1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 185,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 6% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 185,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Subject:recall on Dodge RAM 2500 comments: in 1999 you had a recall on all Dodge ram 3500 pickups, 1994-1997 for the headlight switch, lights may go out, recall # 819. My 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 has the exact same switch and my headlights did go out and I almost had an accident. Why was this pickup by-passed on this recall. It is very dangerous for the lights to go out at 65 MPH on a dark night. From NHTSA web site.”
NHTSA complaint #10124485, filed 2005-06, 188,000 miles“I drive quite a bit during the night time with my vehicle. There seems to be a very serious issuse with the wiring over heating at the headlight switch. I have replaced 5 ... Going to be 6 headlight switches. There is a dangerous amount of head being put out at the switch itself. So much that it actually melts the pigtail at the light switch connection. The light switch itself is destroyed. Its bad especcially when driving down the road and your headlamps, marker lights and dash light all go out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186104, filed 2007-03, 72,000 miles“Normal driving. Truck has 138k miles. Headlights fail. Initially they go off, come on, then go off permanently. Can smell smoke from dash wiring harness. Manufacturer has a recall #819 that covers the 3500 series trucks with identical wiring and headlight switch part numbers, but will not cover the 2500 series trucks. This is a safety hazard and I have found multiple instances on the internet of other people having the same exact problem. Left unchecked, I'm certain this will result in a dash fire, property damage, and possibly death.”
NHTSA complaint #10214837, filed 2008-01, 136,000 miles“After using headlights on high beam for approximately 15 minutes, went to switch to low beam and lost all lighting. Upon examination, headlight switch was melted. This is the second switch that has done this.”
NHTSA complaint #10534736, filed 2013-08, 205,000 miles“Attempted to turn on headlights. Headlight switch pulled out from dis-integrated instrument panel plastic. Had to release steering wheel and hold body of headlight switch with one hand while operating switch control with other hand. This Dodge ram's dash cover has completely cracked away several years ago. Now, the actual instrument panel is dis-integrating. Currently the headlight switch, the overdrive switch and auxiliary power outlet are hanging by wires. The drink holder and radio are removed as their mounting support is gone.”
NHTSA complaint #10606531, filed 2014-06, 291,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 4% |
| 2006 | 122 | 18% |
| 2005 | 17 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 16 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
| 1994 | 14 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTires
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
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