1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 142,042miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 4% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,042 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The switch for the headlights must be false since this is already the second time in the two years that I have owned my truck that this has happened. I understand that recalls do occur, but this is very expensive and out of my wallet. Now, I doubt that I will buy a Dodge again since Dodge does not cover its mistakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10116895, filed 2005-04, 93,000 miles“Takata recall the wiring for headlight switch burnt up and switch melted I saw a lot of the same problems on the internet but no recall on the 1500 just the 3500 for the same problem”
NHTSA complaint #11013744, filed 2017-08, 164,000 miles“In the 1994-2001 model year Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks there is no relay in the wiring circuitry use for the headlights. When the ram was redesigned in 1994, the engineers did not find it necessary to change the 40-year old design for the headlight system; feeling only the need to use a larger gauge wire to handle the excessive heat of the halogen bulbs. Unfortunately, neither the wires nor the switch or internal rheostat (for the instrument panel lighting) could handle this load and the following near tragic even has been an all too common occurrence. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465932, filed 2012-07, 141,000 miles“Turn signals failed, checked fuse, replaced flasher relay, replaced multi-function turn/dimmer/wiper switch and checked all bulbs and still no turn signals. Hazard flashers working correctly. Problem still exist.”
NHTSA complaint #10200802, filed 2007-08, 143,085 miles“While driving the consumer noticed smoke coming from the vents. The consumer had taken the vehicle to a mechanic, in which he suggested that the headlight wiring harness switch melted.”
NHTSA complaint #10049926, filed 2004-03, 150,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 46 | 7% |
| 2011 | 29 | 4% |
| 2010 | 10 | 2% |
| 2009 | 19 | 3% |
| 2008 | 17 | 3% |
| 2007 | 37 | 7% |
| 2006 | 139 | 18% |
| 2005 | 22 | 2% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 18 | 2% |
| 2002 | 35 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 1% |
| 1997 | 17 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
| 1991 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsTires
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology