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Exterior lightingPart report

2017 Ram 1500 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
1%of 884 total for the year
Median mileage
19,512miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 Ram 1500, 1% of the 884 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,512 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“Had been experiencing transmission warning lights but engine didn't produce any codes.I took to 2 different dealers and they said nothing we could do about sensor problems until code appears. While driving at night about a half mile from home my truck shut down. My engine turned off and lost my steering,lights,and dash lights. The only thing that remained on was the fully illuminated 8' radio command center and gear select knob.the satellite radio remained playing but couldn't adjust volume. I luckily pulled to side of road. I couldn't restart vehicle to move it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11043613, filed 2017-11, 23,000 miles

“Have had multiple electrical issues regarding interior and exterior lights since purchasing new. Taken to dealer unable to replicate the issue's, had recall fixed for shifter knob. Additional issues with the keyless remote not locking or unlocking all the doors or latches. Newest electrical issue is a short in the rambox wiring causing a fire while traveling down the road. Completely burned and destroyed wiring in rear of rambox burned through the plastic and warped the box door.”

NHTSA complaint #11221542, filed 2019-06, 19,512 miles

“Driving down a road at 55mph and headlights went out and could not see anything for several seconds as it was night time and it was pitch black. Frantically tried all the light options and turned the light knob all the way to the right and had some light just in time to slam my brakes to not hit a deer. Made it home and checked the lights. High beams worked but both low beams did not. Replaced bulbs and still didn't work. Looked for a fuse/relay but doesn't seem to have one. Auto sensing and low beam does not work, should be a safety recall on tipm or whatever device is malfunctioning.”

NHTSA complaint #11362279, filed 2020-10, 217,000 miles

“Third brake leaks into the cab under the seat through the sound proofing causing mold in the cab. Vehicle has approximately 29k miles and I would not have notice if I did not lift the seat up where I found some of my items with moldy and wet. If not notice if could cause respiratory issues to occupants. The manufacturer and dealer does not want to cover the repairs. Upon further inquiries, many older models had the same problem. This is a serious health hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #11423992, filed 2021-07

“Vehicle was brought in several times for loose headlights. Each time fastners were replaced. By dealership. Larry Miller boise, ID. Called ram cares they stated nothing was reported to them nor were there any recall. This is a major safety issue and on forums many people state they cannot pass state inspection because the headlights are falling out.”

NHTSA complaint #11553012, filed 2023-11

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20261010%
20256117%
202411%
2023168%
2022132%
2021132%
2020213%
2019232%
2018102%
2017121%
2016181%
2015262%
2014392%
2013312%
200913%

Other parts of the 2017 Ram 1500

Steering
230 complaintsEngine
156 complaintsFuel system
129 complaintsElectrical system
110 complaintsBrakes
100 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
98 complaintsOther or unknown
68 complaintsAir bags
53 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsVehicle speed control
43 complaintsBody and structure
36 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Ram 1500

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