Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 11, 2026 · 307 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 307 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Dodge RAM 1500 across 18 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (56). The words owners use most often: “windshield wiper” (7% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Windshield wiper: mentioned in 22 of 307 complaints (7%)
  • Turn signal: mentioned in 18 of 307 complaints (6%)
  • Blend door: mentioned in 17 of 307 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical visibility repair on the Dodge RAM 1500 at $1,300, and half of them between $710 and $1,400.

Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2014), 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 visibility problems happen?

Based on 216 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles20 · 9%
10k–25k miles19 · 9%
25k–50k miles58 · 27%
50k–75k miles58 · 27%
75k–100k miles38 · 18%
100k–150k miles13 · 6%
150k+ miles10 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 307 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury.

Dodge RAM 1500 visibility complaints by model year

Peak: 2006, with 56 complaints
1995: 4199541996: 991997: 141997141998: 14141999: 8199982000: 992001: 122001122002: 51512003: 242003242004: 16162005: 272005272006: 56562007: 122007122008: 12122009: 282009282010: 882011: 1201112012: 22

n = 307 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVisibility complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2012 RAM 150020%6,000
2011 RAM 150010%2,000
2010 RAM 150082%43,066
2009 RAM 1500284%64,077
2008 RAM 1500122%36,000
2007 RAM 1500122%38,950
2006 RAM 1500567%45,000
2005 RAM 1500272%62,500
2004 RAM 1500161%50,000
2003 RAM 1500242%80,000
2002 RAM 1500516%57,000
2001 RAM 1500121%70,000
2000 RAM 150092%50,000
1999 RAM 150081%100,000
1998 RAM 1500143%97,000
1997 RAM 1500144%20,000
1996 RAM 150093%87,424
1995 RAM 150042%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2011, with 53 complaints
1997: 319971998: 61999: 519992000: 92001: 1120012002: 172003: 1720032004: 102005: 920052006: 112007: 620072008: 222009: 1120092010: 512011: 532011532012: 202013: 1520132014: 102015: 920152016: 52017: 220172018: 12019: 220192022: 12025: 12025

n = 307 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exteriorMar 10, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V077000 · 195,500 vehicles

Model years: 2002

Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.

Risk: This could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a mirror detent retainer kit to correct this condition. Owner notification began on april 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the MTC unit failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. In addition, the…

Received Sep 8, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11685690

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon opening the rear driver's side sliding door, the rear driver's side window shattered. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair facility where the 3-piece rear driver's side window glass was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle…

Received Apr 12, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11460537

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that cracks were present on the dashboard. Also, while operating the air blower, debris blew into the cabin and distracted the driver. Furman dodge (24252 state rd 54, lutz, fl) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no…

Received Jul 19, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11233283

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HADDAD DODGE RAM (3000 HARRIS RD, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, [redacted]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HVAC SYSTEM FAILED…

Received Jan 31, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11173251

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING WAS DAMAGED IN THE VEHICLE AND FAILED TO PRODUCE HEAT IN COLD WEATHER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED ANCHORAGE CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP (2601 EAST 5TH AVENUE, ANCHORAGE, AL…

Received Dec 18, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11162268

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge RAM 1500s have visibility problems?

No. NHTSA has 307 owner complaints about visibility 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 visibility?

Yes: 1 safety recall list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix visibility problems on the Dodge RAM 1500?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,300 (half paid between $710 and $1,400), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about visibility problems on the Dodge RAM 1500?

The most frequent phrase is “windshield wiper”, in 22 of 307 complaints, followed by “turn signal” (18).

Other Dodge RAM 1500 problems

See all Dodge RAM 1500 problems.