The 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 has 28 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
28
Lighting complaints
18%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
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.
Consequence
IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
“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. *AK”
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 lighting — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 99V024000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.