1997 Dodge RAM Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 398 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,952miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Dodge RAM, 2% of the 398 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,952 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 driving, the headlight switch shorted out which caused all the lighting on the dash board to go out. The headlight switch also melted all the wiring and upon turning the vehicle off the headlights automatically came on by themselves. The switch was on recall, but not on this model.”
NHTSA complaint #10017950, filed 2003-08, 135,905 miles“While driving at 65 MPH consumer smelled something burning. Then, headlights went out. There was recall 99v024000 concerning headlights; however, this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10044628, filed 2003-10, 30,000 miles“Went to dealer twice. They said it wasn't under warranty. The time before my high beams were the only lights that came on. I am very upset because I bought it used and I haven't had it for a year yet and I'm making repairs. Isn't there something wrong with that?”
NHTSA complaint #741582, filed 2001-02“Consumer stated that while driving headlamps went out, and they won't come back on. He checked the fuses and other parts and nothing worked. This happened on friday. All the inside panel lights were on. He was not able to drive vehicle at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10095018, filed 2004-10“On/off switch for headlights is located in cab of vehicle. There is a box in dashboard that switch feeds into, it has been replaced several times, which regulates operation of headlights. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #883537, filed 2001-03Exterior 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 1997 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTires
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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