10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,630 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Ram 3500 lights problems

lights problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Owner Comments

problem #20

Nov 012018

Ram 3500

  • 253,363 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (809 S westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, (855) 486-1440) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 253,363.

- Fulton, MO, USA

problem #19

Oct 292011

Ram 3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,342 miles
The driver owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact replaced the headlight switch. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 99V024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was unknown.

- Oxford, AL, USA

problem #18

Dec 212007

Ram 3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 108,000 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.

- Elkins, WV, USA

problem #17

Feb 102006

Ram 3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

All lights but head lights would not work seams head light switch over heated and melted. 2-06 replaced switch self. 10-06 running lights quit working after long trip at night with lights on. Examined switch and running light circuit was melted again the melted plastic gets in the terminal connections and became an insulator causing failure. Removed terminal and directly soldered the wire to the switch. Now 1-07 the running lights don't work unless switch is pulled to headlight position. After the first time 2-06 I have noticed that the area around the switch gets very hot when the lights are on. It is a good feeling to wonder if your lights are going to work or not and if they will stay working. I believe Dodge has recalled all 3500's from 94 to 96 for this problem and that the 97 to 981/2 are the same switch and are starting to have the same problems.

- Andover, MN, USA

problem #16

Jan 042007

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Strong smell in cab seemingly only at night. Got pulled over for no tail or running lights behind the cab. They were working earlier. Headlight switch was melting causing nasty smell which resulted in a bad headache.

- Hartville, OH, USA

problem #15

Jan 052006

Ram 3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 100,000 miles
- the contact stated that the headlight switch has burned out twice within the last year. The dealer has told the contact that there was a recall on the headlight switch, but the vehicle was not involved in the recall due to the VIN. The dealer told the contact that the reason he has to replace the headlight switch was because he towed a trailer. The contact stated weather and road conditions were not a factor in the failure. The contact replaced the headlight switch himself. The wiring was melted to the switch.

- Lenoir City, TN, USA

problem #14

Aug 312006

Ram 3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated while driving 60 mph for 30 minutes on the highway, heat and a burning smell was noticed coming from the instrument panel. On inspection, the problem was identified as the exterior headlight switch. The switch was hot to the touch and a burned rubber smell was noticeable. The service dealer was notified, and recommended to take the vehicle in for repair as there was a recall for the exterior light; headlight switch (99V024000). When the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, it was discovered the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified.

- Fenton, MO, USA

problem #13

Jan 012002

Ram 3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 98,000 miles
Tail lights failed without warning. The dealer replaced the headlight switch and rewired the connector. Recall# 99V024000 which pertained to 3500 series built through October 21, 1996. The consumers vehicle was built 3 days later and displayed the same problem. A repair kit was installed.

- Dallas, OR, USA

problem #12

Oct 232003

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • 30,000 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.

- Kemp, TX, USA

problem #11

Apr 272003

Ram 3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,905 miles
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.

- Shongaloo, LA, USA

problem #10

Sep 092002

Ram 3500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle's headlamp switch melted while driving, resulted in the headlights becoming inoperative. Turn signals, running lights left brake light were inoperative. All lights worked except running lights when trailer hooked up. Dealer found corroded socket and headlamp switch wiring burnt. Replaced socket and replaced headlamp switch and replaced burnt wiring. There was a recall however vehicle was not included.

- Livingston, TX, USA

problem #9

Nov 082001

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
Consumer brought vehicle in for recall #819 repair, dealer replaced headlight switch, installed overlay harness and replaced 4 burnt wires in connector, however, after recall repairs were performed consumer had no tail lights, consumer was told by another mechanic that head light switch had not been replaced as required by recall.

- Marquette, MI, USA

problem #8

Mar 182000

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
A wire in dashboard lights overheated and melted light switch. Smoke came into the cab. Dealer has been contacted. There is a recall campaign 99V02400 to replace headlight switch/relay.

- Leesville, SC, USA

problem #7

Nov 082001

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
Consumer brought vehicle in for recall #819 repair, dealer replaced headlight switch, installed overlay harness and replaced 4 burnt wires in connector, however, after recall repairs were performed consumer had no tail lights, consumer was told by another mechanic that head light switch had not been replaced as required by recall.

- Marquette, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 011998

Ram 3500

  • miles
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.

- Chestertown, MD, USA

problem #5

Feb 142000

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
When driving with headlights on, there is a burning smell present. After turning the switch off and then turning it back on, headlights do not function. Dealer has seen vehicle.

- Oglesby, TX, USA

problem #4

Nov 231999

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Headlight switch on had gotten hot, and after being parked, the switch caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled. No one has seen vehicle.

- Everton, AR, USA

problem #3

Sep 301999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
Recall # 99V024000 Chrysler/headlamp swtich: While the truck was parked it caught on fire under the hood and dash area. Owner received recall notice about seven days before the fire. Owner contacted several dealerships. None of the dealerships had parts available to correct recall.

- Henrieitta, TX, USA

problem #2

May 181999

Ram 3500

  • miles
Headlamp switch burned out, causing connector to burn, which could result in a fire hazard. The dealer was aware of the problem. There was a recall regarding headlamp switch, but consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall.this vehicle is also equipped with trailor towing package. Recall 99V024000.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #1

Mar 011999

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
The push/pull headlight switch sparked when pulled on and the lowbeam headlights did not function.

- South Hadley, MA, USA

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