2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 661 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500, 2% of the 661 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.
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.
“While searching for a fix for my dash which just cracked I found several reports of after the dash cracked where electrical issues arise. As in headlights not working at all or when switching to hi beam. I also saw a video on this issue from a news broadcast and when chrysler was questioned about this there was never any response while the public was requesting a recall. From what I can find out just in the hour I was looking this up this would apply to just about every Dodge ram made between 1996 and 2006. …”
NHTSA complaint #10641633, filed 2014-10, 142,311 miles“My turn signal stalk doesn't signal properly when actuated. I push up for a right signal, sometimes I get a right signal sometimes I get the total opposite (left signal). This is dangerous. Also on the same lever my wipers don't always turn on properly or the high beams don't activate or don't turn off. However, I strongly feel this is a chrysler issue because having to do some research on a tdr discussion board it has been realized that there is too much stress on the wiring harness that terminates at the multifunction switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10264194, filed 2009-04, 116,000 miles“The opposite turn indicator light on the rear of the truck will come on when the turn signal stalk is operated, ie. Left signal when turning right. Near accidents because drivers behind the vehicle are anticipating a turn indicated by the lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10348959, filed 2010-08, 75,000 miles“When I turn signal to left makes right signal comes on, when you turn right signal on makes left signal comes on. The lamp out light keeps coming on and going off when you turn the left signal on then off again. I checked none of the lamps are out. Has been took to dealer twice and had the wiring harness in the steering column fixed, it quit for a while and then starts the same thing again.the dealer claims using the tilt on the steering wheel is the cause of the problem. I think the problem is in the turn signal arm because it affects the signals and the wipers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10473671, filed 2012-09“The contact owns a 2003 Dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that she noticed that the back up lights would not illuminate and the trailer brakes failed to function. The contact mentioned that it was found that the fuses were blown. The problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10627601, filed 2014-08, 40,000 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 2003 Dodge RAM 2500
159 complaintsBody and structure
146 complaintsAir bags
138 complaintsSuspension
122 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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