Dodge RAM Visibility Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 25, 2024 · 149 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Dodge RAM across 15 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (30). The words owners use most often: “side mirror” (7% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Side mirror: mentioned in 11 of 149 complaints (7%)
  • Windshield wipers: mentioned in 9 of 149 complaints (6%)
  • Poor visibility: mentioned in 8 of 149 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do visibility problems happen?

Based on 15 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles2 · 13%
10k–25k miles2 · 13%
25k–50k miles4 · 27%
50k–75k miles5 · 33%
75k–100k miles1 · 7%
100k–150k miles1 · 7%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 149 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.

Dodge RAM visibility complaints by model year

Peak: 1997, with 30 complaints
1995: 271995271996: 24241997: 301997301998: 15151999: 121999122000: 552001: 122001122002: 11112003: 4200342004: 112005: 1200512006: 332007: 2200722008: 112010: 120101

n = 149 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVisibility complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2010 RAM14%400
2008 RAM14%—
2007 RAM212%91,004
2006 RAM312%38,527
2005 RAM13%50,000
2004 RAM12%—
2003 RAM48%65,000
2002 RAM119%—
2001 RAM124%12,815
2000 RAM53%53,000
1999 RAM123%60,000
1998 RAM153%—
1997 RAM308%43,825
1996 RAM244%—
1995 RAM274%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 1999, with 23 complaints
1995: 4199541996: 991997: 121997121998: 14141999: 231999232000: 22222001: 222001222002: 18182003: 9200392004: 222005: 4200542006: 112008: 1200812010: 112011: 4201142012: 222021: 120211

n = 149 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorMar 13, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V084000 · 65,896 vehicles

Model years: 2008, 2009

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty dodge ram pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.

Risk: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler 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 2007 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that after operating the windshield wipers, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact was unable to use the wipers and drive at the same time. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

Received Sep 24, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11434217

The ventilation system failed as is common with these vehicles. Due to weal parts, the, "doors" that control air flow through the ventilation ducts broke. I have slowly replace each of the four doors as they failed. As they went out it affected every aspect of ventilation, including the defrost…

Received Aug 27, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10472710

Letter from congressman dent on behalf of constituent re heater box failure in dodge trucks *tgw the consumer stated the initial problem with the fresh air/recirculation door started 2-3 years ago. Shortly, after replacing the fresh air/recirculation door, the heat and defroster stopped working…

Received Mar 15, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10452020

2008 dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to repairs for a defective window leaking in the back bucket seat *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was returned to the dealer three times, because it was not installed and sealed correctly.

Received Oct 6, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10429731

The multi function switch was defective in my vehicle. This caused the following safety concerns with the vehicle: 1) the windshield wipers did not work, 2) the turn signals did not work, and 3) the hazzard lights did not work. I have two problems with the situation: 1) while driving the vehicle…

Received Sep 28, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10427768
Dodge RAM
1981-1993 Dodge Ram photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge RAMs have visibility problems?

No. NHTSA has 149 owner complaints about visibility for the Dodge RAM. 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 visibility?

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

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

The most frequent phrase is “side mirror”, in 11 of 149 complaints, followed by “windshield wipers” (9).

Other Dodge RAM problems

See all Dodge RAM problems.