Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 19,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% | 129,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% | 69,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 226,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2006 | 27 | 10% | 54,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% | 98,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | 36,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving down the road the rear passenger door window switch caught fire and began filling the vehicle with smoke, all windows were up at time of fire. Driver was able to pull over and rip door panel off to put out fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 65-70 MPH, the engine and seat belt warning lights illuminated. In addition, the rpms fluctuated and all the lights on the vehicle illuminated simultaneously. The windshield wipers also activated independently. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 3500. While attempting to utilize the windshield defrost function during inclement weather, the defroster and windshield wiper function became inoperable. The failures occurred intermittently without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V158000 (equipment). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 05/06/16 the consumer stated the defective windshield wiper motor repair was made by an authorized dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the windshield wipers intermittently failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Driving in rain and wipers went slow like losing voltage or power then just stopped. I had this happen once before but when they seemed sluggish I just had mechanic replace the motor. The motor is less than 2 years old. I read about wiper motor issues but my VIN doesn't seem to be on there. Not sure but hoping it can be added. Will take back to mechanic and see about transverser which are the arms under the cowl that move the wipers per the motor. If still having issue has to be wiper recall due to moisture right? Have replaced alternator already due to low voltage so it can't be that. Replaced batteries when I replace alternator. Everything else electrical working just fine.
While traveling in heavy rain, the wipers started to operate in intermittent mode, even though the switch was set to continues operation. Minutes later, they seemed to quit altogether. Using window wash would get me the normal four swipe function, so I had to continue under this pattern. As I continued, the wiper function would occasionally return to full, or intermittent function without regard to switch position (except off). The next day was dry, and the wipers operated normally, and local dealer could not find a problem. In the next rain, the problem returned after about twenty minutes of use. I returned to the dealer, but rain had stopped, and so did the problem. It has now been about three years of dealing with this issue, and still I get nothing but frustrated shrugs. …
The motor suddenly died and the windshield washer started spraying , the windshield wipers started operating and lost power steering. I finally coasted the truck into a vacant lot and stopped. Smoke was boiling from under the hood. I opened the hood and found the fuse box(TIPM module) smoking. I rushed to my tool box for tools and at that time the truck motor started cranking and trying to start even with the key out of the ignition. Luckily the truck was not in gear and I finally got all battery cables unhooked from both batteries. Also the horn was honking intermittently as if the theft alarm was activated. As of today (6-9-14) this has happened four (4) times.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle had two computers fail and was on the path of losing another. He also stated that the windshield wipers would remain upright and dump all the windshield wiper fluid on the windshield, causing poor visibility. In addition, the engine would completely shut down without warning while driving 60 MPH. The vehicle would also move without the engine running and the key in the ignition. The contact further stated that the brakes and turn signals would malfunction. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. Daimler Chrysler informed him to reference the lemon law for assistance. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 44,000 and failure mileage was 1.
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 111, "rear view mirrors". The right outside rear view mirror glass has a curved (convex) mirror glass installed instead of flat glass. Curved glass creates a wider view, but displays images further away than they actually are.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right outside convex mirror glass with a flat mirror glass free of charge. The recall began on October 10, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (27), 2004 (12), 2005 (8), 2003 (5) and 2007 (5) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 3500 window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-380 (rearview mirrors/devices, Oct 10, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 3500 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (10 mentions), followed by the windshield (4).
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.