Dodge RAM 1500 Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Dodge RAM 1500 across 18 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (139). The words owners use most often: “turn signal” (30% of reports).
- 484exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $810typical repair cost reported by owners
- 47%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Turn signal: mentioned in 146 of 484 complaints (30%)
- Windshield wipers: mentioned in 41 of 484 complaints (8%)
- High beams: mentioned in 29 of 484 complaints (6%)
- Headlight switch: mentioned in 28 of 484 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical exterior lighting repair on the Dodge RAM 1500 at $810, and half of them between $130 and $1,350.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2018), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 387 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 484 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 2 an injury.
Dodge RAM 1500 exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 1500 | 46 | 7% | 37,750 |
| 2011 RAM 1500 | 29 | 4% | 63,895 |
| 2010 RAM 1500 | 10 | 2% | 65,250 |
| 2009 RAM 1500 | 19 | 3% | 84,000 |
| 2008 RAM 1500 | 17 | 3% | 62,000 |
| 2007 RAM 1500 | 37 | 7% | 75,000 |
| 2006 RAM 1500 | 139 | 18% | 51,400 |
| 2005 RAM 1500 | 22 | 2% | 60,000 |
| 2004 RAM 1500 | 29 | 3% | 81,000 |
| 2003 RAM 1500 | 18 | 2% | 67,500 |
| 2002 RAM 1500 | 35 | 4% | 94,500 |
| 2001 RAM 1500 | 17 | 2% | 109,805 |
| 2000 RAM 1500 | 9 | 2% | 84,000 |
| 1999 RAM 1500 | 9 | 1% | 137,000 |
| 1998 RAM 1500 | 6 | 1% | 98,000 |
| 1997 RAM 1500 | 17 | 5% | 122,500 |
| 1996 RAM 1500 | 12 | 4% | 142,043 |
| 1995 RAM 1500 | 13 | 6% | 160,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists exterior lighting for the Dodge RAM 1500. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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 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…
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the external lights and turn signal lights were not functioning properly. The lamp out warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an…
My headlights (specifically on the driver side) keeps going out randomly. I have replaced the high and low beam bults 3 times and the wiring harness twice. I can be driving down the road and they it will go out and 10 minutes later it will just come back on all on it's on. I looked on all of the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAM 1500s have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 484 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Dodge RAM 1500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 1500 exterior lighting?
No recall currently lists exterior lighting for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix exterior lighting problems on the Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners report a typical cost of $810 (half paid between $130 and $1,350), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Dodge RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “turn signal”, in 146 of 484 complaints, followed by “windshield wipers” (41).
Other Dodge RAM 1500 problems
- Power Train problems (2,382)
- Air Bags problems (2,208)
- Structure problems (2,020)
- Electrical System problems (1,377)
- Suspension problems (848)
- Steering problems (833)
- Engine problems (740)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (599)
See all Dodge RAM 1500 problems.