1996 Dodge RAM 3500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500, 7% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Dash is all cracked up allowing sharp plastic projectiles in and about the cab that can cut you in a wreck sun getting on electrical wires destroying them and now shorts and sometimes dont work right”
NHTSA complaint #11233910, filed 2019-07, 200,000 miles“Low beam headlight failure---checked on line found recall # 819---went to chrysler dealer---was advised that the recall had been done on that VIN# and chrysler had no obligation---I pulled the headlight switch and found that it was damaged, the connector melted and no relay pack specified in the recall fix-----it was appears the recall was pencil whipped and the repair was never made------how do you insure that recalls are really done and how many more like mine are out there????????”
NHTSA complaint #10315963, filed 2010-03, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM 3500. The headlights flickered on and off and the contact noticed a burning smell. The light switch also overheated. The vehicle was previously serviced at 63,557 miles for NHTSA campaign id number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer would not service the vehicle again under the recall. The current and failure mileages were 201,135.”
NHTSA complaint #10217651, filed 2008-02, 201,135 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a throttle cable repair march 2010 but the dealer only replaced the throttle cable and no other required parts that would keep the cable from failing. As a result, the cable became loose twice after the repair while the contact was driving at approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership. The dealer replaced the failed throttle twice. The contact then took the vehicle to a local repair shop as the dealer was not able to correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10323521, filed 2010-04, 22,010 miles“Consumer pulled over to shoulder 0ff road and left vehicle running to assist another motorist. When he returned to vehicle, there was smoke inside coming from underneath dashboard. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Mechanic told him that headlight switch needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8001900, filed 2002-01Related recalls
- 99V024000Feb 5, 1999Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 1994–1997
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 11 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 44 | 17% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 25 | 20% |
| 1996 | 9 | 7% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 7% |
| 1993 | 5 | 25% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
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