1997 Dodge RAM 3500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 20%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, 20% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This is very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643097, filed 2014-10, 140,000 miles“Head lights go out wires get hot. There was a recall for the headlight switch on my model truck ( 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 ) but I was told my truck was not included in this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10216531, filed 2008-01, 108,000 miles“There is no relay to headlight switch causing pigtail to melt multiple times. Could cause fire while driving.... Pigtail melts and headlights shut off during drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11065790, filed 2018-01, 70,000 miles“Both front headlights plastic lens became discolored, and caused poor visibility while driving at night. Consumer was concerned that this may obstruct consumer's vision and result in a vehicle crash. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that parts were not covered under a manufacturer's recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10117281, filed 2005-04, 30,000 miles“Burning smell, blinking of headlights and then headlight failure while on interstate. Took to mechanic who found a recall and advised me to call a Dodge dealer. Dodge dealer said there was no recall for that particular vehicle. Called daimler/chrysler assistance center who said there was no recall for that particular vehicle by VIN number. Mechanic in town will be fixing. Vehicle has trailer tow package.”
NHTSA complaint #10058282, filed 2004-02, 112,084 milesRelated 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 1997 Dodge RAM 3500
26 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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