2012 Dodge RAM 2500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,834miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, 3% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,834 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.
“When I tried to switch my headlights from dim to bright, they wouldn't stay in bright. After several attempts the brights would not come on. When I signalled to turn left, the left headlight went out. When I signalled right, the right headlight went out. When I stopped and set the parking brake, both headlights went out. Seems like my truck has a ghost onboard!”
NHTSA complaint #10749303, filed 2015-08, 55,834 miles“The automatic headlights shut off in the dark for no reason. I was driving on a back road with no street lights. I was coming into a turn and all of a sudden the headlights shut off. It was pitch black and the headlight switch was in the auto feature. I quickly reached and turn them on manually. This was very dangerous. If I wasn't on a road I normally travel I would have wrecked.”
NHTSA complaint #10920199, filed 2016-10, 60,000 miles“The headlights on this model Dodge ram (2500 slt mega cab) do not provide adequate illumination at night. My headlights are adjusted properly for alignment by the dealer but the bulbs just do not provide enough light ahead or to the side of this vehicle. The dealer can only check the connectors for proper installation under warranty. I have not been able to get a response from chrysler.”
NHTSA complaint #10553257, filed 2013-11, 500 miles“The headlights are not adequate to see safely at night. The lights do not shine forward of the vehicle enough to be able to see what is ahead at night, such as curves in the road. Also, the lights do not project to the side of the vehicle enough to see when making a hard turn to the right or left. They do not provide any light at all when turning. I sometimes have to roll down the window and stick my head out to scan for obstacles as best as I can on dimly lit roadways. I can use my high beam lights in traffic and never get flashed by other drivers due to my lights blinding them.”
NHTSA complaint #10555346, filed 2013-12, 40,000 miles“Began having electrical problems. The most serious, while driving after dark, the headlights went out. Airbag light indicator goes on intermittently. Radio goes dead. Replaced headlight bulbs and had tipm flashed but occurred again.”
NHTSA complaint #10937470, filed 2016-12, 101,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10140207Aug 10, 2016Inspect and Return: Lamp Assy - Tail Light Rt/L You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of…
- 10140102Jun 17, 2016You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 68174065AE. See attachments for…
- 10140234Mar 11, 2016Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small…
- 10139826Mar 9, 2016Mirror, Outside Rearview Replacement outside rearview mirror assembly comes equipped with Turn Signal and Auxiliary (Puddle) Light. If Turn Signal/Puddle Lamp is visually…
- 10149033Aug 24, 2015TAILLIGHT.
Exterior 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 2012 Dodge RAM 2500
109 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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