Model year record

1997 Dodge RAM 3500

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 153 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V024000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
79,366
Reported to NHTSA
1999-02-05
Owners notified
1999-06-14

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.

Safety risk

IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch16108,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission1215,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip10128,000 mi
Exterior lighting770,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission7
Steering7198,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly565,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights467,592 mi
Suspension: front497,305 mi
Unknown or other4200,000 mi
Electrical system3140,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine3
Structure398,000 mi
Suspension3
Vehicle speed control3
Air bags2198,000 mi
Air bags: frontal2140,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2103,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly297,000 mi
Parking brake2
Power train270,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly2
Service brakes, hydraulic2150,550 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2
Tires2
Tires: tread/belt2
Trailer hitches2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Child seat1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1118,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1
Fuel system, diesel1208,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1184,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system129,455 mi
Fuel/propulsion system1175,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: driveline1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid1198,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings186,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages1
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft1
Structure: body1100,000 mi
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior136,000 mi

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.