1996 Dodge RAM Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 3% of the 625 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“- the contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM pickup. While driving at 55 MPH the lights turned off. The contact was forced to stop the vehicle while it cooled off, and after approximately 15 minutes, the vehicles lights illuminated. Also, the failure caused the wiring harness to melt. The contact stated that this failure occurred too frequently . It began to occur 1 year after purchasing the vehicle, and he replaced the headlight switches over 12 times. Daimler/chrysler stated that the vehicle had too many miles on it and that it was not related to recall #99v024000 due to the VIN. …”
NHTSA complaint #10187340, filed 2007-04, 9,900 miles“While driving, the vehicle shut down completely. Dealer notified. . It was determined the fuel pump failed which caused the vehicle to stall. Also the rear hazard lights did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10026742, filed 2003-08, 53,000 miles“The headlights went out when I changed to high beams. I pulled off and cycle the switch and they came on. This happened several times. I continued to drive with just the low beams. The dealer said the multi-function switch had failed and replaced it. I think it is only fortunate that an accident did not occur.”
NHTSA complaint #717170, filed 2000-01“During failure all of the warning lights flash the transmission goes haywire and the tachometer goes haywire. This truck has been at three different shops, we have changed out the transmission relay, the headlight lamp, serviced the transmisison and still cannot find the cause. In addition, we have replace a radio which has shorted out and the fuel indicator doesn't work. Both of which failed before the truck was three years old, unfortuneately just out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #723229, filed 2000-05“The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights failed intermittently without warning. The vehicle was driven to the dealer on four occasions and the ignition switch was replaced each time. However, the problem recurred. There was a NHTSA recall, # 99v024000, regarding the headlight switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10175274, filed 2006-12, 134,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2006 | 3 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
| 1996 | 18 | 3% |
| 1995 | 24 | 4% |
| 1994 | 15 | 3% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM
173 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
135 complaintsEngine cooling
57 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM
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