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 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (809 s westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, [phone]) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 253,363.
All lights but head lights would not work seams head light switch over heated and melted. 2-06 replaced switch self. 10-06 running lights quit working after long trip at night with lights on. Examined switch and running light circuit was melted again the melted plastic gets in the terminal connections and became an insulator causing failure. Removed terminal and directly soldered the wire to the switch. Now 1-07 the running lights don't work unless switch is pulled to headlight position. After the first time 2-06 I have noticed that the area around the switch gets very hot when the lights are on. It is a good feeling to wonder if your lights are going to work or not and if they will stay working. I believe Dodge has recalled all 3500's from 94 to 96 for this problem and that the 97 to 981/2 are the same switch and are starting to have the same problems.
Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. I was on very dangerous switch-back curves when they went out the three consecutive times.
Tl* the driver owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact replaced the headlight switch. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 99V024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* - the contact stated that the headlight switch has burned out twice within the last year. The dealer has told the contact that there was a recall on the headlight switch, but the vehicle was not involved in the recall due to the VIN. The dealer told the contact that the reason he has to replace the headlight switch was because he towed a trailer. The contact stated weather and road conditions were not a factor in the failure. The contact replaced the headlight switch himself. The wiring was melted to the switch.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge 3500. The contact stated that the exterior lighting failed while driving on two occasions. The contact has not taken the vehicle to be inspected. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 67,592 and failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 12/12/2007 the consumer stated headlight switch and plug melted causing all lights except headlights to fail. The consumer stated replaced switch and plug but can't find park relay. Updated 12/12/07
Burning smell, blinking of headlights and then headlight failure while on interstate. Took to mechanic who found a recall and advised me to call a Dodge dealer. Dodge dealer said there was no recall for that particular vehicle. Called daimler/Chrysler assistance center who said there was no recall for that particular vehicle by VIN number. Mechanic in town will be fixing. Vehicle has trailer tow package.
Both front headlights plastic lens became discolored, and caused poor visibility while driving at night. Consumer was concerned that this May obstruct consumer's vision and result in a vehicle crash. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that parts were not covered under a manufacturer's recall.
Tail lights failed without warning. The dealer replaced the headlight switch and rewired the connector. Recall# 99V024000 which pertained to 3500 series built through October 21, 1996. The consumers vehicle was built 3 days later and displayed the same problem. A repair kit was installed.
Recall # 99V024000 Chrysler/headlamp swtich: while the truck was parked it caught on fire under the hood and dash area. Owner received recall notice about seven days before the fire. Owner contacted several dealerships. None of the dealerships had parts available to correct recall.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Headlight complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, 20% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is headlights › switch (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-024 (switch, Feb 5, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.