm driving 80 MPH on the freeway and suddenly can't see or people can't see me. I've tried everything to fix it with the dealer. It happens while driving at slow speeds and fast speeds and even parked. I've had the TIPM replaced, rebuilt the cluster, removed all after market add on, brand new bulbs, checked for codes, repaired wiring shorts. None has fixed the problem.
NHTSA investigations
Headlight circuit failure
There is no summary currently available
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 2500 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (122), 2004 (26), 2005 (17), 1996 (16) and 2003 (13) model years. Headlight complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 2500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (19 mentions), followed by the turn signal (13).
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.