1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,325miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 4% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,325 miles. 1 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.
“Travelling at night with high beams engaged when all lights went out. I made an emergency stop by the side of the freeway and the lights came back on. I proceeded and a few minutes later it happened again. Eventually I determined that it I left the high beams off it would not happen. Took truck to dealership and they diagnosed and replaced the multi function switch. Problem recurred about 1 month later. Replaced multi function switch on my own this time. Problem recurred again after about 6 months, this time hot/burning wires could be smelled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10690359, filed 2015-02, 68,650 miles“I purchased this 1997 Dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the Dodge dealership in oregon. The worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it is almost impossible to see even the road directly in front of the pickup with this style of headlamps that Dodge engineered for this year pickup night driving at night. I have taken it to several Dodge dealerships to see if they can help. They have not been able to remedy this to this day. Very dangerous to drive at night. Help”
NHTSA complaint #10244682, filed 2008-10, 36 miles“I purchased this 1997 Dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the Dodge dealership in oregon. The worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it is almost impossible to see even the road directly in front of the pickup with this style of headlamps that Dodge engineered for this year pickup night driving. At night. I have taken it to several Dodge dealerships to see if they can help. They have not been able to remedy this to this day. Very dangerous to drive at night. Help!”
NHTSA complaint #10244684, filed 2008-10, 36 miles“Headlights stopped working while driving at night. Headlight switch is not safe to handle load of electricity from the headlight and marker light wires. I have replaced switch 4 times and still same problem. Lights stop working because the switch melts and begins to burn. The recall for 1997 Dodge ram headlight switch should have been extended for all models built in that year.”
NHTSA complaint #10479925, filed 2012-10, 129,000 miles“The motorized exterior rear view mirrors moved to an inward position by themselves while the vehicle was in motion, this resulted in no visibility, the dealership replaced the mirrors but the problem recurred. Mirrors replaced again. Headlights failed. Multifunction switch replaced. Passenger side window won't go down when using switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10002407, filed 2003-01, 22,000 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 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsTires
26 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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